In today's economy giving away free books is hard to fathom.  But you are right of course. 
Most people write, I believe, to express themselves.  The money, if any, is a bonus.  But the more your book(s) are out there, the more people you can reach.  The best way to reach people...is giving stuff away of course. 

Thanks for the tips.

 

Saigon, I'm too many moons older than you to count, but I certainly couldn't see the wisdom of this -- at first.  As a newbie, you don't have to go overboard with this, but think about it -- hard.  I know from experience that giving away goods works.  What you gain is goodwill, a willingness to buy future books, a feeling of appreciation that someone isn't just trying to sell, sell, sell.  Believe me, it's a welcome relief.  Let it sink in slowly and don't do it until you're ready.  By all  means, check out www.bookcrossing.com. 

Best,

Francine
 

cool.  I have a few books I want to give away myself.  i was going to give them to a local library.
 

Thanks Fabolous - giving your books to libraries is an excellent way to help get them into circulation.  I plan to give my book that comes out in the spring to all major libraries, with a personal note to the librarian.  There isn't a better to get your books well known.

Best - Francine
 

Great Advice. During my promotion of The Cassandra Cookbook last year I gave away dozens of copies of my book to bookstores, street vendors, book clubs, the New York Public Library and to my College Alumni Association. I may leave a copy in the Jury room at the courthouse.

I also offered my titles at the Harlem Book fair at a reduced price. 

A smart self-publisher always has copies of their book on hand in case someone asks for them. Free copies are free publicity. An author needs to have a hard copy of their work available for the public to sample. I always keep some copies of my work with me in addition to posting sample chapters on my blogs so when people ask me about my work I have something to show them.

Don't worry about the cost; promotional copies are getting the word out about the title and giving readers something they can hold onto and take a look at. If they like it, they might just buy it later on. The most important thing for a writer is getting their work read.  This is a long-term investment that will pay off high dividends later on.



 

Absolutely wonderful reasoning!  I hope everyone listens up!  Please don't forget your libraries and talk to the librarians, your restaurants, hairdressers, barber shops - this kind of thing can work wonders.  And don't forget to contact www.bookcrossing.com  I expect to hear much about you and the others who've written in response to these blogs.  Self-publishing is just the best thing going -- if you work both hard and smart!
 

Your are right.  Giving away books is probably the most inexpensive advertising tool available to many writers.  For every book you give away you probably expand you sale by 50-100 or more because those readers will spread the word on what a good book they just read.  Keep on writing and sharing.

 

You two see giving away books with an even more positive eye than I do.  I didn't come to this way of thinking for a long time.  Now I know it works.

Best - Francine