By Kristy Tate //
Contests can be a great way to get readers interested in a book for several reasons:
Engagement and Excitement: Contests generate a sense of excitement and engagement among readers. The opportunity to participate and potentially win a prize creates a buzz around you and your book.
Word-of-Mouth Promotion: Contests often require participants to share or spread the word about the contest, which leads to increased visibility and exposure for your book. Participants may share the contest with their friends, family, or fellow book lovers, effectively expanding your reach.
Reader Interaction: Contests provide an avenue for direct interaction with your readers. By participating in the contest, readers have a chance to engage with you as the author, fostering a sense of connection and building a relationship with your audience.
Incentivized Book Discovery: Contests attract readers who may not have come across your book otherwise. The opportunity to win a prize encourages them to explore your book, increasing the chances of them becoming interested in your work and potentially becoming long-term readers.
Building a Community: Contests can help build a community of readers around your book. Participants who enter the contest may engage with each other, discussing your book, sharing their excitement, and forming connections based on their shared interest.
Data Collection: Contests often require participants to provide their contact information or subscribe to your newsletter, allowing you to build an email list of interested readers. This provides an opportunity for ongoing communication and the ability to keep readers informed about future releases or promotions.
Here’s a list of 6 contest ideas:
Giveaway Contest: Offer a free copy of your book or a bundle of books as a prize. Readers can enter by following you on social media, signing up for your newsletter, or sharing your post.
Caption Contest: Share a visually appealing image related to your book and ask readers to come up with a creative caption. The most creative or humorous entry wins a prize.
Character Name Contest: Ask readers to suggest names for a new character in your upcoming book or a short story. Select the most fitting or unique name and award the winner a prize.
Fan Art Contest: Invite readers to create and submit artwork inspired by your book or its characters. The best or most creative entry wins a prize, and you can share the submissions on your social media.
Trivia Contest: Test readers’ knowledge of your book by organizing a trivia contest. Ask questions related to characters, plot details, or memorable quotes. The participant with the highest score wins a prize.
Social Media Challenge: Create a challenge related to your book or its themes and ask readers to participate by posting photos or videos. The most creative or engaging entry wins a prize.
Remember to clearly communicate the contest rules, deadlines, and how participants can enter. Promote the contest through your website, social media platforms, and relevant book communities to attract as many readers as possible.
KRISTY TATE is the Social Media Director for O.C. Writers and a USA Today bestselling author. To date, her newsletter subscriber list is edging toward 15,000. www.KristyTate.com.