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I have seen that some authors give away one copy of a book and others give away 20 or 50 or more!

What is the reasoning behind this?

I have given a lot of thought to this question and I believe that 1 copy in a giveaway is more than enough.

We (EBM) enter giveaways daily, the number of books an author gives away does not determine if we enter.
We normally enter no matter how many copies are available.

Sure, you get more copies of your book out there but there is no guarantee that you will get a review out of it.

Giveaways can be expensive. The author buys the copy of the book themselves a lot of the time and they have to pay for post. Sometimes publishers do this as well which alleviates the cost but again, seems a little counter productive.

Good Reads will still list a giveaway if it only has one book and people will still enter the competition.

I think a better way is electronic reads for review.

As an author myself, (one of a small number on the EBM panel), I always do one book giveaways only.

If you have excess books that you want to giveaway, you can always use them as promotional tools, competitions off your own websites etc.

What are your thoughts as an author and why?

There is no right or wrong answer, different things work for different people but I am interested to know what you think.

I'm not an author but a reviewer and I did read somewhere that the review rate from ŷ������ giveaways is 60% so if you give 5 books away you've got a good chance of 3 reviews for your cost and trouble. However if you're only giving one book away you may never get a review. A lot of reviewers still prefer the hard copy of a book but I think it's probably easier to target your giveaway if it's an ebook on offer.

Excellent point Veronica and I think those figures sound plausible however the amount of buzz generated by a book giveaway, I think, is where the benefits for an author lay.

Authors who give away that many copies in my opinion are nuts but I'm am sure they have their reasons. One being, because they can, Two, they can afford to and three they don't mind gambling and possibly getting a few reviews and recommendations or absolutely nothing. More then less, some are with small presses so they can afford to do so whereas an indie like myself would end up in the negative just for purchasing the books to post into a giveaway. It really all depends on whether you think it will help in the longrun.

That is why I prefer to send electronic copies to review. More cost effective and manageable, in my view.

Exactly L.R, also you can set your amount of copies you want to send with ebooks. I've found with paperbacks most companies trad or self-published tend to only allow you to buy an amount of copies. If it were 3-5 copies I'd say ehh okay I'm in but some only allow you to purchase like 7-10 copies of your book, so then you'd definitely be looking at a loss.

I'm a relatively new indie author and have run three
giveaways, offering 20 books each. I am quite pleased
with the results. I've gotten many favorable reviews,
plus have formed productive relationships with some of
the entrants. For example, I friended one lady who told
me about a promotion event for selling books in a town
close to mine. I'll be attending that and will perhaps
sell some books. So it's all good as far as I'm concerned. For me, the bottom line is always getting the
word out about my books whether locally or otherwise.Jeannie HudsonTen Hours 'Til SpringBehold A Lone HorsemanMariposa: The Quest

Thanks for your input Jeannie, obviously it is up to the individual author on how many they would like to give away. I have had authors put notes in their books demanding a review, I didn't particularly like that myself. I would prefer someone contact me and ask if I had received the book and to let them know my opinion of it.

I've just listed two giveaways for 2x copies of each of my books. I'm based in Australia and it seems like most of the people who are selecting to participate are based in the US or CAN... If I get a review from any of the four winners obviously I would be happy, but for me it's just about connecting with other readers/writers and building relationships. I still feel that a physical copy of a book with a personalised inscription means more to readers than a free digital copy!

I have to agree with you on one point you made David, there is nothing like having a copy of a physical book in your hands.

