So, I have been told about the Goodreads Giveaway by Michelle Proulx and Sarah Cradit. Looking at the set-up and everything, I think this would be a good way to do contests and not have to worry about my own ineptitude. This could be a great build-up toward the second book if I make it last all month.
I’m thinking of doing this for 2 signed copies of . . . this is where I get stuck. I was researching various giveaway strategies all day. Do I offer signed copies of Beginning of a Hero or Prodigy of Rainbow Tower? Both have their pros and cons. If I go with the first book then I’m giving away something that people can already get, but it’s something that I can get with ease. If I go with the second book then I’m giving a copy of something as soon as it debuts, but the deadline is still tentative. I guess I could do Beginning of a Hero this month and do another next month for Prodigy of Rainbow Tower.
Does anybody have any suggestions as a buyer or as someone who has done this before?
Legends of Windemere 
Go with the first. As you said, its accessible to you, but more importantly, it will get them hooked on your series and make them want to buy the second. If you do it in reverse, they might be hesitant to read it without having experienced the first book first.
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Thanks. I was thinking that they might buy the first if the second was up for grabs, but that idea vanished soon after I made the post. Not even sure how I thought that one was logical in the first place.
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I can see why you were thinking it. You obviously want to draw attention to the new release, which makes sense. But nothing draws attention to it like people wanting to buy it because they read book one and can’t wait to see what happens next!
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Good point. I don’t think I have to worry about the first book that much. It’s selling little by little, which is pushing it back toward the Top 100 List. Not sure if it will get a hold on there again, but it isn’t dead in the water. Maybe some people will buy the eBook even if they’re in the running for a signed physical copy.
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Make sure you limit the giveaway to places where you’re willing to pay postage!!!
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Thanks. I almost forgot about that. Would have been a slight mess.
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As a buyer I think your idea of offering the first book this month and the second book next month is a terrific idea to get people hooked.
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Thanks. I think that’s where I’m heading.
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Which do you want to promote and get more attention for? One or both? Hundreds of readers see the free books on Goodreads and that is good exposure for you. My humble opinion FWIW. 🙂
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THanks. I’m going to aim for the first one. Once I get it set up and confirmed then I’ll start posting it here. I’m wondering how much promotion these things need.
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Good point re: wondering how much. Who can say? I think it’s a lot of hit and miss or let go and it gets lucky. I wish you a lot of good luck with promoting yours.
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Thanks. I’m just trying to hold out for May and then the sequel should appear to create a new surge of interest.
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I have never used goodreads, but on LibraryThing I have received many books, and in the member giveaway section you can even do it for reviews. Which is what I do. It is a great way to find new authors, but I find it challenging when it is the second or later book in a series, especially if the author hasn’t said that! Mostly because I really prefer to read the books in order, and based on the randomness of the winners, if I have not gotten a previous “first book” copy I don’t want to try for the second in a series. But, I have proceeded to buy the following books in the series from winning/receiving for free the first book.
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Thanks. I just set up the Goodreads contest for the first book, but I’ll take a look at LibraryThing. I agree that getting the second book of a series can be very frustrating. Probably a smart idea for me not to set up that kind of trouble.
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I really think if you just state clearly that it is the second, then it is fine… people know what they are trying for then. I just find it a bit unfortunate when they have not told me, because I always read and review, and I personally hate to read things out of order. Some people don’t care…
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I’m the same way. Reading a later book can spoil a few things. At least for me. I do know a few people who read the last book of a series to ‘see if it’s worth their time’.
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