Sheila Dalton is the author of 10 children's fiction and nonfiction books as well as two literary novels-including THE GIRL IN THE BOX, a gripping mix of literary mystery and psychological drama scheduled for release Nov. 18.
She also is the person who first clued me in regarding a Goodreads giveaway. The information she shared interested me so much, I asked if she'd mind sharing her tips with others. I hope you enjoy learning more about this opportunity that's now a key component of my marketing plan as well.
By the way, at the end of today’s post are the winners of Karen Walker’s FOLLOWING THE WHISPERS and Katie Gates’ THE SOMEBODY WHO as well as a special book release announcement.
By the way, at the end of today’s post are the winners of Karen Walker’s FOLLOWING THE WHISPERS and Katie Gates’ THE SOMEBODY WHO as well as a special book release announcement.
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| Sheila Dalton |
Who is eligible, Sheila, to hold a Goodreads giveaway contest? Can you do so if you're a first-time author?
Any author with a book scheduled for publication, but not yet available, can list a giveaway. Fiction, nonfiction, paperback and hardback are all eligible, but eBooks are not allowed. The link to all the rules and regulations regarding giveaways is at http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/new.
How soon can you hold a giveaway contest in conjunction with your book's release date, and how many books can you give away?
Goodreads suggests you list your book a couple of months before its pub date and include how many copies you're willing to give away—in my case, three. However, I've seen books that have been listed almost a year before they are scheduled to appear, and they have thousands of "hits." So, this being my first time, I can't say whether it's better to wait or to go ahead. I decided to follow Goodreads' suggestion. My giveaway went "live" Sept. 15. My publisher, Dundurn, recommended that I end the giveaway on Nov. 18, the day the book is scheduled to hit the bookstores. Goodreads suggests you mail the book to the winners right after the deadline.
How do readers participate in a Goodreads giveaway contest?
If you click on "explore" at the top right of every page then choose "giveaways," you'll see books currently up for grabs. You can only enter to win those that are available in your country. I chose Canada and the U.S. for my giveaway. Readers enter the contest just by checking a box to say they'd like to win a copy. It's more like a draw, really. Winners aren't obliged to write a review, but if they do, it will appear on Goodreads, of course. They are also asked if they'd like to post a review on Amazon. Meantime, you've got more exposure for your book.
What are some other benefits about holding a Goodreads contest?
I'm not sure, because I've never done it before. What appeals to me is that most of the listed books get hundreds of entries. That means—for free—hundreds of people who might not otherwise see your work are reading about it and are intrigued enough to want to win it. Surely, some of those people will eventually buy it. If not, you've only spent the cost of a few books and postage. And if you do get a few good reviews on Goodreads and Amazon, that can't hurt future sales either.
I like the idea of three people reading my book, who might otherwise never have heard of it. Hopefully, they will like it and recommend it to their friends. I think word-of-mouth, or " buzz" as they say in the trade, is incredibly important.
What other marketing plans do you have for THE GIRL IN THE BOX?
I'm lucky that my publisher is handling a lot of the promotion. The publicist at Dundurn has sent out ARCs and plans to send out 40 review copies on publication to major newspapers and magazines, radio, and TV shows.
Personally, I'm having a Web site designed right now; that should be ready when the book hits the shelves in November. Then I plan to send the link to the GIRL page to book bloggers and hope they take the bait. I imagine I'll be doing readings and signings but not a book launch. Most publishers seem to think book launches don't result in enough sales to justify the cost—so if you want a launch, you have to pay for it yourself! I think I'll stick to online marketing, though a party would be fun.
I belong to the Crime Writers of Canada, and the book is listed in their online catalog. I hope to take part in some of their promotional activities once I have the book in my hands. They do things such as presentations at librarians' conferences and booksellers' events.
I have a Facebook page for THE GIRL IN THE BOX, and friends have helped me build up a list of "likers" there. I'm not sure how many sales will result, but I think an online presence is important. I'm also actively soliciting Amazon and Goodreads reviews, as I think they can help you, too.
The publisher will also enter the book in several major Canadian book competitions, both for mysteries and for literary fiction. If it should win one of those—maybe if it just makes the short list—sales will take a major leap forward.
