Releasing Breaking Free, the eBook, For Free

In: Books| Updates By: Brian Armstrong

11 Sep 2009

Breaking Free, the book, came out a few years ago when this blog started. Since then it has done reasonably well (for a first time author) both in print and online. But something happened a while after it came out: I started to wish I’d given the electronic version away for free and only charged for the print copies.

After all, there were a number of online free eBooks that had come out that I’d really enjoyed and had been successful, like Getting Real, the Recession Proof Grad, and a number of Seth Godin’s works.

To many people it might seem counter-intuitive to release a book for free, but things are changing in the digital age. Much electronic content can be shared online at zero cost, and the distribution cost of an eBook has come down to zero. So some authors find it useful as a means to build their brand, spread an idea, etc – things which can be much more valuable than book sales. And in many cases (Getting Real being one example) it turned out they sold MORE paper copies as a result of releasing the eBook for free. People liked what they read online and wanted a “dead tree” version to read the rest more easily, mark up with notes, share with a friend as a gift, or just say thank you.

Of course, the biggest problem this presented in my case is that I’d already been selling the eBook version for some time, and people would be upset if I decided to release it now for free. So I pondered this for a while and came up with a solution that isn’t perfect but I hope will be a valid compromise: if you purchased an electronic copy in the past and would like a refund now that it’s free, simply contact me and I’ll send it right over with my sincere apologies. It’s been out for two years now and sales have started to slow, so I figured if I was going to do it the time was now. I also decided it should be done in a totally open and transparent way with a blog post. To be honest, my hope is that most people who bought it found it worth purchasing a year or two ahead of other people (the emails I get tend to indicate that is the case) but if not I am more than happy to eat the cost for my mistake in not making it free from the beginning. This was a really hard decision to make actually, and I wish I’d gotten it right from the beginning so this wasn’t necessary. But I didn’t, so hopefully this will make the best of an unfortunate situation.

On the plus side, this will hopefully make the ideas in the book available to a much wider audience and build readership to the blog over time. I’ve updated the book’s page on this blog. And if you haven’t already, please feel free to check it out.

And if you’re upset by this as someone who purchased it in the past, I totally understand. Feel free to contact me for a refund and I’ll make it right.

Until next time, keep breaking free!
Brian Armstrong

15 Responses

Gordie Rogers

September 12th, 2009 at 11:03 am

Hey, Brian.

I just sent you an email this afternoon asking about your book and then you write this post. That is a cool coincidence. Lol!

I think it’ll help build a bit more traffic for your blog. If you want, I could even give it away to my new email subscribers until I get my own ebook done.

Keep up the great work!

Brian Armstrong

September 12th, 2009 at 2:58 pm

That would be fine with me, thanks Gordie!

Samuel - Sparklife.info

September 12th, 2009 at 4:37 pm

I think this is a wise move… Should increase readership and brand appeal a bit! I’m planning to do a similar thing on my blog (in the process of writing some quality e-books to distribute freely). :)

How did you get Brian Tracey to endorse your book out of interest?

Sam

Brian Armstrong

September 12th, 2009 at 5:25 pm

I just sent him a copy of the book with a self addressed return envelope and letter asking for an endorsement. I actually sent about 20 of these to various authors and people I admire. Brian Tracy and Seth Godin were two that wrote back (Seth said I could only use the endorsement on the book itself, not online, which was still great). It was awesome to hear from both of them, considering they receive TONS of mail like this.

Thanks Sam!
Brian

Gordie Rogers

September 13th, 2009 at 11:36 am

I don’t understand why Seth would only let you use his endorsement on the book and not on the ebook. What would be the reasoning?

Brian Armstrong

September 13th, 2009 at 5:01 pm

I’m not sure (would have to ask him) but he said people had abused it in the past. I imagine by plastering his face and endorsement all over webpages, or taking it out of context, etc. But anyway, have to respect his wishes. I used his endorsement on the back cover though.

Jack Thelen

September 13th, 2009 at 7:47 pm

If people are angry about having paid for this book in the past then they should read this:

http://www.startbreakingfree.com/226/how-to-stop-letting-little-things-in-life-piss-you-off/

Seriously, good move Brian. You’ve heard this one before I’m sure: “give away what they need and sell what they want.”

Brian Armstrong

September 13th, 2009 at 9:24 pm

That’s a good one Jack, actually I haven’t heard it quite that way before. I like it. Thanks!

Chris

September 13th, 2009 at 8:59 pm

Hi Brian – awesome move. Thanks for having integrity in this digital world.

Brian Armstrong

September 13th, 2009 at 9:25 pm

Thanks Chris!

Greg Moreno

September 15th, 2009 at 3:29 am

I almost missed this one. :)

Anthony

September 22nd, 2009 at 9:11 pm

Brian,

Are you kidding? I purchased your ebook several months ago and wouldn’t think about requesting a refund.;-)

In fact, I looked at my action tear sheet, this morning. In the three months since I’ve purchased the book I’ve started my real estate investment company and am on track to close my first deal.

It’s all about freedom, my man. Freedom. Thank you.

Anthony

Brian Armstrong

September 22nd, 2009 at 9:26 pm

Love it Anthony! That was actually the best part about this. A couple people wrote me and said “not only did I buy but I do NOT want a refund” haha! Can’t get better than that.

College Town Menus (CTM)

October 29th, 2009 at 3:55 pm

Brian,
I just recently downloaded your ebook, and to be honest, haven’t even really began to diligently read it (embarrassed). However, if it is anything like your blog, I cannot wait to finally do it. Your blog is great, seriously – I look forward to reading your articles every day.

However, if you REALLY want to increase word of mouth/sales of your book – you need to get people like US (your loyal blog subscribers) to REVIEW your book on AMAZON. Your amazon book purchase page only has 2 reviews?! Comon. You have inspired more than 2 people. Consider holding a contest and give away something (meaningful) for 5 randomly selected people that review the book. You’ll create some buzz, get feedback, and your book will carry more weight on Amazon.

Maybe consider appending 1 page to your ebook/pdf to ask people to review book on Amazon with address to page? Worth a shot. I’m sure the people that go all the way through, after seeing a simple request, would do it.

I’m considering on buying the book either way to support you. I’ve learned, and have been inspired a lot by you since subscribing. Keep up the great work!

Brian Armstrong

October 29th, 2009 at 4:18 pm

Hey there, it’s a good idea. Actually that’s how I got the 2 reviews, I sent out a special video to people who purchased it and asked them to review it. But it’s tough…less than 1% of people actually write reviews on Amazon I think. I know I never have. I assume you are only able to review it if you purchase the book through Amazon (in other words eBook readers wouldn’t be able to), but I don’t know that for sure. Adding a line to the end of the print copy is a good idea too, I’ll look into it.

Breaking Free

Releasing Breaking Free, the eBook, For Free

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