Doing an eBook...should I print up some ARCS for a GoodReads giveaway?

[Jennifer]

My first ebook is coming out in May 2016. Just wondering if anyone has had luck printing up some copies to give-away just to get some reviews rolling. I would do the give away on GoodReads.
Has anybody had any experience with this?
Other than that, I hadn't planned on having hard copies printed.
Thanks!

[[deleted user]]

Doesn't hurt. I got reviews for my book on every giveaway I did. I know it is cheaper to have them direct shipped to the customer, but have them sent to you, and autograph them. Making it personal makes all the difference. The feedback i got for getting an autographed copy was like a kid opening a present on Christmas Day.

[L.S.]

By the time you've gone to the trouble of formatting for print, and getting a print cover, there's absolutely no reason not to sell the paperback - it will cost you nothing to do. You will also be able to buy your own and give it to any family/friends, or put it on your own bookshelf.

[Jennifer]

Morris wrote: "Doesn't hurt. I got reviews for my book on every giveaway I did. I know it is cheaper to have them direct shipped to the customer, but have them sent to you, and autograph them. Making it personal ..." Love that tip, Morris. I agree, that personal touch makes a big difference. Thanks!

[Jennifer]

L.S. wrote: "By the time you've gone to the trouble of formatting for print, and getting a print cover, there's absolutely no reason not to sell the paperback - it will cost you nothing to do. You will also be ..." Thank you L.S., I agree with your point about the formatting...not too much extra work to order some copies.

[Geraldine]

I carry hard copies in my car. I've sold my book to people I've met in the grocery store, wine shop and other places. My partner has a rather derogatory word she uses to describe me whenever she catches me doing this but the more people who read the book the better. Not only have I sold to individuals this way when I go out of town I also visit independent bookstores and gift shops. In my opinion having hard copies of your book is always a good idea.

[Cal]

Geraldine wrote: "My partner has a rather derogatory word she uses to describe me whenever she catches me doing this"

So... bookselling is the second-oldest profession? ;)

[Geraldine]

Cal wrote: "Geraldine wrote: "My partner has a rather derogatory word she uses to describe me whenever she catches me doing this"

So... bookselling is the second-oldest profession? ;)"

Perhaps story telling. It's damn hard to carry a bunch of stone tablets when you're gathering roots and berries.

[C.B., Beach Body Moderator]

I have about the same amount of physical copies of my book as ebooks, and I still love having the options! In person though, physical books cannot be beat. I have them in bookstores around here, and gave them to my beta readers, and sold them.

I made a giveaways tips thread somewhere, it wouldn't hurt to check that out first, or even send me a message directly and I can help!

As others have said a physical copy is great for many reasons, and I will add another:
You can give your book away on Christmas to everyone you know that gives out pictures of their kids as gifts!

[[deleted user]]

I read hard copy, eBook, and audiobooks about equally.

[G.G.]

C.B. wrote: "You can give your book away on Christmas to everyone you know that gives out pictures of their kids as gifts!
..."

LOL love that one!!