A couple of follow-ups re: giving away Transcendence.

[mckitterick]

I can't believe I didn't mention this in my original post: My publisher found the artist (Greg Martin) who provided the gorgeous art for the cover by seeing his work online - where, essentially, he gives it away via some lovely art galleries, much as I'm doing with the book. Because he lets the world share his art, he made a sale. Yet more evidence to support the hypothesis that giving away creative work can increase sales!

Oh, and if anyone doubts the honesty or integrity of human beings, consider this: Since I posted my book for free download (with Creative Commons license), I've received a number of donations via PayPal - including one for the full, hardcover price! I'm deeply touched and pleased to see that people really are honest and want to support artists - enough of them, anyway, to counter the ill-will of a few pirates. Thank you so much.

Chris

Comments

[sf-reader.livejournal.com]

Giving away something you can't sell can lead to sales. I have had any number of photos purchased that way from my listings online. The most recent one was just this past month.

I don't know that I would feel the same way about giving away something which I already could sell.

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

Well, clearly you CAN sell your photos and do it all the time! And it's because they're available online that paying markets can find and request to use them.