More about to give value away...Pls discuss.

[aiyori]

Suppose I can write a series of seven books that have the potential to sell as well as Harry Potter. This is a very important assumption as we're talking about giving 'value' away. By value, I mean if not given away, at the right time, in the right place, to the right people, by the right method, a product will sell itself.

Okay. Just assume I have the ability to write those seven books. But of course, I write the first one first and then try to market it. No one will be stupid enough to write all seven in a row. So the point of selection is here:

Will you give away the 1st book (but keep the copyrights)? Or will you have it properly published and sell it to readers?

Give away's pros:
1. I can get very efficient viral marketing because readers are allowed to distribute my work across their personal network.
2. I can reach theoretically more readers as the price is not an obstacle anymore.
3. When I'm writing, I'm sure I'll have readers. I'm not scared of book agents or editors anymore.
4. If my first book takes off, my other six can be money generator.

Give away's cons:
1. Months of writing but no money. Your family and friend may call you an idiot.
(I can't think of any other cons...)

Published's pros:
1. You will be proud to tell your friends that you're a published writer.
2. Unless no copy is sold, you'll at least get some money.

Published's cons:
1. You need to knock a lot of doors. Or you need to finance it yourself.
2. The successful rate is theoretically lower because your readers need to sacrifice themselves (e.g. to have less money) in order to read your book. Many people may think that you are not famous enough to justify such a sacrifice.
3. If the first of a series becomes a failure, you'll not have a second chance.

I personally think that if I have sequels in my mind, it's okay to give away the first of a series, because gathering long term fans and supporters is much more important than the peanuts you get from selling a few copies.