Who doesn’t like getting cheap, or better yet FREE, books? The answer could only be someone who’s super uncool and hates the good things in life. That’s why I’m going to share twelve ways to get cheap or free books with you!
Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. If you purchase anything through them, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!
Why Ethics Matter
Why did I include the word “ethically” at the end of the title for this post?
Unfortunately, piracy is alive and well when it comes to books (especially e-books). This basically means that there are people out there who will copy the contents of a book and put it up on a website where anyone can read it for free (therefore causing the author to lose lots of potential sales).
Worse: authors who are in KU (Kindle Unlimited) sign an exclusivity contract stating that they won’t sell the e-book version of their book anywhere but Amazon. When Amazon’s magical little internet spies find one of their books on a pirated site, they deem that the author broke their contract and take that book off Amazon (again, hindering sales and causing a huge annoyance for the author).
There was also recently a disturbing topic trending on TikTok: buying e-books, reading them, and returning them. Tons of TikToks were made encouraging this practice.
Amazon has a policy where you can return an e-book within seven days of purchasing it, regardless of how much of it you read or any other factors. Now, I would understand allowing returns in certain instances (perhaps give a twenty-four hour window, or if the person read 50% of the book or less). There are definitely instances where someone may want to return an e-book (accidentally purchased it, started it and immediately hated it, etc.).
The problem is that people are abusing the system. Authors have shared instances where a reader will go through an entire series one by one, buying each book, reading it all the way through, then returning it. One doesn’t continue on in a series if they didn’t like the first (or even first few) books. This is essentially stealing money straight from the author’s pockets.
Given all of these unfair and unethical ways people are getting their hands on free books, I’d like to share the plethora of ways that you can do this ethically!
Ways To Get Free Books
1. Libraries
Obviously, libraries are the best and easiest way to read books for free. All you need to do is go to your local library and get a library card! Many libraries even allow you to get a library card online.
Did you know that libraries don’t just have physical books anymore? There are some great online reading apps supported by many libraries (two I use are Hoopla & Overdrive/Libby). You can get library e-books sent straight to your kindle!
If your local library doesn’t have a great selection of e-books to choose from, there are even libraries that will allow you access to a library card without being a resident. This means you can get access to tons more books!
2. Little Free Libraries
Little Free Libraries (LFL) have become a craze in the past decade. You can see them popping up all over the place! The idea is that these “library” boxes that can be found in parks, public spaces, and even people’s yards are opportunities for people to donate books they are done with and browse the current selection of books in the box. It’s basically like “take a penny, leave a penny” but with books!
3. Goodreads giveaways
The popular book sharing app Goodreads often runs giveaways for both new books and backlist books that publishers want to promote. Pro tip: add books you have your eye on to your “want to read” list and you’ll be emailed a notification when there is a giveaway on one of those books!
4. Netgalley/Edelweiss
Netgalley and Edelweiss are two websites where you can apply for ARCs (Advanced Reader Copies) of books in exchange for reviewing them. As you build a backlist of reviews, you have a higher chance of being accepted for ARCs. There is also a “read now” section, which are books that you don’t even have to apply for! Keep an out, because sometimes big titles go “read now” for limited periods of time!
I personally use Netgalley and have read so many of my highly anticipated books for free through them.
5. Join Authors’ ARC Teams
This is another option (especially for smaller or Indie authors) to get your hands on ARCs! Follow your favorite authors on social media and sometimes you’ll see them either open up applications for their ARC team or applications to receive an ARC of an individual book in exchange for a review.
Another perk of following those authors: sometimes authors run individual giveaways of their books too!
Ways To Get (Sort Of) Free Books
These are ways to get books that feel free, but do actually require you to spend money at some point!
6. Subscription services
There are some great subscription services that you can pay a monthly free for to gain access to huge libraries of books: Kindle Unlimited, Kobo Plus, Scribd. All of these services have free trials so you can see how you like them.
Hot tip: never pay full price for KU! Buy it when its on sale (for example, on Black Friday or Prime Day) and when it’s running out, threaten to cancel your membership to get a free extension! If you are savvy and keep an out on sales and special deals, you can have KU without ever paying full price.
7. Amazon digital credits
If you’re an avid Amazon shopper, this one’s for you! You can often choose “no rush shipping” or “choose fewer boxes” on orders in exchange for digital credits that can be used to purchase e-books, movies, and other digital products. Unfortunately it doesn’t show up with all products, but whenever you see this checkbox and are alright with foregoing two-day shipping, check it!
These $1 rewards will stack up on your digital credits page (keep an eye on them because they do expire)!
Ways To Get Cheaper Books
8. Thrift Books
I am a big fan of Thrift Books for getting used copies of backlist books, especially when I’m trying to collect a whole series. I personally only choose books in “very good” or “like new” condition and have always been happy with their conditions. I love that you can earn points toward free books!
If you sign up using this link and spend $30, we’ll each get a free book! 🙂
9. Book Outlet
Book Outlet is a great option if you want NEW books at used book prices. They basically take the stock that didn’t sell in stores like Target, Walmart, etc. and price it down. They also frequently run sales to lower your cost even more! They also allow you to earn points toward rewards (money off of future purchases).
Sign up using this link and you can get $5 off your first order of $25 or more!
10. Kindle daily deals
You can check the Kindle daily deals page each day to see what books are on sale! This is a great way to get e-books lower than their original prices.
11. Target BOGO Sales
Target periodically does “buy 2 get 1 free” sales on books! I often use these sales as a time to stock up on preorders or purchase books that I’ve had my eye on. Sometimes I full up my Target cart with books and just wait for a sale to come!
12. Barnes & Noble Sales
Barnes & Noble periodically does 25% off preorders, as well as other great sales. Getting on their email list is a great way to be notified about them, or just follow a bunch of Bookstagrammers and I promise someone will post about it 😉
I personally use most of these strategies to save money on books and I hope you will too! If you have any additional tips, please leave them in the comments below.
