Giving Your Book Away!
Giving your book away is frequently discussed in our author case studies. We have seen authors such as Andy Weir, Colleen Hoover, Michael Sullivan and so many others use this strategy in the marketing of their books with phenomenal success!
“I’m often asked what is the “biggest bang for your buck” from a marketing perspective, and the answer is hands down: Book Giveaways.“
Michael Sullivan
But why would you give your book away for free?
#1 To get reviews – a must to convince customers to buy your book
#2 To increase awareness – readers that like your book will further promote it through their networks via reviews and recommendations (word of mouth!)
But just how do you give your book away and when should you do this?
ARCs
If you’ve not published your book then Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) are a must!
ARCs are a pre-publication version of your book provided to selected readers, reviewers, or influencers before your official release date. Readers receive a copy of your book in exchange for an honest review. The primary purposes of distributing ARCs are to:
Gather reviews: Reviews from ARC readers are often posted on sites like Goodreads or Amazon.
Generate early buzz: Readers who receive ARCs can share their thoughts on their blogs, social media, or review platforms, creating excitement before your book's launch.
Identify errors: While ARCs are usually polished, they're not always final, so feedback might highlight overlooked typos or inconsistencies.
To distribute your book safely and easily we recommend services like BookFunnel. They offer an affordable platform that prevents piracy and allows you to control who downloads your book. Plus their service includes an automatic email to your ARC team on publishing day, reminding them to leave a review on your sales platforms! Their plan starts at $20 a year, however there are bigger plans that are more expensive.
To find reviewers you can reach out via:
Goodreads to people who have shelved books similar to yours and ask them if they would like a free review copy, or through the Goodreads Reviewers page;
Amazon reviewers (again those who have liked books that compare to yours);
Book bloggers that can be found across all social media platforms; and
Community forums where readers recommend books across every genre and category!
There are many online sites where you can find ARC reviewers for free.
PROMOTIONS
If you want to give your book away as part of a promotion, you will need to engage new readers, not your existing network.
There are a number of platforms that can help you distribute your book to readers interested in your genre however the two largest are Goodreads and Bookbub.
High visibility and includes ability to add books to "Want to Read" lists in Goodreads. It is very popular so can be crowded and is more expensive. Unfortunately it is restricted by region, however authors and publishers outside of the U.S. or Canada can use the Giveaways program to list giveaways offering books to U.S. and/or Canadian entrants.
Standard: $119 (max 100 books can be given away).
Very large audience and effective for boosting exposure but requires a significant budget. It’s also very competitive and you may not be selected for a giveaway deal.
Costs vary based on the genre and cost of your book. Prices are listed here.
While there are a number of smaller platform options, we’ve noticed varied success (some great, others not so much). Each platform has its strengths and weaknesses, so the best choice depends on your goals, budget, and target audience. Just remember, that running a giveaway requires you to plan and approach the giveaway like any marketing action. Consider:
Your Target Audience - Ensure your giveaway reaches readers who are interested in your genre to maximize engagement and potential reviews.
Promotion - Use the above giveaway platforms, combined with other author networks to spread the word about your giveaway.
Data Collection – Ensure that when you giveaway your book you are receiving something in exchange – including your readers contact details.
Good luck with your giveaway and if you would like more detail and information on how to approach book marketing (including expanded information on the above), checkout our Ultimate Book Marketing & Publishing Plan for fiction authors.
