How to get free ebooks – introduction to Bookbub
This post takes a look at how to get free ebooks by using BookBub (bookbub.com referral link) and its service, especially the BookBub daily deals.
For those who prefer to watch something, please watch this ‘How to get free ebooks’ video of this post here.
In a previous post, I looked at modern language learning aids and noted that reading was a very good resource.
We now take a closer look at a way of getting heavily discounted ebooks to read.
By the way, you don’t need a physical Kindle to benefit from ebooks. You can download a free app that enables you to read ebooks on virtually any device. Just use the search engine of your choice and look for “kindle app” if you need a place to start.
What is BookBub?
Ebooks, like many other products, are subject to special offers. It would appear that the prices for ebooks fluctuate over the course of time.
BookBub is a website that informs you about the currently discounted ebooks, based on your preferences. Please note that “heavily discounted” is not an exaggeration, as the discount is often 100% – i.e completely free.
Authors will pay BookBub to promote their books to their millions of registered users. It should also be noted that BookBub only recommends around 20% of the ebook submissions, which means that you will receive quality recommendations.
How does BookBub work?
When you first access the BookBub website, you see a screen similar to the image above. In order to use the service, you need to provide a valid email address. This email address will be used to inform you of the current offers.
You can then specify which authors and/or categories you prefer to read. This screenshot shows the categories.
Just select the categories and/or authors that interest you and you’re done. You can change your mind at any time by returning to the preferences page and updating the information there.
As you can see, there is also a section for young readers. This will be especially useful for beginners wanting suitable books to read.
BookBub will send you one email per day, with the special offers that should be of interest to you. There is no obligation to buy or download any items.
Who benefits from BookBub?
Basically, everyone can benefit from BookBub. They have discounted (and many free) ebooks for all levels and interests.
If you find that a particular ebook is not to your liking, simply delete it and have a look at another one.
I should also emphasise that the reduced price might only be for a day or two, but that once you have downloaded it, it will stay on your device until you delete it. There is no timescale within which you have to read it.
What does BookBub cost?
The service, with the daily emails, is completely free of charge. The only cost is if you decide to buy an ebook that isn’t free. The discounted ebooks are usually around the $1 range.
If you only download the free ebooks, it won’t cost you anything at all.
How to get free ebooks – summary
I think this is a wonderful idea and cannot recommend it highly enough.
I’ve been using BookBub for a while now and still look forward to seeing what offers are in the email.
If you’re learning English as a second language, this provides a huge supply of extremely low-priced, or even free, quality ebooks that will help you to improve your English ability.
Do you already use BookBub? Now that you know how to get free ebooks, are you going to give it a try now? Please let me know in the comments below.
Derek,
I have never bought an e-book before. I guess I am old school and I like holding a book and flipping the page and putting on my bookshelf so always remind me what I learned in it. But, for free or for 1 dollars maybe I should switch or try this out. Do you read these books on your phone? laptop? or tablet?
Hi Kurtis,
Thanks for your comment and question.
I get the ‘old school’ approach to books – no arguments from me there (although I moved to a new flat last year and found myself wondering if I really need all these books …)
As for your question, I usually read them on a tablet, but also have the app on my phone and keep them synced. This way, if I’m (for example) in the doctor’s waiting room, I can carry on reading where I left off.
Hi Derek, sounds like a great idea, I will definitely check it out as I love E-books, and I am sure BookBub will do well…Great idea 🙂
Hi Mike,
Thanks for commenting. I hope you find plenty of reading material.
Hi Derek,
Great to know that we can find e-books at a discounted rate and that we can definitely trust the reviews. Do you also provide book reviews?
Hi Marta,
Thanks for your comment.
This site is more to do with learning Business English (and also general English) online. If I come across a book that I think could be beneficial, then I would write a post about it, but my main focus isn’t on book reviews, per se.
Good idea. Should really consider purchasing one e-book and recommend this to my friends too.
Hi,
Thanks for commenting. Please do tell your friends – everyone can benefit from this.
Hi there. No one should pay to read. There are so many free sites for books. Thanks so much for letting people know. Also the free reader that always comes with a laptop or tablet. Nice work.
Hi,
Thanks for your comment. Happy to help.
Ooh – this is cool! I know a lot of readers. I am posting a link to this to my facebook page and to my mother, who is a serious reader and a real cheapskate!
I read an hour a day on my treadmill, and I’m always looking for something new. It would be nice if my habit wasn’t so expensive.
Thanks!
Hi there,
Thanks for posting this elsewhere. I download more free books that I can read. Glad you found it useful.