How To Get Free eBooks To Sell

Introduction.

If you’re looking to make money online, selling eBooks can be a great way to start. eBooks are low-cost, easy to distribute, and highly in-demand.

The best part? You don’t necessarily have to create your own from scratch. You can find free eBooks in the public domain or through sites that allow free commercial use.

However, there’s a bit of strategy involved in sourcing these books legally and reselling them for profit. Here’s everything you need to know about finding and selling free eBooks for some extra income.

What Are Free eBooks and How Can They Be Sold?

Free eBooks can either be public domain texts (books published long ago or by authors who have waived their rights) or works under a Creative Commons license. When a work is in the public domain, it’s free for anyone to use or distribute without permission.

Likewise, some Creative Commons licenses allow commercial use, meaning you can sell the eBook as long as you follow any conditions the license outlines, like giving the original author credit.

Selling eBooks involves creating digital listings on marketplaces such as Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Gumroad, or your website.

You might also consider bundling eBooks with other products or creating an eBook library to increase sales.

Where to Find Free eBooks to Sell

Here are some reliable sources to help you get started:

Project Gutenberg: One of the largest sources of free eBooks, with over 60,000 public domain titles. All books on Project Gutenberg are legally free to use and download.
Internet Archive: This site offers millions of free eBooks in the public domain, as well as books with open licenses. It’s a fantastic resource for both classic literature and lesser-known titles.
Open Library: Operated by the Internet Archive, Open Library provides access to public domain books and allows users to “borrow” other digital books. Many titles are available for direct download if they’re in the public domain.
Feedbooks Public Domain Section: Feedbooks has a section dedicated to public domain books, including classics like Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice or Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.
Google Books: Many books published in the 19th and early 20th centuries are available for free download here. If a book is marked as public domain, you’re free to use it.
Smashwords: Smashwords has an extensive catalog of books by indie authors, some of whom release their works under Creative Commons licenses that permit commercial use.

Steps to Start Selling Free eBooks

Once you’ve found some good sources, you’ll need a plan to start selling. Here’s a straightforward guide to get started:

Pick a Niche: Instead of selling all types of books, pick a specific genre or topic. Health, self-help, classic literature, or even niche topics like gardening tend to attract steady buyers.
Add Value: If you’re selling classic books, consider packaging them in bundles or adding value in some way, like writing a custom introduction, creating summaries, or offering study guides.
Choose a Sales Platform: Platforms like Amazon KDP are popular, but other options include Gumroad, Etsy, and even Shopify. If you have a website, selling directly from there gives you full control.
Format and Optimize the eBook: Make sure your eBook is formatted for easy reading on different devices, like Kindles, tablets, or smartphones. Proper formatting can make your eBook look professional and appealing to buyers.
Promote Your eBook: Use social media, email marketing, or create blog content related to your eBook’s theme to drive traffic and encourage downloads.

Pros and Cons of Selling Free eBooks

Like any business, there are upsides and downsides to selling free eBooks. Here’s a quick overview:

Pros

Low-Cost Start: You don’t have to spend money on creating content or purchasing rights, making it a low-risk business.
Flexible Income Stream: With some strategic promotion, eBooks can provide a passive income stream.
Scalability: You can quickly expand by adding new eBooks or creating bundles around different themes.
Easy Distribution: With platforms like Amazon and Gumroad, you can reach a broad audience with minimal effort.

Cons

High Competition: Many people already sell public domain eBooks, so standing out can be challenging.
Profit Margins May Be Low: Since you’re selling low-cost items, you’ll need to make many sales for a significant profit.
Licensing Complexity: Not all eBooks can be sold freely; you’ll need to carefully check the licensing.
Promotion Required: Marketing is essential. Without a solid promotional strategy, even the best eBooks may not sell.

Conclusion

Selling free eBooks can be a viable way to make money online, especially if you’re creative and willing to put in the effort to market your product.

Whether you’re repurposing classic literature or bundling helpful guides, there are opportunities to carve out a niche and grow a consistent revenue stream.

With so many resources available, the possibilities are broad, but success hinges on finding the right content and reaching the right audience.

So, with all the options out there, what kind of eBook would you choose to sell?