The Art of Giveaway Swag & Getting Reviews

Wristlet bag and greeting card swag

I've done many giveaways, Facebook parties and now I'm attending multiple book conventions. Let's face it, we all want deals and perks. Our readers do, too. Over the last few years I have developed and refined my giveaway treats as well as my methods for getting reviews. I figured you may be interested to hear what worked and did not work for me.

Most of us have done Goodreads book giveaways when our novels launch. This is a no-brainer method for spreading word and also for getting reviewed. I give away at least 6 books, and often up to 10. These have always had to be signed paperbacks, though I understand Goodreads now allows eBooks for a fee (?). I will only speak to the paperback method here. In my note, I always mention "I would be grateful for an honest review, but no pressures" so that readers don't feel hammered. Since I'm in the USA, I've learned not to extend the giveaway to Europe because postage on a paperback is costly. So, stick to your area.

Coffee cup and wristlet bag swag

As far as giveaway swag, I started out with cute but cumbersome items such as coffee cups. This turned out to be a real no-no because they are breakable, hard to pack and they weigh a fair amount once you've packed them. I've also designed T-shirts, which are cool, but expensive to make and tricky as far as sizing. I've designed little bags as well. But these are expensive so I have pretty much nixed them on my swag list.

This spring at the RT book convention, I offered a free paperback (my new Witch of the Cards, which I wanted reviews on), if a reader bought TWO of my other books. This worked quite well. I also designed my own greeting cards with envelopes and people who buy a book get their pick of one. People like these, and they are also very light to mail! I do make bookmarks, but I've learned that many want more than just bookmarks or buttons.

My first batch of heartboxes

I enjoy arty stuff like hand-painting. My latest event giveaways involved my hand-painted heartboxes. My new handmade spellbooks, filled with fun treasure will be my next round of swag to go along with the Witch of the Cards theme. These are time consuming to make, and so I don't give them away lightly. When I go to my next book convention in Nashville (Utopia on June 22) I will put a reader's name in the spellbook raffle pot only if they buy AT LEAST two books and sign up for my newsletter.

My newest handmade spellbooks

At Facebook parties, I often give away ebooks, and I reiterate my message that I would like a review (but no pressures). Nine times out of ten event readers do review. I do $15 gift card giveaways for following me on various social media, plus signing up for my newsletter, plus..... you get the picture.

It's an evolving art--the swag, the perks, the parties and party games. It's a part of the book promo that I actually like. How about you? What's your favorite type of promo? Your most effective?