If BookBub isn’t quite working for you, don’t worry—we can always find alternatives!
Although it is an extensively used environment with millions of book enthusiasts, it might not suit everybody.
Maybe the book selection isn’t right, the promotions are too pricey, or you’re just looking for something different.
The good news?
Plenty of beautiful options are available, with great book deals and smart recommendations, without spending a fortune.
Whether you’re an author trying to get more eyes on your book or a reader looking for your next favorite read at a bargain, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s talk about five best BookBub alternatives that can elevate your book discovery or promotion to the next level!
Why Look for BookBub Alternatives?
Narrow Book Selection: BookBub doesn’t always offer every title and genre, which is overwhelming, and often disappointing, for a reader seeking more variety of books to choose from.
Lack of Personalized Recommendations: While BookBub offers great deals, its recommendations may not always match individual reading preferences.
High Promotion Costs for Authors: Indie authors often find BookBub’s promotional fees too expensive, making it difficult to market their books effectively.
Want Availability of Free or Low-Cost Options: Many readers as well as authors look for platforms that provide free book titles or low priced promotional spaces.
Desire for a Unique Reading Experience: There are some alternatives that provide unique features, better genre filtering, or community-driven recommendations for a more tailored book discovery experience.
Top 5 Alternatives to BookBub
If BookBub isn’t meeting your needs, don’t worry—you’re not alone.
While it is a great platform for securing book deals and promoting books it also has its shortcomings.
Some readers find its recommendations limited, while some authors struggle with the high price and competitive approval process.
Fortunately, there are a number of excellent BookBub alternatives that have comparable (or, even better) features.
Here are five excellent alternatives to BookBub that are worth checking out.
1. Bargain Booksy – Big Discounts on Popular Books
Ideal for those who enjoy bargain book buys and individualized selections.
Bargain Booksy is one of the most useful platforms for finding cheap ebooks, and it covers a wide spectrum of genres.
It’s especially useful if you love getting books at a fraction of their original price.
Why Readers Love Bargain Booksy:
Huge Discounts – Many books are discounted by up to 90%, meaning you can grab bestsellers for just a few bucks.
Genre-based Offers – You can subscribe to only the genres you are passionate about, so you will not be burdened with irrelevant recommendations.
Daily Email Alerts – Bargain Booksy sends a daily email with handpicked deals, so you don’t have to search for them yourself.
Best for – Readers who enjoy freebie books and want personalized deals by genre.
2. Freebooksy – 100% Free Ebooks, No Strings Attached
Ideal for bibliophiles who are seeking to find undiscovered books on the dime.
If you love free books, Freebooksy is a must-have.
Unlike some platforms that mix free and paid books, Freebooksy is all about completely free ebooks—no tricks, no hidden costs.
Why Readers Love Freebooksy:
Daily Freebies – Every day, Freebooksy offers a new selection of completely free ebooks across different genres.
No Subscription Fees – Unlike Kindle Unlimited, Freebooksy doesn’t require a monthly payment—just sign up and enjoy.
Curated Selections – Books are carefully selected for quality, reducing the risk of poor-quality reading selections.
Best for – Readers seeking free books and the joys of discovering unknown authors without financial cost.
3. The Fussy Librarian – Personalized Book Recommendations
Suitable for readers who are seeking a more targeted, individualized book discovery process.
The Fussy Librarian works differently from other book deal sites—it tailors book recommendations based on your personal preferences.
Think of it as a smart book-matching service that helps you find hidden gems.
Why Readers Love The Fussy Librarian:
Customized Book Deals – When you sign up, you fill out a profile with your favorite genres and authors. The platform then recommends books that match your reading style.
Email Notifications – You’ll receive regular updates about books you might like, instead of random deals.
Curated Selections – The platform ensures that only high-quality books get featured, so you’re not bombarded with low-rated options.
Best for – Readers who are looking for exceptionally tailored recommendations, and who do not want to spend time filtering out extraneous book deals.
