If you have authored a book I strongly recommend that you give your 
book away to as many people as you can–particularly people of influence. Not everyone likes the idea of parting with their books for free, but the majority of consumers buy books based on recommendations from media, peers, friends and family. Giving books away is a great way to launch a word-of-mouth marketing campaign.
I’m not suggesting that you give books to everyone you meet, because not everyone has influence. But you should give them to media professionals including reporters, editors, and producers. You should also give them to bloggers – these folks have more influence than ever before. Bloggers with a loyal audience can have tremendous influence when recommending a book.
To reach the right influencers, spend time on Google searching for key contacts (or hire a smart virtual assistant to do this for you). Find contact information for reporters who cover topics related to your book as well as radio and t.v. shows that report on similar topics. You can either ship them a copy directly or send an e-mail first and ask if they would like a copy. Do the same with bloggers and internet radio programs.
I personally like to send an e-mail first. This gives me a chance to establish a rapport, which can go a long way when it’s time to follow-up. It also ensures that I’m not sending out copies that end up in the recycle bin.
Keep in mind that you don’t always have to give away physical copies of your book. Using a service like Smashwords, you can give away ebook editions (create a coupon for 100% off).
Not every review copy will result in publicity, but the ones that do can make up for all the rest. A feature article in a major media outlet or a recommendation on a popular blog can propel a book to all kinds of success.
stephanie thanks so much for you great tips as i just published my first book and looking for all the advice i can aquire.
My New Book is out,
Title; Under The Chaderi
SubTitle; My life as an Afghan Refugee
This book is non fiction is a true story of a young Afghan girl who left her country and family in fear of prosecution in a time when the Soviet Union invasion of Afghanistan happend in 1979.
She escaped through the Torkham Pass by foot and mule ride in to boarder of Pakistan.
Congrats Anisa Mahmoud Ulrich. I hope you sell many, many copies of your book. Good luck.
I’ve recently completed my memoir and am in pursuit of finding a reviewer and hopefully find a publisher/small press who will be interested in adding me to their list of authors. My story is quite exceptional, not the typical everyday personal experience.
Thank you so much! Great idea, giving it to influential people! I hadn’t thought of that, but will use it. Thanks again.
Thanks for the suggestion. It prompted me to change my “freebie” list for copies of my two new titles, “Jewel of Canaan” and “Star of Persia” These are great middle reader chapter books for girls 9-15. Just google the titles and my name at Amazon.com or WestBow.com or other online booksellers or visit my website http://www.bravebeautybooks.com to see the cover art and find out more.
Thanks and good luck!
Thank you for the advice, I am giving away my book already and it is working.
Very helpful I’m about to sign 50 copies of my book Don’t Waste The Years for my friends and family that have order and I hope to sign many many more for people that I don’t know.
Thanks for the advice. Giving my book away to children’s medical groups has helped with sales. Look for Maggie Braves the Waves with Asthma
Amazon.com
Thanks for the great article! I just had my first feature in the paper, and brought along extra copies of my novella, For the Love of a Sphynx, and my husband’s SEALed With a Kiss to share with the reporter and Photographer.
Thanks again!
I just published my inspirational book:
Title: The Power To Excel
Subtitle: Reaching For Your Best
Available on Amazon.com.
The Power To Excel by Azuka Zuke shows how to use innate resources to achieve success. Readers will find motivation and power. The book is loaded with kinetic and positive energy. It shows readers how to make positive changes to their lives to achieve success. The book is very unique in its own standards. It is doing very well so far.
Excellent advice, especially strategically targeting bloggers on your topic.
My timely and insightful new book, Fatherly Influence: A Man’s finest Legacy, is now available and has been getting great reviews.
Thanks again for the suggestions.