The following post is written by author Scott Nicholson of Haunted Computer Books.
On the surface, it seems like I’ve gone crazy.
I can hear it now.
“Giving away 20 Kindles? Heck, not even bestselling writers are doing that. Why, even Amazon only gave away five on their Facebook page. Where in the world are you going to get 20? Are you rich or something?”
No, I am not rich, and I CAN’T afford it. Unless…
That’s a great word, “unless.” It always leaves you hanging there, like somebody wants something or you have to take action or make a decision.
But that’s why I supersized the giveaway, and why I took action. This entire tour has been improvisation. I got the idea for it less than two months ago. The publishing industry would never do something like this on short notice. But I don’t have anyone to do it for me, or tell me not to do it!
And I think James Patterson is a low-down, dirty weasel for not giving away lots of Kindles. At least twenty. Here me, Jimmy? I’m calling you out.
But here’s the deal. Amazon gave me two Kindles to give away—one through these blog stops and one through my newsletter (subscription details below). And I came up with the idea for a bonus Kindle 3 giveaway if a book cracked the Top 100 in the Kindle store.
Then I got to thinking. A book that hits the Top 100 will probably have to sell a couple of hundred copies in a day. Even if I sell a 99 cent book, the royalty should pay for the cost of an extra Kindle. And I get the benefit of exposure, even if I only break even. And you—yes, you Mr. and Mrs. Reader of This Blog—deserve free Kindles.
And since I have 18 books out now, including three only available for the UK Kindle, I would probably get some extra sales if one of the books takes off. I will be publishing two new titles during the tour, as well as an upcoming surprise, so there are at least 20 Kindles in all. If every book hits the Top 100, I’d be out about $3,500, but I also would make a good bit of money.
It’s one of the great advantages of the digital age—more money stays between the reader and writer so prices can be lower and everybody can be happy. And hopefully with more Kindles.
Some of you may only want a free Kindle. I don’t blame you. It’s easy and free. And I wanted everything about the tour to be voluntary, where you didn’t have to “earn” an entry, because I know there’s a recession underway. Plus I’m way too lazy to keep up with who does what or who buys what.
Some of you are already working hard to spread the word and have a made a major difference in the sales of my books and the exposure of the tour, and in getting more people to visit these wonderful book blogs. Thank you very much.
The winners will be randomly selected, but the odds favor those who stick around and are interested. If we hit the Top 100 (and I say “we” because I know what I sell on my own, and it’s not near the Top 100 at all!), then you deserve a little bit of love and a lot of booty. I’ve promised I’d share any success I have and this is the best way to do it right now. (The Red Church for 99 cents is close to Top 100 as of this writing).
So thanks for every Tweet, Facebook entry, Amazon forum mention, product tag, Goodreads review, or simply telling a friend, “This here Nicholson dude is crazy. We better buy his books or there’s not telling what he might do.”
And you’d be right. There’s no telling. We’ve still got two months to go. This thing might just slide straight into the unimaginable. I can hardly wait!
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Scott Nicholson is author of The Skull Ring, Speed Dating with the Dead, Drummer Boy, and nine other novels, five story collections, four comics series, and six screenplays. A journalist and freelance editor in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, he often uses local legends in his work. This tour is sponsored by Amazon, Kindle Nation Daily, and Dellaster Design.
To be eligible for the Kindle DX, simply post a comment below with contact info. Feel free to debate and discuss the topic, but you will only be entered once per blog. Visit all the blogs on the tour and increase your odds. I’m also giving away a Kindle 3 through the tour newsletter and a Pandora’s Box of free ebooks to a follower of “hauntedcomputer” on Twitter. And, hey, buy my books and put me in the Top 100 and I’ll throw in another random Kindle 3 giveaway. Thanks for playing. Complete details at http://www.hauntedcomputer.com/blogtour.htm
About Stacie
I really like Scott’s idea with this blog tour. I’ve been following him since day one and have been a fan of his for many years. I own most of his books which were released in physical format and am filling in the gaps with the digital releases. I’ve been speaking up Scott’s work to any and all who would listen (and a few that wouldn’t – it’s amazing what a little duct tape and a sturdy chair can do for your intended audience)
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calseeor (at ) gmail (dot) com
this is a good blog to hit, lots of exposure! hoping you hit that 100#!
hancoci_s at msn dot com
Oh am I keeping my fingers crossed!! Thanks for the chance!
Lauren Foster
anamlgrl@yahoo.com
We TOTALLY deserve free Kindles!!
Enter me
mayarend -at- yahoo.com.br
I would love to be entered in your draw. Thanks.
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com
If all 20 Kindles were given away now that would be just AWESOME.
dalelmurphy(AT)gravesidetales(dot)com
Well, it certainly makes sense. We’re here, aren’t we?:)
spamscape [at] gmail [dot] com
This is very interesting. I like how you figured out how to give the extra Kindles away. I am keeping this all in mind for future reference.
Margay1122(at)aol(dot)com
I’ve been following the blog tour and have enjoyed all the posts. I’ve also discovered some new blog sites.
Please enter me in the contest.
kkappleby at msn dot com
http://lilk13.blogspot.com
Karen / lilk13
Tempting the wrath of James Patterson? You’re playing with fire, Scotty.
