What to Giveaway
Is it good to giveaway a book?
Well, as a recipient of the occasional free book, I will confirm that yes, I think it’s great when authors giveaway books. However, many authors feel extremely leery of giving away free books. There have been many instances of winners selling books or copying content, so that fear is not unfounded.
Philosophy
However, my philosophy is that while I can’t control the actions of others, I can be a generous person. In other words, haters gonna hate and book pirates are going to book pirate, but I can still put out the kind of energy that I would like to see in the world. Besides, if the four dollars you get from selling an advance print copy of my book is what helps you make it through the day, then take the four bucks. Piracy of ebooks bugs me far more and is an extensive topic that I won’t get into, but in general once I hand you a print copy, you are free to read it, sell it, or pop it in a little free library. Just don’t tell me about it. Unless you loved it. Then absolutely tell me all about it. I want to hear every word.
Do you want free books?
Then sign up for Goodreads, Booksweeps, or LibraryThing. Goodreads is now owned by Amazon, so if you’re trying to boycott or you hate them for their myriad of union busting, author scamming ways (completely understandable), then try Booksweeps or LibraryThing. All three platforms consistently gives away free books in all genres and the odds are far better than the lottery. Booksweeps works directly with authors and is a great place to find your next indie read (they’re my favorite). Library Thing is a bit clunky, but still fun and Goodreads is also strangely clunky, but somehow has all the snarky vibes of high school and a NYT review.
Today’s Giveaway
Today I’m sharing my giveaway of the print copies of my forthcoming novel Elevator Ride. This one available through Goodreads. The giveaway runs through 3/16. Good luck and may the odds be ever in your favor.
Enter the giveaway!
ENTER HERE: https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/406074-elevator-ride
About the book:
Vivian Kaye has been tasked with serving a cease-and-desist letter to Rowan Valkyrie—the most hated tenant in Seattle’s Hoskins building—but when she ambushes the seasoned security professional in the elevator, she ignites a powder keg of tempers and attraction. PREORDER NOW
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Bethany Maines is the award-winning author of action-adventure and fantasy tales that focus on women who know when to apply lipstick and when to apply a foot to someone’s hind end. She can usually be found chasing after her daughter, or glued to the computer working on her next novel (or screenplay). You can also catch up with her on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and BookBub. And don’t forget to check out all the Stiletto Gang authors and books on our BOOK page.
Shared on FB and BlueSky — tried to enter but US only (I get it, postage is insane).
Thanks Judy!
I’ve never had a problem with giving away a copy of a book here and there as a thank-you or through a contest. What I object to is authors who give away books in huge quantities all the time. They devalue their work and create a mindset in readers that if we don’t value our work enough to charge a reasonable price for it, why should they pay for any book? I’ve heard readers brag that they haven’t bought a book in years because of all the free books available online. That’s why I’m more in favor of offering occasional .99 cent sales of my books rather than making a book permafree or giving away thousands of free books through a promotion.
I agree with you Lois! I think the idea of a reader magnate (1 free book) is great, but constantly giving away the entire library? No.
I think giveaways at the right time and place help increase readership or reviews —- but not always.
Entered and sharing! Best wishes, Bethany!
Sharing this on my FB Author page. Thanks, Bethany.
Bethany, I’ll purchase. Good luck in your giveaway!