Simon Haynes releases Hal Spacejock online for Read and eBook Week

The complete Hal Spacejock series is now available online for less than twenty Australian dollars.

Science fiction author Simon Haynes followed the 2008 release of his free online novel by publishing low-cost eBooks that can be read on any model of eBook reader.

Released in time for Read an eBook Week, 8-14 March, Hal Spacejock: Just Desserts, Hal Spacejock: Second Course and Hal Spacejock: No Free Lunch can now be accessed online in a variety of eBook formats to suit the many programs and devices used by readers worldwide.

Haynes said because electronic gadgets were appearing on the market at a staggering pace, some readers were finding new eBooks they bought a few years ago were no longer accessible on up-to-date devices.

“EBooks should be like paperbacks – once you’ve bought them they should be readable on whichever computer program or device you own now, or in the future,” he said.

Haynes said the online release was partly in response to ongoing demand for the book in North America and the United Kingdom where the purchase of eBooks appeared more widespread.

Over 50,000 people downloaded the first Hal Spacejock novel when it was released as a freebie in 2008. Haynes said if even a small percentage of those readers returned to buy the rest of the Hal Spacejock series he would consider the exercise a success.

“The first novel is free so readers can get a taste of the series – but there’s a reason why book four is called No Free Lunch!” he quipped.

Sales and Marketing Manager Clive Newman said Fremantle Press was happy to support Hayne’s online book initiatives.

Fremantle Press is offering a free copy of Hal Spacejock: Second Course to anyone who blogs about the release of the Hal Spacejock eBooks. Click here for more details.

Hal Spacejock 4: No Free Lunch was shortlisted for a 2009 Aurealis Award. Haynes is currently writing Hal Spacejock 5 which is scheduled for release in 2010.

The eBook versions Hal Spacejock are available from www.fremantlepress.com.au

Simon Haynes is available for interviews.