Dang! I’m the 164th comment!? Jimmy won’t even notice my double dog dare ya! I’d go to his house again and double dog dare him, except for that little police problem. I can’t believe Monster uses a public computer to do his posts. Maybe the police will run his way. varbonoff22 at cox dot net
Shameful, yet TRUE! I was having to use a public computer (I’m currently on my WORK computer! SHOCKING!!). I moved recently and have had a heck of a time getting my internet service moved. As of yesterday it was supposed to be back on–but it’s NOT! Grrrr…
And yes, the police are always running my way—the fashion police, that is. I have to bribe them with donuts, cash and sequins to keep them from arresting Scott for the crime of hillbilly fashion! Just take a gander at these scandalous outfits (if the links show up, that is…):
http://www.myspace.com/hauntedcomputer/photos/2196113
http://www.myspace.com/hauntedcomputer/photos/23469224
If those aren’t fashion crimes (especially that last one), I don’t know what is!
Cheers!
Crazy people have crazy success!
crljqs1@gmail.com
We’re rootin’ for ya!
Gail in Florida
cowgirl3000 AT gmail DOT com
Please enter me to win! I definitely want one!
Rock on, dude! I hope you hit the top 100 with all of them!
inannajourney at gmail dot com
Crazy idea but it sounds like it might work out great for you and whoever wins the Kindles. I know just from the tour so far I am looking forward to reading some of your books soon.
bacchus76 at myself dot com
I hope you make it to the Top 100 hundred.
sasluvbooks(at)yahoo.com
Sounds great!
This is amazing and unbelievably generous. Not only do I have a chance to win a Kindle, I have learned about a new author I didn’t know about. I belong to a ladies book club and a coed book club that I can tell aout these books, too. Maybe the other authors will hear about this and do the same thing. Thank you for the chance.
I think your tour is a GREAT idea. I have added several of your blogs to my list to revisit. Thanks for that! kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com
Hey Scott! You’re sooo generous! More than Amazon.com themselves.
20 Kindles!?!?!? Gues I better get back ta pluggin’!
Twitter: MachineTrooper
Wow, I think this blog will set a record for entires! Thanks, everyone, I don’t have time to respond to each comment but I’ll read and appreciate them all!
Scott Nicholson
The Red Church
In my college class we were having a discussion on why books offered through e-reader’s are becoming so successful! Trust me, this is a great business plan. Everybody wants to have all their books in one place!
Crazy is good. I like crazy.
teawench at gmail dot com
Thanks for the lovely post. I’ve not read The Red Church. YET.
You can reach me at luvpinkpanther@gmail.com
Love to win this giveaway since I am crazy about reading…thanks..
ramvinayak_81@rediffmail.com
Wow! What a lot of comments on this one Scott. Glad that you were able to just “do” this kindle giveaway on your own. Wondering if any of those “big” authors out there would do the same.
Well done!
Julie
pjtansey@hotmail.com
Great post! Thanks for the giveaway!
dancer_girl76(at)sbcglobal(dot)net
great contest! im in!
Great post – I’m still stalking you!!
eva.s.black[@]gmail[.]com
I think your giveaway is a great idea, Scott! I hope it brings you many sales! (I have done my part
) And I love the blog tour! Truly a cool idea.
dreamer dot ima at gmail dot com
Count me in! I’d love to read some new books on a new Kindle!
Awesome giveaway! And I’d love to have the books and a Kindle to go with them!
This has bee great!
i.pearson@comcast.net
I’m having so much fun following you around the blogosphere. What a cool marketing campaign.
You are very generous for doing these giveaways! I can’t wait until you make the stop at my blog in November!
truebookaddictATgmailDOTcom
Sorry Scott,
I’ve been seriously under the weather with sinus problems. However, I still want to win a Kindle and I still enjoy your work!
Thanks for the chance to win,
Greg “The Undead Rat” Fisher
theundeadrat (@) gmail (.) com
Thanks for setting the record so far with 193 entries! All are eligible (except my comments, Stacie’s, and any duplicates). Good luck and please join the tour stops down the road.
Scott Nicholson
The Red Church
@Greg hope you feel better!
@Erin I agree, e-reading is amazing and will let more people read more books.
@Julie I have a standing challenge issued to James Patterson to give away Kindles. I think he can afford it.
@Karen Bell the book has a Christian theme (a boy’s struggle with his faith) but it’s not a “Christian fiction” genre book, if that makes sense. In other words, reaffirming your faith in Jesus Christ is not the entire point of the book, though if that works for you, fine. It hit #1 in the Christian science fiction and fantasy category in the spring!
You are funding this yourself? Crazy!
You’re one crazy dude, Scott, but this is a brilliant marketing plan. If book sales are founded on one principle, it’s not ads, but word-of-mouth. That’s why publishers are big on reviews. That’s why books that become movies suddenly become bestsellers. It’s all word-of-mouth, and your 20-Kindle Giveaway is sure to generate a crazy amount of buzz about you and your books.
Nice work.
Coscomentertainment [at] gmail [dot] com
http://www.canisterx.com
BLOOD OF THE DEAD and ZOMBIE FIGHT NIGHT available for the Amazon Kindle. Grab your copies here!
I would abolutely love to win a Kindle! I can’t believe there are so awesome prizes for this blodtour!
vicky.vak8(at)gmail.com
I would love to be entered!
littlebearries@yahoo.com
insane but cool.
jlynettes @ hotmail . com
What a Great contest
Misha
mishamary@gmail.com
hufflepuffgrl13@yahoo.com