Author Promotions for Readers from Writers discussion

I have this new idea that I would like to get some feedback on before I get it rolling.

I would like to giveaway a Kobo Reader to help boost sales and talk of my latest work, Book One: The Growing Dim Project.

With the launch of The Growing Dim Project coming out on the Borders website, I thought this would be a great way to help boost sales and to get some buzz going about my book.

Of course, there would be rules like you would have to buy my ebook, either here on goodreads, borders, etc. The other rule would be to post a personalized review in order to be eligible so that I knew that person read the book.

Any thoughts? Ideas? All are welcome.
And I guess the other question is, would anyone help me promote this either on blogs, tweets, etc?

Thanks for reading,
Nicholas A. McGirr
author of

Hi Nicholas, I would promote you on my blog and tweet ya. I don't know what a Kobo Reader is! Is that exclusive to Borders? (I have a Nook and the Kindle app on my PC...but now I'm wondering if I have to download Kobo too!)

Obviously, I think you're rules to win are reasonable, but I'm not an expert there. Aren't contests usually a "no purchase necessary" kind of thing?

Normally yes. Buy 2.99 ebook for a chance at a hundred dollar ereader??? I don't think that s horribly bad.

I, personally, don't take issue with requiring a purchase, but in many states it's illegal. You would have to exclude residents of those states, or risk being in trouble. Might be more hassle than it's worth. Just FYI: http://answers.google.com/answers/thr...

Yes, I was going to say the same. You can't require purchase, but you could require reviews on say, 2-3 sites of your choice. Or, say each review is worth an entry, so the more they do, the better chance they win. Perhaps you could then just do a $50 Amazon gift card, or something, as opposed to an e-reader. (Since you can't guarantee the person has bought the novel.) But even having a multitude of reviews could be beneficial.

Christina wrote: "Yes, I was going to say the same. You can't require purchase, but you could require reviews on say, 2-3 sites of your choice. Or, say each review is worth an entry, so the more they do, the better ..."

I've been doing a lot of research...and thanks for the feedback everyone! I will not be requiring a purchase, but will be launching the trivia contest soon......

Thanks again and feel free to check out my work. the link is below. And yes, you can get a free sample.....you never know it might be part of the contest....hint hint..