Writers Who Give Away Swag / myLot

United States

February 9, 2016 8:15am CST

On Facebook I have a number of authors in my friends and I constantly see them have contests where they give away their books and other items to get people interested in their work. I've even seen them give away high ticket items such as Kindles. For indie writers such as myself we pay for editing and cover design/art out of our own pockets. There is no publisher writing the checks that pays for them. People have come to expect a freebie when it comes to books and believe the writer should be grateful that someone is reading their books. I personally will not give away my books. I've been down that road before. Gave away quite a few and got not one single review. It wasn't worth my time or effort and it does not help sales.

9 people like this

8 responses

Judy Story

@jstory07 (134870)

• Roseburg, Oregon

9 Feb 16

I sold most of my books on ebay and the rest I donated. I had over 500 paperback books.

3 people like this

Peter B. Giblett

@pgiblett (6524)

• Canada

9 Feb 16

It is the same for most of the writers that I see give away things, they are independent. Give aways are a marketing strategy that is all.

2 people like this

RK Finnell

@irishidid (8687)

• United States

9 Feb 16

I know. I just think in most cases it is a fruitless effort.

1 person likes this

Peter B. Giblett

@pgiblett (6524)

• Canada

10 Feb 16

@irishidid It is if there is no relevant marketing plan

VAL

@Vjvals (906)

• Roseville, California

10 Feb 16

I'm also connected to several writers and have purchased their books

1 person likes this

Judy Story

@jstory07 (134870)

• Roseburg, Oregon

9 Feb 16

When you are giving away your books you are giving away your hard work.

1 person likes this

RK Finnell

@irishidid (8687)

• United States

9 Feb 16

Exactly and there is more to writing a book than just sitting down at a computer and typing. A lot of research, time and effort.

fishtiger58

@fishtiger58 (29823)

• Momence, Illinois

9 Feb 16

And really if you have to give away things to get people to read, is that really what you want. I think you are doing it the right way. Let your work stand on it's own.

2 people like this

RK Finnell

@irishidid (8687)

• United States

9 Feb 16

I won't give them away and I will not take free books. When another author has a promotion with free books I wait until I can buy them. I will not take a free book.

1 person likes this

Scindhia H

@Scindhia (1906)

• India

10 Feb 16

I gave a free reading offer for three days when I released my book online. The encouragement was over whelming! Though book sale is not my main source of income, I like people telling me parts from my own book. It makes me feel accomplished though in reality what I write are very simple uncomplicated books.

1 person likes this

Victor Sagayaraj

@vickyblogs (341)

• India

11 Feb 16

I think this is a good idea you followed.

Margaret Mwangi

@Missmwngi (12926)

• Nairobi, Kenya

9 Feb 16

I hope their efforts pays though

Victor Sagayaraj

@vickyblogs (341)

• India

9 Feb 16

Though eveyone doesn't read the free books it definetly helps to promote our books. Especially, those who write a book first time should give some copies freely.

RK Finnell

@irishidid (8687)

• United States

9 Feb 16

Stephen King didn't give away copies of his first novel nor did Stephenie Meyers. If an indie author wants to be treated seriously then they need to take the business of writing seriously.

1 person likes this