David and Jeannie (earlier post) are the type of authors that reviewers like me or readers who give a rare review once in awhile are more likely to bump up their book in their to be reviewed pile or to review a book at all when it is not their thing may be. I have seen discussions by group moderators and group members in other ŷ������ groups about this. Readers do not like like authors who they feel are being disgenuine to them. Just like ŷ������ group moderators and members prefer authors who join their group to do so because they want to participate not to just sell their upcoming work and drop an advertisement and swoop out, their is a certain expectation when there is a giveaway to a random reader(s) by readers themselves. These are the things that both David and Jeannie mention in why they do giveaways. That it is to connect with readers and form positive relationships and feelings with them even if they aren't one of the winners. That if you are a more veteran author that it is a gift to your fans that have supported you and to create new fans who haven't read your work. This also is one of the acceptable ways to get word out about your book that creates positive PR about you with readers. If you do a giveaway only to get guid pro quo a book for a review and you are not upfront about it in your random winner contest and then send physical notes or e-mails to the winners being demanding of a review then that lack of being genuine will hurt you with that reader/reviewer and their friendship circle. I also agree with David on the point that he made about "a physical copy of a book with a personalized inscription means more to readers than a free digitial copy". I actually prefer a digitial copy over a physical copy with books, that way I have the book always on me at least on my smart phone instead of lugging around a physical book. Yet, I got to admit despite my preference I have unfairly felt a more positive feeling when I reviewed a physical book that had an inscription and an autograph by the author in it to me. So yeah David was write about that one too. I noticed in my ŷ������ groups that some authors have started a new posts with the subject of reviewing their book for a mobi, pdf, or rare occasion an physical copy of the book. Readers and reviewers can respect that because you are being genuine and up front about what you want and the author gets 100% chance of a review if the prospective reviewer keeps to their end of the agreement. Also I notice that some reviewers when they post back to the author they will say something like I am interested in reviewing your book, but I want you to know that I am backed up or reserved with reviews till November or some other stated future month, so the author is not wondering why did I sent a copy of my work 2 months ago and their review is not up anywhere I see. So basically in summary honesty is the best policy and in giveaways like authors David and Jeannie stated there is other benefits of giveaways that help your book even if a review is not given sometimes.

I only give ebooks, and I give them to selected group members with whom I've established a relationship and have expressed an interest in my work. I don't require or even request a review in return, but have had a very high rate of positive response.

I don't see it as giving away a book, I see the reader as giving away their time, and hopefully I can earn it. Of course, I can't afford to gift out too many paperbacks either, for writing needs to at least pay for itself.

I've done several and I always give 3 books. I keep to the guidelines on goodreads and never ask for a review but I do send a friendly congratulations message along with a note along the lines 'the book is in the post - let me know if it doesn't arrive'. It's too expensive to offer more than that because one of my obsessions is that the Internet is international and so are my giveaways. I value all readers in all countries and - as I live in France - I don't like countries being excluded from giveaways. My reward has been at least one review each time and from some wonderful people in countries so far from me it feels like my book has travelled through time as well as space. Writing is about a lot more than selling and I'm sure all of us live for the magic words, 'I love your books.'

I agree with Jean on this one. I live in the USA now and I hope to do a 3-book paperback giveaway with my second book at some point. A review would be nice but I certainly wouldn't press for one. Just happy if they enjoy the book.

I did a 5-book paperback giveaway in February for RIPOFF, a funny crime caper. Although 400+ people entered, I'm not sure it really did anything to promote the book. Reviews still needed. The Kindle edition has been on a FREE promo on Amazon since Wednesday and ends tonight. So far over 4,500 copies have been downloaded and it has been in the Top 100 FREE since late Wednesday. The effect is yet to be seen, but I know that over 5,000 people in various countries have seen the cover and description.

Hello Morgan, have downloaded and will review as soon as I can. Sounds like a fun read

As a reader and reviewer, first I want to thank all of the authors and/or publishers out there that provide giveways. I will be the first to admit that I don't get the opportunity to read as much as I would like, butI do post a review when I'm finished. I also want to acknowledge the many forms my books have come in: i.e., hardback, paperback, epub, pdf, audio. I will admit, I would love to see more audio books. I know nothing of the cost, so possibly this isn't an option for many, I just know that my 45 minute one-way commute could benefit from a good story. The one thing I have learned from giveaways is that I'm totally surprised, and grateful, if only one book was given away and I was the lucky recepient! On the other hand, when several books are in the giveaway, I can almost guess if I will be the recepient or not...sometimes making me sad that it wasn't me, but always happy when it is! That may sound harsh that I'm only sometimes sad. My reason behind that statement is strickly looking at it from an author's point of view in their having to wait for my review, which I admit can take months! Just throwing out some thought from a readers perspective. I hope that I have been helpful and that I can be the lucky recepient of any of your books!

Hey Morgan, you can put your book on our kdp free list. Next time it is free, add it there! I love the good reads giveaways, we enter a lot here on the EBM panel!

Hi Morgan. I gave away 5 paperbacks US, two Canada. I got a review on goodreads from most of the winners of the giveaways. As far as Amazon, I gave away hundreds and can't say that it generated more than 2 reviews there. It is hard to judge the impact of giveaways. I would say that you should not rely on giveaways alone but combine it with a good marketing plan, the giveaways being just a small part of your strategy. It is my opinion that recipients of free eBooks do not generally consider that a review should be forthcoming.

