Most writers opt to give away books on their tours. After
all, we want to get the word out on our newest work and the best way to do this
is to have copies of the books in readers’ hands. Since the explosive growth in
the sales of e-readers, many bloggers are now accepting eBooks for review
purposes, which makes things quick, easy and convenient.The same goes for giveaways.
I’ve noticed that some tour
operators require a significant voucher giveaway
as part of their promotional packages. This might not sit so well for someone
on a budget. If doing a tour under your own steam, you’ll still get plenty of
entries using Amazon vouchers in smaller denominations. Bear in mind that you
don’t know for sure that winners are going to support you by spending their
newly-won voucher on any of your books, so while you’re giving back, you also
need to remember your budget.
Use
other book-related items, such as bookmarks, tee shirts, canvas bags and specially
designed promotional cards, especially if you have a series and are looking to
build a brand. Be creative and try to come up with other items that readers
will appreciate.
You can also team
up with other writers for giveaways, which is what I did for my release
of Christine’s Odyssey. This works for books in the same genre and is a kind of
cooperative effort with writers helping each other. Persons who weren’t
particularly interested in my novel had the option of finding a YA book for
older readers. Linked hops can be arranged if writers are doing group
marketing.
This next one is obvious, but
giveaways in terms of books and other items work well together if they’re the
same genre or a similar theme, which is why I approached YA writers for
Christine’s launch. If you’re doing this for romance novels, you’d use other
books by romance writers and/or books with romantic elements.
In
a Nutshell
Arrange book giveaways for
prizes and reviews.
Don’t go heavy handed on gift
vouchers.
Be creative. Include other
items such as promotional cards.
Team up with other writers to
arrange giveaways.
Stick with a genre or similar theme
for giveaways.
For my last release, my publisher helped with a grand prize that included both books, bookmarks, a tote bag, and a mug. I almost wished I could've won it!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great prize to me too, Alex.
DeleteAs a reader, I love give aways of course.
ReplyDeleteJO ON FOOD, MY TRAVELS AND A SCENT OF CHOCOLATE
I agree, Jo. It's always nice to win a new book or some swag.
DeleteGreat advice on giveaways. I like that your A-Z theme is so educational :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Shell Flower. Have a great day.
DeleteBig part of writer blogs. Good subject-matter choice!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kim. Giveaways do run the touring side of things.
DeleteMy debut will be arriving in the late summer early fall, I can learn a few things here!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on that!
DeleteBook related items are fun and, from what I've heard, appreciated. Great G day, J.L.
ReplyDeleteA good book is always a wonderful gift. :)
DeleteReaders LOVE giveaways!
ReplyDeleteOnce again, great info Joy!
Writer In Transit
True that, Michelle. :)
DeleteYep freebies are like ringing the dinner bell. All the hoarders come out of the woodwork. I'm kind of an ebook hoarder.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean. I have a surfeit of things to read, but I try to only download books I'll actually read.
DeleteVery useful! Thank you! I'll keep checking back.
ReplyDeleteHappy A to Z!
Thanks for coming by. I'll be hopping over.
DeleteI tried visiting but your profile wasn't open. I'll be checking down the A-Z list.
DeleteI love giveaways, and I've been trying new ways to mix them up.
ReplyDeleteIt works well to keep things fresh.
DeleteI thought your giveaway for Christine's Odyssey was a great idea. Not only does it promote your book, it also helps other authors get their books out there too.
ReplyDeleteElise, the main winner is from Brazil, so yes, we do get some more exposure from cross-promoting.
DeleteGreat tips on giveaways! I also like the idea of teaming up with other writers.
ReplyDeleteJulie
Oooh, I really like the idea of teaming up with other writers to do giveaways. And I've really enjoyed your posts so far. They've been really informative.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing the knowledge. :-)
What do you do if no one enters? I've hosted a few contests and giveaways on my blog, but I had one contest where hardly anyone entered! I was kinda bummed :-(
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, there was on blogging contest I entered where the blogger never announced the winners! They just seemed to forget that they'd called a contest altogether.
Ups and downs, I guess :-)