Read an eBook Week is Coming!

Published February 28, 2023

By Trista Herring Baughman

Hello, Dear Readers!

I want to take a moment to let you know about Read an eBook Week. It is an annual holiday celebrated the first (full) week of March. Its purpose is to inspire readers to grab an eBook and writers to choose eBook platforms to publish their books.

I’ve participated for several years now, both as a writer and a reader. It is a lot of fun; I have found a lot of great reads this way. I even distributed a few copies of my eBook! (I only have one right now.)

It all began in 2004 (Wow! Almost 20!) when Rita Toews–in hopes of allowing new writers opportunities to advertise their books to larger audiences–contacted libraries, T.V. and radio stations, authors, retailers, and publishers to spread the word.

Although the first modern eBook debuted in the ’70s, they weren’t a big hit yet. Rita wanted to change that and help lesser-known authors get their books out there.

This year it will take place from March 5th through March 11th. Authors and publishers will offer thousands of free and discounted eBooks. You can head to the official Facebook page to get all the details. You will also want to check out Smashwords‘ 14th annual Read an Ebook Sale which kicks off on the 5th. Visit their website for event info and shareable images. They even have a marketing guide. 

If you’re not familiar, Smashwords, Inc. is a platform for self-publishing eBooks. If your books are already on Smashwords, you can enroll them here. There are options to offer your eBooks at discounts of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. 

I know money pays the bills, but I recommend opting for the free option. Hear me out: 

• Your readers will appreciate a freebie. 
• You will likely reach readers who otherwise would never have heard of you. 
• Your generosity will likely boost sales and interest. 
• Widely-available books will potentially generate a large online following. 

This event is incredibly beneficial to writers. It’s a fantastic way to expand your market, hook new readers, and promote your other titles. As a reader, I can assure you we love free books! Thousands will be browsing to expand their eReader libraries.

If you choose to participate, you’ll want to share on your favorite platforms to let your readers and author friends know. Use the official hashtag: #ebookweek23. 

Now is a good time to freshen up your online presence. Update those author bios on social media, your website, and author pages. 

If you don’t have books on Smashwords yet, as of the publication of this article, there is still some time. You may also check with your publisher to see if they offer deals. 

Please make sure to set a reminder on your phone so you don’t miss out. What a fantastic opportunity to support a good cause and get your book on readers’ devices! 

On behalf of Pikes Peak Writers and myself, we wish you luck and a Happy Read an eBook week! 

Trista Herring Baughman is a blogger and Children’s writer. She is also the Managing Editor of Writing from the Peak (PPW’s blog)  and  Managing Editor of Mississippi Folklore, a collaborative collection of Mississippi folklore and legends in a weekly blog. Her books, The Magic Telescope, Halloween Night and Other Poems, and Zombiesaurs (which she co-illustrated with her sons), can be found at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Trista on her website.