Boxes of Free Books – a good problem to have
I’m lucky that my publisher sends me lots of copies of my books. Not only do I receive boxes of my current release, but I also get more boxes when my previous titles are re-released. This has happened as many as three different times, giving me multiple versions of the book. Here’s the cover of the latest re-issued my publisher sent me:
Which raises the question, what’s a person to do with all these free print book? It’s a good problem to have, but still a problem. I like giving them away and frequently do on my Facebook page. Unfortunately, the mailing can be a little cost prohibitive. I’ve also used them at local bookfests, offering buyers two for one deals: my current book plus a free one. This has worked pretty well.
My best approach, however, has been carrying around a box of books in my car and handing them out whenever and wherever I see an opportunity. For instance, the senior center my mom attends has a free library. They get a copy of every release my publisher sends me. If I spot one of those “little libraries” in a person’s front yard, I stop and put a book in. Once in a while I’ll be chatting with a person who mentions they love reading romance. My reply is, “Here, have a book.” Now and then I ship a box to writer’s groups for their local conference goodie bags. I’ve donated copies to women’s shelters, military people serving overseas, and my public library up the street gets all my books, too. I usually insert a flyer or postcard in the book, hoping that the person receiving the book will like it and check out my other titles.
One of my funnier book giveaway stories happened a few years ago. My BFF and I went to the airport to pick up another good friend who was flying in for a visit. I drove, and we parked in the garage so that we could meet our friend inside the airport. When we got back to my car, we immediately realized one of the tires was flat. Well, I’ve never changed a tire, don’t know how. As it turned out, neither had my friends. We were debating what to do, call my husband or roadside assistance, when a young, attractive couple passed us on the way to their car. They asked if we needed help and before we knew it, the woman — who happened to be dressed in very nice work clothes — was on the concrete ground changing my tire with the skill of a Discount Tire employee. The man, he was wearing a business suit, laughed apologetically. With a bit of embarrassment he admitted that he’d never changed a tire before. Join the club.
Needless to say, I was impressed. When she refused to take any money, I asked her if she liked to read romances. At her yes reply, I dove into the back of my SUV and pulled out different three books, giving them to her. She was thrilled. Heck, I was thrilled. My tire was changed in a matter of ten minutes.
I also swore I would learn how to change a tire. Okay, confession time. I never did. Sigh. But if you run into me anywhere and I happen to have my car nearby, ask me for a book. I’ll gladly give you one.
Warmest wishes to you and yours,
Cathy McDavid
Like me at: facebook.com/cathymcdavidbooks
Follow me at: twitter.com/cathymcdavid or bookbub.com/authors/cathy-mcdavid or amazon.com/author/cathymcdavid
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