1-Why do Authors and Publishers give away books on blogs?
2-Have you won a book on a blog?
3-If you did, what did you do with that book?

Project Journal’s reply summed up and added a little zest to the replies I received.

Her reply: “I think they give away books one) for publicity, let’s be honest. Giving away free books is an easy way to catch new readers and keep old followers! Two) Along the same lines, it keeps people interested in your blog a lot of times I think. Three) I think it shows a lot about your character. Lol! I know that’s not necessarily true or anything, but I personally think that it’s really nice to do the giveaways! There’s a couple answers :- )”

I appreciated the comment that giving away books was a nice thing to do! I do like giving gifts.

Another common reply to # 3) came from JKW: “I pass books on to friends – keep them going.”

That’s also good to hear. Do you know what the most common and strongest reason for a person to pick up and read a book by an author she/he hasn’t read before is?
Word of mouth–that means that people telling people is what sells books!

Ellen Too replied to 3. with “Read it then put it on my special keeper shelf.” That’s so wonderful, Ellen! Thanks. Every author hopes she will write books that people will deem “Keepers”–those books that remain with us and are reread. (I’m always so happy when I DON’T see my books at garage sales and Goodwill!)

Aus Jenny wrote-“The ones that are signed to me I have kept but often have shared them. Others are or will end up in the Church library or if its a must keep in my library to share. I also normally will post a review on my blog and other places.”

Now that’s what I often do with books I read. I give them either to our smalltown (1 room) library or to our church library.

And the final sentence of of AusJenny’s reply–She posts reviews of the books she received.

That’s one of the main reasons that authors and publishers give away books. We hope that if you like the book:
A- you will post a review of it on your blog OR
B- you will post a review of it on Amazon.com or Christianbook.com or BN.com

A few other commenters said that they do post reviews of books. And you know you don’t have to get fancy with reviews, click a rank and say what you liked.

I know I appreciate a reader who does this. My September book has no reviews up yet on any sites. (HINT-HINT) GRIN.

Anyway, I’m not done with this recap of those questions I asked in September. Soon I’m going to start visiting the blogs that the people who left comments recommended.

BTW, if you drop by the Craftie Ladies blog, you’ll read what a special day this is for me!