I know it seems like, as a multi-published author, I must be rolling in dough/time/stuff to give away. That is mostly untrue. I make a living with my writing. I struggle to find the time to keep up with social media, blogging, web presence, promotion, fanmail, and--oh yeah--writing books. And everything that I have to give away is something I designed, ordered, paid for, and have to ship myself.
Because of those considerations, I have to weigh each request individually. I can't send everything to everyone, though I often wish I could, and I end up having to pick and choose which requests to fulfill. Here's how that happens.
Review Copies
I don't have any. My publisher sends me a (very) few ARCs of each book, and those are generally reserved for friends, family, and the occasional contest. Any review copy requests I get are forwarded to my publisher. To get on that list, send me an email with the following information:
- Your Name
- Your Blog Name
- Your Blog URL
- Your Mailing Address
Swag Giveaways
After countless "cut and paste" requests that were probably sent to dozens of authors, I've had to become very picky about where I send my swag. Here are some things that make me more likely to fulfill a request:
- Address me by name
- Mention the title of one or more of my books
- Have read at least one of my books
- If you're a blogger, have reviewed at least one of my books
- Explain why my books are perfect for your readers/students
I'm far more likely to send stuff to a blogger with a hundred followers who absolutely loved one of my books and who wants to help share that love with their readers, than to a blogger with a huge following who just wants to add my swag to a massive giveaway. Since I can't send to everyone, I choose to send to those I think will appreciate it the most.
If you just want some freebies for yourself or to add to a big giveaway, check out the Freebies section on my website.
Hugs,
TLC
