By C. Mansfield
There is a world only a few clicks away if you know where to look. A world of desire, love, and friendship. A place where you can share your passion for romance with others. This place is called Romancelandia. And if you are reading this, congratulations! You’ve found us. Now, let us show you around…
Welcome to Romancelandia
Your Traveler’s Guide to the World of Romance
Romancelandia has a reading problem. It’s true! We simply can’t stop ourselves. We want to read ALL THE TIME, because really, who needs sleep? We live on coffee and passion. And while that might sustain us, unfortunately, it doesn’t keep us in books. That, my friend, takes money. And sometimes money can be tight. We understand this, so we’ve prepared a guide to help you get the most out of your money while adding to that glorious TBR (To Be Read) pile.
- Our first stop is the library.
This one is easy. Your local library is an excellent resource for books: both physical and electronic. Many libraries loan ebooks and audiobooks using apps like Overdrive, Libby, or Hoopla. Using these apps is as simple as finding your library system and entering your library card information.
If your local library doesn’t yet have an ebook library, there are many public libraries that will issue you a non-resident library card for a yearly fee.
And if you commute for work, you may be eligible for a library card in the city you work.
- Next we have used bookstores, thrift stores and more.
If you are lucky, you have a good used bookstore near you. But if you aren’t, you can still check out your local thrift stores or pop into that yard sale down the street. Even your local library is a good place to check for sales. Often they sell discontinued or donated books at a fraction of the suggested retail price. And if all that fails, there are many places online that sell used books, including Amazon.
- Try subscribing to Bookbub or Freebooksy.
Sites like Bookbub and Freebooksy are gaining popularity with readers and authors alike. It’s a great way to keep track of free and discounted books but also stay informed about your favorite authors. Bookbub will alert you with new releases or sales from the authors you follow. If you want to try an author, but you aren’t sure you want to pay full price for one of their books, follow the author and wait for a sale.
- Do you Review Books?
Did you know that you can get publishers to send you books for free? While terms may change per book and/or publisher, it generally only requires an honest review. Reviews are one the best things you can do to support an author you love. If you aren’t doing this already, consider posting a review on Amazon or Goodreads to tell everyone about the books you love. If you are interested in exploring this further, head over to Netgalley for more information.
- And our last stop: Amazon Loans.
If you have a romance reading buddy with a healthy ebook library, ask for some recommendations and see if the book can be loaned. Amazon loans last two weeks but as quick as we read, that should be plenty of time.
Every citizen of Romancelandia is entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of romance! Don’t let a lack of funds stand in your way. There is never a shortage of books. You just have to know where to look.
This month we showed you how to save on books, next month we talk about all the ways you can put your money to good use supporting your community and the authors you love.
What did we miss? What are your tips and tricks?
