As you've probably gathered by now Exiles, unlike Rebels (the first book in the Ark Worlds series), will not be a free download. The good news is that during the pre-order launch window it will be available at a 50% discount, 99¢ instead of $1.99.
As I've said before since joining Smashwords I've been on a massive learning curve and I'm nowhere near the end of that journey. The next stage of which is figuring out now to effectively market a pre-order. Other authors have used discount codes and coupons for other books in their back catalogue and/or a pre-order roll of honour or perhaps in this case a pre-order crew roster?
Finally on the home front it's been a typical half-term 'spring' break here in the UK, with grey clouds and lots of rain. Now with the kids due to go back to school tomorrow the sun has finally decided to put in a brief(?) appearance. So I'll be taking a short-break from writing to sort out the garden and all the other domestic chores I've neglected while working on Exiles...