Author seeking ways to give away 40+ book copies: Collaborate on book promotion/giveaway
Okay, I've reviewed the Reddit post and comments, incorporating the previous analysis.
Previous Analysis Recap: An author has over 40 copies of their novel and is looking for creative ways to distribute them, excluding conventions and libraries. This shows a desire to reach a broader audience. It's an opportunity to collaborate with book reviewers, bookstagrammers/booktokers, literary communities, or services that organize book giveaways. You can host a giveaway on your platform, review the book, or feature the author in an interview. This can create engaging content for a book-loving audience and help the author reach new readers.
Analysis of the Reddit Post (id: 1l2verl): The author confirms having 55 copies (40 paperbacks, 15 hardbacks) and reiterates the exclusion of conventions and libraries (since libraries often refuse self-published donations). Comments suggest:
- Little Free Libraries (the author notes the logistical challenge for many copies but is open to some).
- Mailing copies to followers for their Little Free Libraries.
- Coffee shops, retirement homes, senior citizen centers, hospitals, and prisons (the author is receptive, especially to hospitals and prisons).
This confirms the author is open to mailing books and is looking for engaged individuals or communities to help distribute them, aligning perfectly with influencer/community collaboration.
Identified Potential Influencers or Active Community Members/Types:
- Bookstagrammers / BookTokers / BookTubers: Individuals on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube who create content centered around books (reviews, hauls, discussions, aesthetic posts).
- Book Bloggers / Reviewers: Individuals with dedicated blogs or websites where they post book reviews and literary content.
- Goodreads Group Moderators / Active Members: Influential members or moderators of active book groups on Goodreads, especially those focused on the novel's genre.
- Subreddit Moderators / Active Posters: Similar to Goodreads, but on Reddit (e.g., r/books, r/suggestmeabook, or genre-specific subreddits like r/fantasy, r/scifi, r/romancebooks, depending on the novel's genre).
- Facebook Book Club Admins / Organizers: Individuals who run online or local book clubs via Facebook groups.
- Podcast Hosts (Book-related): Hosts of podcasts that discuss books, interview authors, or feature book reviews.
- "Little Free Library" Stewards / Enthusiasts with Online Presence: People who manage Little Free Libraries and are active online, potentially with a local following or network. (As suggested in comments, the author could find these via their own social media).
- Organizers/Volunteers for Hospitals, Senior Centers, or Prison Libraries/Reading Programs: While not traditional "influencers," these are key community members who facilitate book access in specific institutions the author is open to. They might have internal newsletters or ways to announce donations.
Collaboration Suggestions & Expected Benefits:
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Target: Bookstagrammers, BookTokers, BookTubers, Book Bloggers
- Collaboration Suggestion: Offer a free paperback or hardback copy for an honest review, feature in a "book mail" unboxing, inclusion in a themed post/video (e.g., "indie author spotlight," "new reads"), or as part of a giveaway they host for their followers.
- Expected Benefits:
- For Influencer: Free book, new content for their platform, engagement from their audience.
- For Author: Increased visibility to a targeted book-loving audience, potential for authentic reviews, organic word-of-mouth, drive to purchase links if the influencer includes them.
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Target: Goodreads Group/Subreddit Moderators, Facebook Book Club Admins
- Collaboration Suggestion: Offer a set number of copies (e.g., 3-5) for the community to run a giveaway for their members. The author could also offer to participate in an "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) session if the community platform supports it.
- Expected Benefits:
- For Community/Moderator: Engaging activity for members, free books for winners, potentially direct interaction with an author.
- For Author: Direct exposure to avid readers within a specific genre or interest group, building a direct connection with potential fans, stimulating discussion around the novel.
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Target: Podcast Hosts (Book-related)
- Collaboration Suggestion: Offer a copy for review and potential discussion on an episode. If the podcast features author interviews, pitch a brief interview slot.
- Expected Benefits:
- For Host: Content for their show, a new book to discuss.
- For Author: Reaching an engaged listening audience, in-depth discussion potential, showcasing the author's personality/story behind the book.
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Target: "Little Free Library" Stewards / Enthusiasts (via author's social media or direct outreach)
- Collaboration Suggestion: (As per a comment in the Reddit thread) Author posts on their social media asking if any followers manage an LFL or know someone who does and would be willing to stock a copy. Author mails the book directly.
- Expected Benefits:
- For Steward/Follower: A free book to share with their local community.
- For Author: Grassroots distribution, ensures books reach diverse local communities, creates a positive interaction with their existing fanbase.
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Target: Organizers for Hospitals, Senior Centers, Prison Libraries/Reading Programs
- Collaboration Suggestion: Reach out to volunteer coordinators or program directors at these institutions. Offer a bulk donation of X copies (e.g., 5-10 per institution, depending on size and need). Ensure the genre is appropriate, especially for prisons.
- Expected Benefits:
- For Institution: Free reading material for patients, residents, or inmates, enriching their environment.
- For Author: Books reach readers who may have limited access, goodwill, and a meaningful way to distribute copies. While direct "influence" for sales is lower, it contributes to readership and positive impact.
General Advice for the Author:
- When reaching out, personalize the message. Mention why their specific platform/community is a good fit.
- Be clear about what is being offered (e.g., "a free copy of my novel [Title] in exchange for consideration for a review/feature").
- Make it easy for the influencer (e.g., provide a book summary, author bio, relevant links).
- Don't expect every outreach to result in a collaboration. It's a numbers game.
- Track where copies are sent to avoid duplication and to follow up if appropriate.