An etiquette question.

[Kat]

So I've just started my new blog *bites fingernails nervously* and I want to drum up some followers and visitors.

Obviously people need motivation to click that link, so I'm playing with the idea of a free e-book giveaway, or participating in some giveaway hops.

Now being a blog-owner virgin, I'm not quite sure how these bloggers get the books they are giving away - are they from authors, or do they just pick a random book?

Ok, getting to my point now (and the more I think about it the sillier it kinda sounds), but do I need the authors blessing to do this?

If your book was listed as a giveaway on a blog without your knowledge, how would you feel?

[Sherri]

Kat,
Usually bloggers start by buying all the books they read and promoting like no tomorrow. Then, after you start gaining a following, if you write good reviews, authors will find you. As for offering a book giveaway without the author or publisher's knowledge...that's tricky. Some authors won't mind at all, but others will feel they should have been contacted. As for me, I'm with a small publishing house, so all my giveaways have to go through them.

[Kat]

Thanks Sherri - I fully intended to buy them myself (most probably ebooks gifted via Amazon) as I consider my blog to be something I have to put my blood, sweat and pennies into for a long time before I can even begin to expect discounted/free books.

The main reason for my question is around permissions - as I'm not a writer I don't have the first clue about contracts with publishers!

[Patti]

I am only to happy to help out and offer you a free ebook to one of your readers to help you on you way to blogging success. I know a few authors that would be more than happy to offer your books for giveaways. Patti. you can contact me here - pattiroberts7 @ gmail.com

[Mary]

Patti wrote: "I am only to happy to help out and offer you a free ebook to one of your readers to help you on you way to blogging success. I know a few authors that would be more than happy to offer your books ..."

Kat, give us a link to your blog so we can take a look! I am always willing to give a free pdf file to a serious reviewer.

[Kat]

Thanks Patti - I will email you later in the week (I have that whole employment thing going on that I need to do *sigh*)

Mary - here is the link http://theaussiezombie.blogspot.com/
Thanks!

[Patti]

Kat wrote: "Thanks Patti - I will email you later in the week (I have that whole employment thing going on that I need to do *sigh*)

Mary - here is the link http://theaussiezombie.blogspot.com/
Thanks!"

am rousting up some followers for you for book giveaways for your blog :) are you on twitter??

[Kat]

You're a star Patti! Much appreciated.
I'm certainly on Twitter @katlb82

[Patti]

following you on twitter and your blog.

Facebook??
this is me - http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Par...

blog for authors/bloggers etc - http://paradox-theangelsarehere.blogs...

Paradox blog - http://theangelsarehere.wordpress.com/

[Kat]

Ok just made my Facebook page (must brush up on social media!)

http://www.facebook.com/pages/TheAuss...