So often I find a new author (or new to me) and have trouble finding the first book in their series. I don’t know about you, but I hate starting in the middle of a series. It’s as bad to me as walking into a movie after it has started and you’ve missed the first half. Ugh.
Sometimes the book is out of print and even on sites like Amazon or eBay, the cost can be five or ten times the original retail price. Ouch! In this economy, it makes sense to test drive an author, see if you like their style and voice, and then go buy their latest book. To help introduce readers to new authors, I decided to start a game. The game is similar to the Where’s George? Currency Tracker game. http://www.wheresgeorge.com/
I’ve taken a book that was signed by the author and am holding a contest on my blog to choose a winner. Sounds like your average book/blog contest, right? Well, with one small catch— I want your autographs! That’s right.
If you enter this contest, you have to honor the rules if you win. And the rules are:
1. Once you’ve read the book, you agree to sign it with your name and location (country or state) and write a small comment underneath your signature saying what you liked and enjoyed about the book.
2. Now that you’ve signed the book, you must pass the book along to another reader, and then they in turn must sign it and write a comment. You can give it to a friend or have an online contest like mine. When the book has been read and signed by 10 people, the book must be sent back to the 1st reader (the person who won my contest) and they must agree to contact me via email to notify me the book is back in their possession). :)
3. Once contacted, I will ask that they send the book back to me. (I will provide an SASE for their mailing costs). Then I will give Ms. Pettersson back her book with all the reader comments. As authors, we don’t always get direct feedback from readers, and it’s nice when we do. :).
4. Errata: If you didn’t like the book, please do not comment other than to say you read it. I think 10 is a good starting number.
Still want to play my game? Cool. Then post a comment and I will pick a winner at random Wednesday. Good Luck!
Cass
Want to play Cass’ autograph game?
One lucky reader will win a copy of Vicki Pettersson’s The Scent of Shadows: First Sign of The Zodiac, along with a Fourth Sign of The Zodiac: City of Souls magnet.*
All you have to do is comment on this post!
City of Souls will be out July 2009, and Vicki will be our guest that month for the Midnight Brew.
In the meanwhile, play the game and you could be a winner!
*book may be substituted for another without prior notice.
What a neat idea, Cass. I’ve never had a chance to try her yet with so many, and have heard good things about her series, so the series is now on my wishlist. Count me in, I have quite a few online reader friends to pass it around to. I read quick but maybe others need a bit more time, and with 10 people to go round, is there any time limit before it gets back to you?
Hi Pam! Nope, no time limit. Although it would be great if I can get the book back to the respective author before this Fall or Winter. Glad you’re game!
Well of course being avid readers we all have huge TBRS, but in this case we’d be clear you have to put it at very top of that pile once you get it. I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone do it this way, with readers jotting down their comments inside and then returning to the author. I like it.
What a cool idea!
Hey girl! You know I am full of cool.
LOL.
The idea was sparked by my friend, author Gemma Halliday and some of the gals at Romance Divas. So I can’t take all the credit, although I think I am the only one who is following through on the concept.
Sounds like a fun idea and a great way for me to read a new author!
Very cool idea!!
Billie Jo
GOTTA STEAL, UR BORROW DAUGHTER’S CHARGE!! LOL:cheer::ROFL:
What a cool way to spread a book around! I love it and hope I get included! Thanks!
This is such a great idea. It should be loads of fun for everyone and an awesome way to get to meet other readers, and enjoy the authors. I’ve not had a chance to read Vicki, but her work looks awesome.
The Autograph Game is an awesome idea! I would love to play.
Well, this is just absolutely cool! Superb idea, Cass! I’m definitely in. A good way to try a new author for not only yourself, but friends too. Why did I think of that??!!?? LOL, kudos, Cass.
I will announce the winner soon. Waiting for my darling WereBear to pick a winner from my magickal hat for me. :)
Thanks to all who entered and are willing to participate in this fun experiment.
I hope to play the autograph game again soon. Oh, and I signed the book as well and left my comment inside for Vicki.
Hi Linda,
Well, actually it was Pam that won the contest. But Pam decided to set it up with some of her online friends and for all I know, you might be one of them and the book on it’s way to the next reader on the list. :P
If I recall correctly, Sandy got the book first to read and then was to pass it along.