Rune

I’ve been promoting the release of Rune: A Tale of Wizards and Kings (the graphic novel) for the past few weeks, and I’ve been very grateful for the positive reception it has received.

One thing that people seem surprised to learn, however, is that the e-book version is free. (You can download the PDF at Goodreads, Issuu and River Fiction).

Why give this story away for free?

The simple reason: so that people have a risk-free introduction to my story.

In the world we live in today, digital content is ubiquitous. People are reluctant to risk money and they’re even more reluctant to risk their time.

So, why not give just a sample? A teaser?

Before a reader is willing to read a sample, she’s already made a preliminary purchase decision. Reading a sample is a time investment and people don’t want to waste their time.

By offering the entire story for free, I’ve removed that barrier. You don’t need to ponder if you’re willing to spend money on this book before you give it a try. And yet…

I don’t want everyone to read my story.

I’m not naïve enough to believe that I (or anyone, for that matter) can write a story that everyone in the world will love. I rejoice in diversity. People have differing tastes and that’s fine. If people read my story and don’t like it, they can put it down and walk away. No harm done and no hard feelings. I will thank them for giving me a chance.

I love my story. I have fans who love my story. I promote my story because I want to reach other people out there who will love my story. I thrill in the experience of a community coming together around something they share.

The Internet enables us to find each other, members of groups who are separated geographically but who have something in common to celebrate.

And I think that’s pretty magical.

When I give away the story for free, it’s not because I lack confidence in its value. It’s because I want to give this valuable gift to others.

And my fans give back, each in the way he or she chooses. They talk about it on Social Networks, leave comments, retweet on Twitter, create fan art, donate money or buy books. Some simply take the time to tell me what they liked about the story.

I am extremely grateful for each and every one of them.

Thank you and best wishes always,

CC