The main thing about publicity and promo is that you have only a small window of time to make an impact. Readers, reviewers and interviewers soon move on the new books for the next season. I'm hoping interest will build toward Christmas because, after that, I suspect it will be hard to interest the press in THE GIRL IN THE BOX.
With a well-researched, fast-paced plot that weaves Guatemalan customs and shamanism with glimpses into the inner workings of the human mind, THE GIRL IN THE BOX will remain a much-talked about book well after Christmas, I predict. Thank you very much, Sheila, for taking time to stop by and share this incredible advice.
By the way, it's not too late to enter for a chance to win a copy of this unforgettable read. To enter, go to http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/enter_choose_address/13787-the-girl-in-the-box.
Looking for other marketing ideas on Goodreads? You might also want to consider their Q & A feature, an opportunity for authors to create a group for interacting with and answering readers’ questions.
The winner of FOLLOWING THE WHISPERS is Julia Hones of My Writing Life, while the winner of THE SOMEBODY WHO is Michael Offutt of SLC Kismet. Congratulations, and thank you to everyone who entered!
BOOK GIVEAWAY ANNOUNCED
J.L. Campbell's latest novel, HARDWARE, was released this week, and J.L. is giving away five copies of the eBook. So if you have a yen to make an armchair visit to Jamaica, visit her blog to enter. The drawing will held Nov. 12. Want to read an excerpt of this romantic suspense novel? Just click here.
Looking for other marketing ideas on Goodreads? You might also want to consider their Q & A feature, an opportunity for authors to create a group for interacting with and answering readers’ questions.
BOOK GIVEAWAY WINNERS
The winner of FOLLOWING THE WHISPERS is Julia Hones of My Writing Life, while the winner of THE SOMEBODY WHO is Michael Offutt of SLC Kismet. Congratulations, and thank you to everyone who entered!
BOOK GIVEAWAY ANNOUNCED
J.L. Campbell's latest novel, HARDWARE, was released this week, and J.L. is giving away five copies of the eBook. So if you have a yen to make an armchair visit to Jamaica, visit her blog to enter. The drawing will held Nov. 12. Want to read an excerpt of this romantic suspense novel? Just click here.
18 comments:
Thanks for sharing such amazing information about Goodreads.
The Girl in The Box sounds wonderful, something I'd like to read.
I once read a book based in Gautemala and THE GIRL IN THE BOX sounds intriguing to me.
All the best!
It's not to read about these contests from the author's perspective, thank you :-)
and of course that should say 'nice' rather than 'not' :-)
Michelle,
Interesting info as always. I learned something new too, a bit disheartening, but anyway. Didn't realize that giveaways on Goodreads have to be for upcoming books only. Have to go read their guidelines because I'm thinking about books released, but those that don't yet have a print version, etc.
This information makes me realize once again, that in order to have a chance at selling some books, I should quit my full-time job and go into marketing or spend a significant amount of time on marketing. :D
Wishing Sheila tons of success with GiB. Good book!
@Nas, I think you would appreciate how skilfully Sheila writes about Guatemala without ever letting research take over from her plot.
@Sarah, I know what you mean. So often we see a marketing option, but we don't have first-hand insight as to how well it works.
@Joy, I wonder if Goodreads' will see the wisdom in being a little more flexible with its guidelines (unless they have a good reason for their current rules that I'm not understanding). Especially in today's publishing market, so often a title comes out as an eBook first--or sometimes only as an eBook. And I know exactly what you mean about the day job/ marketing thing ...
I've gotten good interest with GoodReads giveaways. I don't know how they've translated into readership, and though the understanding is that if someone wins your book they'll post a review (hopefully good!) I haven't found that to be the case necessarily. I wish there was a way to do giveaways for older books, not just new ones - I didn't find out about GoodReads giveaway in time for my earlier books! :)
Hi Shelia!
I know several bloggers, writers and readers that enter Goodreads giveaways.
I know that The Apocalypse Gene--a new YA book--got some great blog reviews from people on books they gifted in the giveaway.
All good words help!
Love what I've seen of the book so far.
