multiple goodreads giveaways

[Laurie]

(my apologies if this topic has been addressed elsewhere -- I looked, but didn't see it)

As a goodreads reader, I like the fact that it's easier than it once was to automatically add a giveaway book that I've signed up for, to my to-read list, since I only sign up for giveaways where I'd like to read the book.
Also, as a goodreads reader, I like the relatively new feature where I get an email when there's a new giveaway for a book on my to-read list.

But as a goodreads author -- I wonder how effective/beneficial this is to authors? To those who've run multiple giveaways for the same book -
a) how far apart do you do the giveaways?
b) do you see a significant amount of new people adding you to their to-read list?
and of course, most importantly,
c) do you see any increase in sales, as a result of that 2nd or 3rd giveaway?

I'm also wondering if there would be any value in stating within the giveaway that there will be a Kindle Countdown beginning immediately after the giveaway ends. Any thoughts on this?

[G.G.]

I'm jumping to the last paragraph. When I did my last I added that there would be a free day on amazon and I included the date. This was timed with a SIA event but still, I got over 1250 downloads (1000+ for the first book and a little less then 200 for the sequel). No reviews though, a few sales trickled after the event. The winner didn't add the books to her to-read list, so I doubt there will be a review there.

A) how far apart? Hmm I think for me it was a little over a year since I had done my first. But the second was for a sequel (and the first book) so not exactly what you're asking.

B) Yes although many didn't add the book to their shelf. So they add to manually uncheck the box :/

C) I answered that already.

Any thoughts: My first giveaway was very successful with 2 out of 3 reviews so all giveaways are not the same. I think it's a great way to put your book out there so I will certainly do it again.

I would definitely add the kindle countdown deal but be careful how you word the giveaway or it will be refused. You need to make sure that it is clear that you're giving away a Print copy and not an eBook. (Don't set your countdown deal before the giveaway is accepted.)

[Laurie]

thanks for the response, G.G...
yes, I understand that the giveaway is print, and I'll be sure to make that clear. and thanks for the suggestion to wait until the giveaway is accepted, before setting the countdown deal.. although I'm not sure it would make much/any difference to have the two overlap, rather than having the countdown begin after the giveaway ended.

[G.G.]

I suggested to wait to make sure it coincide with the giveaways because it's free marketing. Your book gets in front of thousands of people checking the giveaways. More chances that one of them will buy it when they see there is a countdown deal.
(They are mostly seen when the day the giveaway starts and the day it ends.)

[Maurice]

Hi Laurie,

Stats show that you get most giveaway sign ups in the beginning when your book is listed toward the top of the list, and then again toward the end of the giveaway, as it is running out. I did two 15 day giveaways for my first novel and spaced them apart a few weeks rather than do one 30 day giveaway. Got over 900 sign ups for the first, and over 1100 for the second. These giveaways resulted in over 670 GR members putting the book on the TBR shelf.
Agree with G.G. giveaways have limited impact on sales/reviews but great for almost (printing/shipping costs) free promotion and exposure.

Maurice

[Laura]

I've done giveaways before, in exchange for honest reviews. On average, that works about 1/3 of the time. I am doing a giveaway now for my latest release, no review required, but so far only 2 people have signed up.

I think I must be doing something wrong.

[G.G.]

Laura wrote: "I've done giveaways before, in exchange for honest reviews. On average, that works about 1/3 of the time. I am doing a giveaway now for my latest release, no review required, but so far only 2 peop..."

If you are doing Goodreads giveaway you can't ask for a review in exchange. Winners are not required to review the book.

[Laura]

G.G. wrote: "Laura wrote: "I've done giveaways before, in exchange for honest reviews. On average, that works about 1/3 of the time. I am doing a giveaway now for my latest release, no review required, but so f..."

I probably shouldn't call it a giveaway. It was more of a ARC with the understanding that reviews would be provided. Again, like I said, about a third of the time the people just wanted free books and didn't really intend to actually do the review part. I forget which Goodreads group it was.

[Cynthia]

Laura, I am just now running my first giveaway, and in the last few hours, 36 people signed up. I wonder if you used the Giveaway page description area for a little promo of the book? I put in the description plus a couple of blurbs, so people know immediately what the book is about and also that it is getting positive reviews. That's a little like your sales page. I imagine it could impact signups.