Why would an author want to provide a full-length piece? Obviously, doing it on a regular basis would put a crimp on the author's wallet. The author invests heart, soul, and time into the creation, and then they offer the baby to the masses with no guarantee of a return. Are they true altruists? No.
Authors that do this are looking to build a fan following while showcasing their work for potential publishers. The Internet can provide more background informational support for a manuscript that is being reviewed by a publisher. In addition to the promotional uses, there is the opportunity to build and support the potential fan following. Fans want to get to know their favorite authors. Having a web site that provides something for free is very endearing.
Really, the best argument for posting a novel on the Internet is the opportunity to be noticed. No altruism here. Plain and simple . . . it's a good marketing technique.
There are differing strategies for recovering the benefits of providing a full length work on the Internet. Among the sites I visited for this article, each author chose a completely different method of presentation. They are all uniquely effective, whether a serial, a created universe, or a full novel. The methods accomplish a critical marketing strategem — exposure. Take a long look at what the following authors have done:
- Dish — a serial novel by Michael Kirchhoff
- Galactic Geographic — an imaginary "magazine" by Karl Kofoed
- Genesis — a work in progress by A.A. Roberts
- Madagascar — an adventure novel by Kurtis Scaletta
- Stellar Conflict — a work in progress by William Dusty
- Timberwolf — an adventure by Tom Julian
Authors and Online Readers:
Please use the "read the discussion" link below to tell me about sites you've created/found with full-length fiction.
Check out my booklist for a list of books I have recently read and plan to review.
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