Why do a Giveaway? +Revolt Giveaway!

Hey there kiddies! I know I already did a little bit of a post on giveaways, but didn't include much info... before we dive into the topic, check this shiz out:

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Revolt

by J.D. Harpley

Giveaway ends January 05, 2017.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

10 copies up for grabs, 16 days to enter and share... Get it!

Why are giveaways important for indie/small pubs, you wonder? Because we don't have the power of a huge publisher, with a massive network of subscribers and reader, we have to spread the word by giving the words away for free! I suppose "have to" is strong, but it's a good idea.
I like to run Goodreads giveaways because they're very simple, and nearly always the giveaway winner will write a review once they finish the book. That's pretty rare.
What are the main points, then!

Spread the Word About a New Release

Giveaways are a great way to get the public aware of an upcoming release. Doing a giveaway before the book launches is also an awesome incentive for the readers who like to have "seen it first" or "post the first review". Hipsters...

Using a platform like Goodreads will allow readers to happen across your giveaway without actively seeking it out, unlike Rafflecopter and many others where there's no "central giveaway depot" people can hang out in and browse.
P.S. You can use Rafflecopter for free, but the free version blows a goat. If you're little, start with Goodreads =)

Increase Visibility of an Older Title or a Series

Giveaways don't have to be for new titles. If you've got an older book out there that you:

• Just revamped (I'm in the process of doing that for all my works now!), or 
• You're just looking for more reviews, or 
• It's the first book in a series and you want to get people into it and buying the rest,

Then this is for you!

What Giveaways Can't Do/Other Cons

Unfortunately, there are a few drawbacks to giveaways.

• Readers aren't required to leave a review
• You won't get bumped in the charts on Amazon/Apple iBooks/etc
• Cost is all up front and all on you
• The Post Office sucks

For small-time authors, the rewards far outweigh the cons, and for larger authors, the cost isn't a huge deal to them and it just increases their fan following. Overall, it's worth it. It also feels pretty good to know 500+ people want to read your book ^_^

That's all for now kids. Stay safe in these crazy times, and don't forget to Revolt =P

Peace out!