Free Books for Readers. Honest Feedback for Authors. Perfect Match.
For Readers
Love discovering new voices before anyone else? Here’s your chance.
At Free Books, First you can read books for free: before they’re released to the public. All we ask in return is that you share your thoughts: a few lines of honest feedback for the author, and/or a review on Amazon or Goodreads when the book goes live.
It’s your backstage pass to the writing world. You’ll shape stories, support independent authors, and get first dibs on books across your favourite genres.
Beta and ARC readers are not compensated for their feedback or review.
Vetted readers with editorial and/or significant review experience can be paid to provide editorial reviews on our sister publication, Editorial Reviews.
For Authors
Stop hunting for beta readers and ARC reviewers in random forums.
Free Books, First connects you with a ready pool of engaged readers who actually want to read your work. Whether you need early feedback to polish your manuscript or reviews to fuel your launch, we deliver your book straight to the right readers.
You write. We handle the matchmaking. Readers respond with the insights and reviews that help your book succeed.
Upgrade to paying subscriber to get access to reviewers.
Monthly or Annual paying subscribers get a Done-For-You service, where we promote your book to our readership, using Fleur’s Beta/ARC management service link for your book (BookFunnel). This keeps ARC readers’ emails private from authors.
We gather the reader emails, send out digital copies and send reminders.
Like all review services, we cannot guarantee reviews. Readers are not paid or compensated for their feedback or reviews.
Why Join?
Readers: Get free books, discover hidden gems, and have a real impact on the stories you love.
Authors: Reach real readers, save time, and launch with confidence.
This is where readers and writers meet: at the very beginning of a book’s journey.
Free Books, First.
Read early. Write better. Launch stronger.
Part of The Substack Bookstore Ecosystem
This newsletter is part of The Substack Bookstore ecosystem — Substack’s most trusted hub for indie authors.
Together, our publications support every step of your author journey:
The Substack Bookstore – The heart of our ecosystem. List your book for free and get increased visibility with our subscriber base of 2.6k+ authors and readers. Discover and support independent authors, and see how every Bestseller Tier author campaign reached Amazon category bestseller status since the Bookstore launched.
The Online Writing Club – A newsletter which helps writers start, grow, monetize and market their writing and newsletter online, created by global top #20 Education Substack Bestseller and mompreneur
Kristina God
. Her newsletter covers Substack, freelancing, Medium blogging, and book publishing - the motto: get paid to be you!Beyond Hourly - Your expertise is worth more than your hourly rate. I built a $2M+ career from words — five books, 25+ years, one ruthlessly practical marketing brain. Every week I share what actually works for experts and authors who want to build authority and income.
Editorial Reviews – Connect with vetted reviewers and earn powerful blurbs to boost your book’s credibility and conversions.
Every publication in The Substack Bookstore Ecosystem exists to help indie authors get seen, sell more books, and build lasting visibility.
Work with Fleur
If you’re ready to take your author journey further, I’d love to help. Whether you need clarity on your publishing path, hands-on book marketing support, or guidance to grow your author platform, you don’t have to do it alone. Explore my author services below and start building your platform with purpose, clarity, and confidence.
The Indie Author Hotline - I’ll answer your questions via DM or voice note within one working day, so you don’t have to wait for a weekly coaching call.
360-degree Book Marketing Blueprint - I’ll give you the exact playbook we’ve used to get dozens of authors to Amazon category bestseller status. Upgrade to Founding Member in my Author Growth Substack to access this service.
Substack Clarity Audit - Your Substack deserves the clarity and polish that turns casual readers into loyal subscribers.
All of my services are listed on my Stacks Publishing website Author Services Page.
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Disclaimer
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered business, financial, or strategic advice.
There are no guarantees of growth, revenue, or results.
Information is current at the time of publication but may become outdated, so please double-check with current sources before relying on anything shared here.
Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions related to your platform, business, or income.
What I share is meant to spark ideas, not promise outcomes.