4. ManyBooks – A Goldmine of Free & Discounted Books
Ideal for readers looking for classics, indie reads and a huge amount of free ebooks.
ManyBooks is one of the most extensive book deal platforms.
It provides a variety of free classics, current indie authors, and discounted bestsellers in various genres.
Why Readers Love ManyBooks:
Massive Free and Discounted Book Library – The site has thousands of free books in addition to discounted prices for bestsellers.
Classic Indie Reads – If you love classic literature, this platform is a goldmine. It also caters to indie authors, so you can find new, creative stories.
Reader Reviews – ManyBooks provides reader reviews, so you can check its readers’ opinions before download a book.
Best for – Readers into classic literature, indie reads, and a large library with no cost in different genres.
5. eBookStage – Exclusive Deals for Indie Book Lovers
Ideal for those wanting to access indie authors, special offers and rare book promotions.
When you are a fan of independent authors and unique books, eBookStage is an exciting tool.
It offers very limited promotion that is not available on far larger book deal sites.
Why Readers Love eBookStage:
Special Discounts and Free Books – The platform provides discounts and free books that are not available elsewhere.
Genre Filtering – You can filter book deals by genre, making it easy to find books that match your interests.
Membership-Based Alerts – Members can register to be alerted in the case of books matching their taste.
Best for – Readers who love indie authors, unique book deals, and exclusive promotions tailored to their preferences.
How to Choose the Best Alternative for You
Finding the right BookBub alternative doesn’t have to be complicated.
You just need to consider what matters most to you.
Whether you’re a reader hunting for great deals or an author trying to reach the right audience.
Here’s how to make the best choice:
1. Think About Pricing
There are platforms that are free, and there are those that are paid advertising based.
As a writer, knowing your expenses and the potential return on investment can be very important.
For instance, Freebooksy and The Fussy Librarian offer affordable options that can give you great exposure without draining your wallet.
Readers too should seek out platforms offering discounted or free books without requiring costly memberships.
2. Choose a Platform That Matches Your Genre
Not all book promotion sites cater to every genre.
Others are specialized to meet certain categories, so they may be more suitable depending on what you read or write.
For instance, Bargain Booksy delivers specific genre discounts, guaranteeing books get to the right audience.
Meanwhile, eReaderIQ helps track price drops across multiple stores, which is great for bargain hunters.
When you are a writer, the platform that helps you reach your targeted readers is very important.
3. Look for a User-Friendly Experience
A well-designed website makes a huge difference.
As a reader, one expects easy to follow navigation, user specific recommendations, and usable categorization.
For a writer, a straightforward submission process can be very economical.
Platforms such as ManyBooks are recognised for their simplicity in design, richness in available titles and simplicity in finding a book.
4. Compare Free vs. Paid Services
Various alternatives work on a subscription basis, while others offer free book deals or require a small fee for promotions.
Freebooksy, for instance, makes it possible for readers to download free ebooks free from a subscription, and authors can upload their books at a minimal cost.
Knowing what these models are and what they do allows you to determine if you are interested in a free experience or if you are willing to pay for a premium feature.
5. Try More Than One Platform
You don’t have to stick to just one!
Trying multiple alternatives like The Fussy Librarian, ManyBooks, or eBookStage can help you find what works best.
You can also combine BookBub with one of its alternatives.
Whether you’re looking to boost book sales or discover new reads, experimenting with different platforms ensures you get the best value.
At the end of the day, the best BookBub alternative is the one that fits your reading habits or marketing goals.
Take the time to explore, compare, and enjoy a fresh approach to book discovery!
Conclusion
There are plenty of great BookBub alternatives out there to help you discover amazing books or promote your own work.
Although BookBub is on the top list of free and discounted ebooks, it may not be suitable for all.
Fortunately, the book industry is rife with platforms that can provide tailored suggestions, bargain pricing, and special features to cater to various reading tastes and interests.
Whether you’re an author looking for better exposure or a reader searching for your next great read, these alternatives can open new doors for you.
Take some time to explore your options—you never know, your next favorite book or best marketing opportunity could be just a click away!