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Giveaways are a popular method that Goodreads uses to connect writers and readers. There is disagreement about whether the benefits of these giveaways for smaller, independent, or self-published authors outweigh the drawbacks, even though many authors—both officially and independently published—use them to promote themselves and expand their Goodreads profiles.
Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of hosting a giveaway so you can determine whether it’s the best option for you and your books.
The Upside: How Goodreads Giveaways Can Benefit Authors
Let’s start with the positive!
Goodreads giveaways might be a really effective approach to get the word out, spark interest, and connect with new readers. Readers are able to giveaways for books they are interested in and think they might love. These books are added to their “want to read” shelf as part of the terms of entry. If they happen to be a lucky winner, they get to enjoy your book for free. If not, then there’s a chance your giveaway sparked enough interest in your book that some readers will purchase it anyway. After all, it’s been added to their shelf so they’ll stumble upon it later.
Let’s get a little more detailed:
1. Increased Visibility and Exposure
Goodreads is a huge platform with millions of readers browsing for their next favorite book. The “Giveaways” page highlights giveaways and a strategically placed listing might draw hundreds or even thousands of applications. A Goodreads giveaway can provide vital exposure for authors who are new to the site or who want to reach a wider audience by exposing their work to readers who might not have otherwise found it.
You can pay for a featured listing, or use your current readers to boost your book’s popularity to help boost your giveaway on the “popular” giveaways page. The top page of giveaways is generally intimidating, but giveaway entry numbers quickly drop once you look past the first page or two. If you think you could get three thousand to four thousand giveaway entries, your book would be pretty well placed. Especially within its own genre.
2. An Opportunity to Generate Reviews and Social Proof
One of the biggest benefits of a Goodreads giveaway is the potential for generating early reviews. You can get feedback on your work since people who win a copy of your book are more likely to write a review. Especially if you include a nice personalized note asking them to leave their feedback on the review platforms you prefer, including Goodreads. Readers also enjoy sharing the books they win on their social media platforms, which is a nice bonus as well.
Giving away ARC versions could also be a way to gain reviews and gain some social visibility as well as many readers are excited by the prospective of an ARC but are unsure how to become an ARC reviewer through other platforms.
3. Building a Following
Through giveaways, readers can add your book to their “Want to Read” shelf, increasing the likelihood that their Goodreads friends will see it in their feeds. For independent writers trying to make a name for themselves and draw readers, this can be especially helpful. It will also make the book appear more popular it if has more “shelves” from readers who entered the giveaway.
It also means that readers who don’t win a copy of the book will be more likely to run into the book again on their “want to read” lists and purchase it in the future. This is another way that adding it to the “Want to Read” shelf increases the book’s visibility on the website.
The Drawbacks: Why Some Authors Question Goodreads Giveaways
While there are definite upsides to Goodreads giveaways, they come with a few drawbacks, especially for indie and self-published authors. Let’s dive into some of the potential downsides:
1. High Competition with Big-Name Authors
Bigger names tend to dominate when it comes to giveaways. High-profile writers like Sarah J. Maas and Colleen Hoover routinely draw thousands of entries, which propels their freebies to the top of the list. Because readers are more likely to choose titles with greater buzz, smaller authors may find that their giveaways receive less attention as a result of this rivalry. Because of this, independent writers may find it challenging to distinguish themselves from the sea of well-known names.
2. Cost vs. Return on Investment
Giveaways on Goodreads have a cost, and smaller writers may not necessarily see a large return on their investment. The expense of holding a giveaway can be a worry, particularly if the results are unpredictable, even while the publicity and review opportunities are worthwhile. The question of whether this expense will result in actual sales or future readers is a significant concern for self-published authors on a limited budget.
3. Mixed Results on Engagement
One challenge with Goodreads giveaways is that not every reader who enters is genuinely interested in the book. Not every recipient of your book will be an active reader because some readers enter giveaways only for the chance to win. As a result, fewer winners may write reviews or interact with the book later on, which could result in lower total involvement than some writers would like.
Making the Decision: Is a Goodreads Giveaway Right for You?
Goodreads giveaways are a tool with both significant potential benefits and notable drawbacks. For certain authors, especially those with a bigger budget or a piece that is already generating conversation, a giveaway can expand their readership and reach. However, smaller or self-published authors must carefully weigh the benefits and drawbacks due to the cost, competition, and uncertain return on investment.
If you’re a new author looking for recognition and have the money to do so, a Goodreads giveaway could be a great method to get your work in front of new readers. However, if money is tight or you want to guarantee participation, it might also be beneficial to investigate other marketing approaches.
Ultimately, it is up to you to decide if a Goodreads giveaway is suitable for you and your books and meets your goals. The most important thing is that it helps you develop as a writer and connect with the audience who will appreciate your work!
Have you used Goodreads giveaways in the past? Share your experience with us in the comments below. Or check out our other blogs on How to Connect with Readers using Goodreads Author Tools and How to Market Your Book on Goodreads.
Happy writing,
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