Tirz
I've been meaning to look into a Goodreads Giveaway for Don't Get Mad... but kept forgetting. I really should make the time to go look at the guidelines.
I was also looking at doing one for Hardware, so I better go read that sooner, rather than later.
Hi, Michelle! I love being on your blog because you have such faithful followers and always get good comments!
I understand how people feel about the giveaways. I'm pretty sure they are only for pre-pub books, but be sure to read the guidelines carefully.
I really don't know how well they work re: sales, but I do know it has been really gratifying to see that close to 600 people who had never heard of me before have entered. I think YA and straight genre writers do a lot better than I have done, and if you already have a "name" you can get thousands of entries!
@Tirzah. Good to know that Suki and Carlyle did get some helpful responses from their winners.
For some reasn, every time I move ethe mouse thescreeen gets smaller, so I can't see what I'm typing and will have to go out and come back later! Sorry.
Nas and Sarah - thank you for your interest in my book. I hope you will read it someday. I've now learned it is already available on google ebooks canada for $7.99. It may be on google ebooks U.S., too.
You can read the first chapter on my website, www.sheila-anne-dalton.com
Hi, Susannah. I've unfortunately heard that what you describe sometimes happens - no feedback from winners. That is a shame - but still, if they like your book, perhaps they tell they're friends, and that can't hurt.
Hi,Joy. Thanks for your kind words. I agree it would be great if older publications could be listed. I have a few myself I wouldn't mind running a giveaway for!
Sheila - I hope you're right :) And at least I haven't gotten bad reviews from giveaway winners - that would be worse than no reviews :)
@Susanna, I'm glad to hear from another successfully published author about your Goodreads giveaway experience. I agree with you, though, that it would be great to be able to do giveaways for backlist books. I wonder why it must be for a new release? ...
@Tirzah, this is great feedback from the readers' perspective; thank you!
@Joy, a giveaway for DON'T GET MAD ... GET EVEN and HARDWARE would be awesome!
@Sheila, thank you again for inspiring me to add a Goodreads giveaway to my marketing plan--and for letting me pick your brain. :) And I know what you mean about this blog's followers; their comments inspire me to keep on keeping on.
Six hundred followers--yes! That alone is enough of a testimonial for a Goodreads giveaway for me.
You're very welcome, Michelle. I'm always happy to share what I learn about marketing. Plus, I've learned a thing or two from your blog and like to give back.
Btw, I hope your followers will help me break 600. I now have 595 entries for the giveaway, and only 14 days to go.
Susanna, yes, you're right, no feedback is better than bad feedback!
to JL Campbell: Goodreads is not just for upcoming books. It says upcoming or within the last six months (I think it's six). Anyway, my memoir was in the monthly time frame when I did the giveaway. I was amazed at how many people signed up to win the one copy. And it has to be a print book and not digital (I think, unless they've changed the rules). It's definitely a great word-of-mouth situation.
to Sheila: The Girl in the Box is the kind of book I love to read. And I thank Michelle for hosting you so I would hear about it!
Ann Best, Author of In the Mirror, A Memoir of Shattered Secrets
@Susanna Leonard Hill has this additional information to share: "I'm guessing because they think older books might not generate enough interest? Or the opposite - it might get out of hand in terms of numbers of giveaways if anybody could giveaway anything? It's limited to the current year and the year coming, I believe - I forget , possibly they'll let you do books from one previous year but I don't think so."
@Sheila, I hope you break that milestone as well!
@Ann, this is great news regarding the time frame; thank you!
@Susanna, thank you so much for this additional information; it really helps me better understand the rationale.
Ann, your face looks familiar, and your book sounds good. Would you care to tell us a little bit about it here? I understand it was published when you turned 70! That is very interesting and encouraging. I'm 61 with quite a few books under my belt, but only 3 novels. I was reading up on Daniel Defoe the other day for an article I was writing for www.bookbuddy.com, and was heartened to learn he wrote his first novel, Robinson Crusoe, at 60 and went on to write 7 more!
I hope you'll enter my Goodreads giveaway, and help me get to 600.
Whoopee! Thanks for the promo, Michelle - entries are now at 604, and I'm sure this post helped.
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