Best regards, Morris E. Graham

Morris wrote: "Hi Morgan. I gave away 5 paperbacks US, two Canada. I got a review on goodreads from most of the winners of the giveaways. As far as Amazon, I gave away hundreds and can't say that it generated mor..."

Morris, I just want you to know that as far as I'm concerned, a giveaway in any format given to me deserves a review. I'm sorry that you have negative feelings.

Morris, this is one of the reasons we have created our BOTM initiative. If your book is voted in, anyone who votes for your book will be obligated to review it.

Hi Carrie. I didn't mean to sound negative. It is just my observation that if you give away a book in print form, it is esteemed as much more valuable to the person receiving it than an eBook, which is why a review is more likely to review it than if you gave them an eBook. Also, if you send an autographed copy, it is esteemed even more valuable. (You can autograph an eBook, but is just isn't the same thing) Not only that, those hundred and hundreds of folks grabbing the free eBook may put it on their reader device and not even look at it for a year or more.

Unless I am mistaken, goodreads still allows giveaways in print form only. I was mostly speaking of the eBook giveaways on Amazon, which doesn't encourage the recipients to come back and review the book.

I am grateful for the BOTM initiative, which I entered.

Best regards, Morris

I do reviews in exchange for the a book and usually they are in e-book format. I have been a voracious reader for my whole life and love being surrounded by books I love and my To Be Read pile but now I also have an e-book collection as well.

When it comes to reviewing I don't have a problem with e-books and I know many people who also are used to reviewing e-books.

I understand it can be an easier format especially for independent writers and publishers so I don't see why it should be problematic. It just seems practical. A lot of authors and publishers look upon giving away review copies as a way to boost their Amazon visibility and ratings.

Just my take.

Okay, you ladies convinced me to try again. Actually, tomorrow is the 1 year anniversary of my publishing my debut novel, "Warzone: Nemesis". I have decided to celebrate by giving it away free for 3 days, starting in the morning. My novel is the product of 10 years of work, classified as a military science fiction novel, but surprisingly, it crosses over into other genres.

This will be found @ .

I would really appreciate an Amazon review.

Best regards, Morris E. Graham

I now have my book "Warzone: Nemesis" enrolled in a giveaway for 5 days starting Aug 6 - Aug 10. I would appreciate any honest reviews.

Best regards, Morris

I agree with Morgan above in that I'm not sure free giveaways achieve much apart from creating a bit of buzz. A while back I gave away 800 copies of a middle grades / African historical fantasy book on Amazon and didn't get a single attributable review. Also tried Storycartel with little success - about 25 downloads, one person who read 33 pages and gave a 1* review on Amazon, who didn't like fantasy or unusual names & worlds ... um, why read fantasy, then?

My last ŷ������ giveaway was 2 copies of Aranya which attracted over 2700 entrants. Buzz! It generated a great deal of interest, a few people contacted me after with requests for electronic copies which I usually do give, politely asking for a review in return. Morris' comment about having a marketing plan is invaluable :-).

Out of interest you can run a member giveaway on LibraryThing for eBooks. I'm trying that at the moment.

I have "Warzone: Nemesis" Fourth Edition enrolled in a free eBook giveaway on Amazon from Jan 2-6. This is a result of months of working with reviewers to make this the best ever. It currently has a 4.2/5 star review rating on Amazon. Please, if you read it, leave an Amazon review. Plans are in the works to produce an audiobook version.

Best regards, Morris

I'm an active Independent Reviewer and 99% of books I get to review are in ebook format, no cost to the author. Reviews are make or break in my opinion, especially for new authors, the feedback can be invaluable to a new author. I had reviewed a new horror novel from an Indie author I connect with. I suggested to get more reviews I offer a free copy of the novel to hand picked friends I have on ŷ������ ( the horror fans) and also promoted it on my Facebook blog page. He ended up with about 40 requests and only one was hard copy to post. He got a very high percentage of reviews on both Goodresds and Amazon and I read most of them and they were really strong reviews.

I get approached daily by authors and publishers to review their book and I have no issues with being asked politely. When I write my book I will be embracing the help of the power of the reviewer even if I send 100 ebooks, it's better than selling one or two and your name still not being discussed. Just my thoughts.

