How Book Giveaways Benefit Both Author and Reader

by

Tracy Shawn, MA

Book giveaways are perfect opportunities for readers to expand their book-reading horizons and for writers to further their book-outreach connections.

Readers not only get the opportunity to win an autographed book, they also get a chance to hear about works of both fiction and nonfiction that they'd enjoy reading—and might have otherwise never found out about. Plus, most book giveaway contests are free so there's nothing to lose.

For writers, book giveaways are cost-effective opportunities to advertise their books and connect with potential readers. Various sites, such as Goodreads and Celebrity Café, plus a good number of bloggers post a short synopsis of whatever book is listed in their book contests, along with an image of the cover, allowing new readers a chance to know more details about what a book is about. Then, once the contest is listed, writers can reach out to even more readers by posting the contest links on their social media and blog sites.  

As an author, I have participated in two contests, and am happy to share that it's quite an easy and fun way to promote my book, as I don't feel like I'm "pushing" anyone to buy it. Also, I enjoy signing copies of "The Grace of Crows" and sending it off with hand-written notes to the interested readers who won because it reminds me how writing isn't just a solitary endeavor!

Tracy Shawn lives and writes on the Central Coast of California. Her award-winning novel, The Grace of Crows, is about how an anxiety-ridden woman finds happiness through the most unexpected of ways—and characters. Dubbed a "stunning debut novel" by top 50 Hall of Fame reviewer, Grady Harp, The Grace of Crows is currently being featured on a book contest giveaway on Celebrity Café: http://thecelebritycafe.com/contests/book-giveaway-grace-crows-tracy-shawn