Giveaways—a helpful way of promoting?

Right now, Vintage Reflections has two giveaways underway to celebrate our latest children’s book release, When My Grandma Sings by Robena Egemonye (illustrated by Judi Spooner). We’ve received a lot of entries in these giveaways which got me to thinking of authors believe this is a good promotional vehicle.

So what are your thoughts? As a writer, do you think it’s worth the cost of two or three books to help get your name out there, especially with so many people have thousands of friends on Facebook?

As a reader, do you enter giveaways because you’re looking for new authors to read, you like to win things, or the book is written by your favorite author?

How much of an impact do giveaways have, and do you think giving away a book is enhanced by the author and/or illustrator’s signature?

Post your answers in the comments’ section and then be sure to enter the two giveaways for When My Grandma Sings. Links provided below.

http://www.vrpublishing.com (front page)

http://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/weblog/2010/09/giveaway-when-my-grandma-sings-by-robena-egemonye-and-illustrated-by-judi-spooner.html

giveaways books promoting authors readers autographs