Maxine wrote: "I'm an active Independent Reviewer and 99% of books I get to review are in ebook format, no cost to the author. Reviews are make or break in my opinion, especially for new authors, the feedback can..."

Giving ebooks to targeted readers, those who have already expressed an interest in the subgenres in which I write has worked out quite well for me. I have more difficulty when it comes to "professional" reviewers because of the very specialised nature of my novels i.e. adventure novels featuring very explicit and heavy S&M sex, and SF/Horror novels with high levels of violence and plot rather than character focused.

Maxine wrote: "I'm an active Independent Reviewer and 99% of books I get to review are in ebook format, no cost to the author. Reviews are make or break in my opinion, especially for new authors, the feedback can..."

Attest Maxine! (and others) as an author, I'd rather be read via giveaway by 20 than purchased by 2. It's not feeding my children, but it is feeding my soul. If you are reading this and want a copy of any of my books, say the word and I will make it rain. :-)

Maxine. I send you a message,

Best regards, Morris

As a frequent reviewer and a librarian I can say I prefer physical copies over e-books because I can donate the book to our library. We have such a small budget for books not listed on the top sellers list it's nearly impossible to get books by new authors. I'll enter a giveaway regardless of it having 1 or 100 copies just for a chance to have a new author available for my patrons.

I think it's more likely an author will get a review with more books in a giveaway but I understand the costs involved. Promotion is everything if an author is hoping to become more well known. Some reviewers with blogs are willing to run free promotions with the review. Personally I do that if asked and I've reviewed the book. It's worth the time invested but ultimately it's up to the author how much precious time they want to invest.

V.W. I am a specialised reviewer, however the genres I read are broad, when I mentioned my horror friends to read the horror book, it was people who don't just read horror but do sometimes, so I knew they would not be too freaked out.

Mind you I've read some "horror" where I'm left wondering where the terrifying, horrific or scary bits are, reads more like a bad rom-com.

By the way I would not shy away from the way you describe your book, perhaps I can assist with a review? Love to hear more.

As a reviewer I also have some really strong relationships with authors who after sending me their book continued to converse and care for me as the reader. I will do anything to help promote these authors who don't just ignore me or devalue my time and opinion. I will do giveaways for them on my page, recommend their books, get in touch if I see something that may interest them.

I can tell everything about how an author views reviewers and how large their ego is by the way an approach to me to review their book is worded. I like these ones.

"You need to read my book, it will be the best review you've written all year"

"You don't know me but would you have time to read my two box sets of erotic fiction? there are only five books per set"

And the winner

"I'd like to be your friend for about two days as I like your reviews and profile THEN I will ask you to read my book as we are friends now" said no honest desperate author ever. Just be honest! You don't have to be my friend for me to love your book. I sniff lies like pigs sniff truffles.

Jenn wrote: "As a frequent reviewer and a librarian I can say I prefer physical copies over e-books because I can donate the book to our library. We have such a small budget for books not listed on the top sell..."

I'm about to launch the final novel of my ALICIA trilogy: adult paranormal adventures set in Mexico and California. The first books got very positive reviews, but have shown little activity in the last few months. I plan to do a give away of e-books of the first two books... a big ones, wide open for several days. But I also give away hard copies and if you want to read and review either or both of the first two books I'll send them to you... these are paperbacks not hard cover, but they're very well produced. e-mail me at [email protected] and we can talk about it.

Nick wrote: " But I also give away hard copies and if you want to read and review either or both of the first two books I'll send them to you.."

I've sent you a brief email. Thank you for the offer. I'm sure we can work something out and get your books more exposure.

Hmm,

I have heard good things about book give aways and have considered it, but I am not sure of the mechanics of it.

Some do paper while others do E-versions. Anyone give the winner a choice of either? As far as I can tell how to get the E-book to the winner(s) is different for many of the authors. Through Amazon or E-mailing the correct version etc.

Evidently GoodReads says not to ask for reviews which is okay, but after reading posts here it seems some have hinted at it. Is this true? Or do the winners do it on their own, when they do a review?

GoodReads only allows physical copies for a giveaway, last I checked. Winners are encouraged but not obliged to review your work. Make sure you check the rules about contacting winners as well.

If you want to try eBook giveaways there are various 'review offer' sites out there who offer a service varying from free to paid, e.g., Librarything, Choosybookworm, Readers Favourite all the way up to Kirkus Reviews (expensive).