This is the story of free books (Advanced Reader Copies) and what happens when recipients turn around and put them up for sale. For indie author, it’s the kind of gut punch you don’t forget.
I’ve always believed in the power of connection through books. As a first-time author, I quickly learned how hard it is to get eyes on a new release. So, to build visibility, I invested in a paid Instagram book tour last year, hoping to build buzz for my debut novel, Conjoined. The package included ten influencer reviewers, a media kit, and a curated list of indie bookstores. In total, I spent around $500.
Half Price Books
Flash forward to last week: I found a pristine, unread, signed copy of Conjoined for sale at Half Price Books. The kicker? It was addressed “To Katrina – Thanks for reading!”
Katrina was one of the reviewers from that book tour. She never posted. Nor reviewed.
Not only that, she made the effort to drive to the store and resell the book I signed and shipped on my dime. She probably made $5 on the sale—more than I make on an Amazon royalty, and I wrote the book.
The Cost of Indie Author Hope: Free Books for Sale
What did $500 get me? Let me break it down:
• $250 went to the organizer of the tour, who promised engagement from ten influencer accounts.
• Another $250 covered the so-called “marketing materials”: a Canva template media kit (that I could’ve built myself) and a list of local indie bookstores with contacts—which I never received, despite multiple emails and promises.
• On top of that, I also paid for shipping materials and postage of ten signed paperback copies to the reviewers.
Out of those ten? At most, two posted. One, unfortunately, resold (so far). The rest? Disappeared.
Book Marketing and the Fine Line Between Generosity and Exploitation
Was I naïve? Maybe. Hopeful? Absolutely. As indie authors, we’re often told we need to give our books away to generate buzz. “It’s about exposure,” the experts say. And we get it—not everyone will love or even finish the book.
Still, to not even crack it open, and then flip it for a few bucks? That’s not neutral. That’s disrespectful.
In the end, I paid for someone to at least pretend to care about my work. But even that was too much to ask—free Books For Sale.
Lessons Learned: What I’ll Do Differently Moving Forward
Certainly, I’m not writing this to shame anyone by name (though, believe me, I was tempted). This is for other indie authors who might be considering a book tour or promotional push and wondering if it’s worth it.
In short, and to be perfectly clear: Don’t do it. Unless you have a specific relationship already built with the organizer.
Here’s what I’ll be doing next time:
• Sign all gifted copies with a note like “ARC – Not for Resale” or “Gifted copy. Please pass along, not sell.”
• Stamp or write directly on the inside cover—stickers can be peeled off, but Sharpie lasts.
• Vet tour organizers carefully. Ask for previous campaign results. Look at engagement, not just follower counts.
• Prioritize real connection over surface-level reach. Sometimes, one genuine reader sharing your book with a friend is more valuable than ten silent influencers.
Moving forward, I’ll think twice before handing over something I poured years into—especially knowing someone else can make more money flipping it than I do in royalties.
To the Readers Who Do Show Up: Thank You
Notwithstanding the hit to my wallet, this experience was a hit to the heart. That said, it reminded me how much I value the readers who do take a chance on an indie book, who leave a review, message a kind word, or pass the book to a friend.
You’re why I keep doing this.
Finally, to the authors navigating this same messy road: you’re not alone, nor are you crazy for caring. Your book deserves cracked spines, dog-eared pages, and readers who show up.
© K.T. George 2025 | This post was first seen on ktgeorge.com | Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash