Last Updated on January 10, 2024 by Taylor
Did you know there’s a super easy way to enter to win free books to read? Goodreads giveaways include a mix of fiction and non-fiction books (including ARC books that haven’t been released yet).
I’ve gotten plenty of free books this way, and it really doesn’t take much time to do it. Plus, I’ll share a tip below that allows you to track giveaways for books that are specifically on your TBR list!
What are Goodreads giveaways?
Goodreads giveaways are book giveaways that are run through the Goodreads website or Goodreads app. They include giveaways for both print books and Kindle/e-books.
Publishers and authors use Goodreads giveaways as a way to promote their books. Essentially, they’re giving away free books in order to generate buzz (i.e. reviews, social sharing, etc.) for their books.
First off, you need to be a Goodreads member to enter. Don’t worry, it’s free to join! Plus, there are lots of other reasons you should join Goodreads (in addition to the giveaways).
Once you join, you can see all the current giveaways going on, with details about each book and when each giveaway ends. You can even sort by certain categories, like the most popular giveaways or giveaways that are ending soon.
How do they work?
Essentially, all you have to do is click a few buttons to enter each giveaway (including sharing your shipping address, so physical books can be mailed to you). You can enter as many giveaways at a time as you want.
If you win, you’ll get an email notification. Then, once you receive the book, you just read it and (optionally) post a simple review to your Goodreads account. That’s it!
One thing to keep in mind: some of the giveaways only include certain countries (i.e. U.S. only). Be sure to check that before entering!
Here are all my favorite book apps for reading tracking, listening to audiobooks, and more!
How to Enter Goodreads Giveaways for Free Books
Start by searching through the giveaways for books you’re interested in reading. I like to sort by ‘Popular’ and/or filter by specific genres. You can also select if you’re looking for print books only, e-books only, or either.
Next, click ‘Enter Giveaway’ on the giveaway you’d like to enter. Enter your shipping address (if it’s a physical book) and click the checkbox that says you have read and agree to the terms and conditions. Then, click the button that says ‘Enter Giveaway’. Easy peasy!
How to Sign Up For Email Notifications & Track Giveaways Based on Your TBR List
If you want to make things easy on yourself, I highly recommend signing up for Goodreads giveaway email notifications. That way, you don’t have to keep checking the open giveaways for books you want to read.
First, make sure you’re adding all the books you want to read to your ‘Want to Read’ shelf on Goodreads. This includes books that haven’t been published yet!
Then, go into your Goodreads account settings. Click on the ‘Emails’ tab, and scroll down to the ‘Comment and Action Notifications’ section. Under the line that says ‘Lists a Giveaway with a book I added as To-Read’, select a button that says ‘an email’.
Click ‘Save email settings’. Now, you’ll get an email whenever a book from your Goodreads ‘Want to Read’ list is listed as a giveaway!
You can also choose to get an email each time a giveaway is listed for an author you follow.
What to Do If You Win a Goodreads Giveaway
If you win a Goodreads giveaway, you’ll get an email that tells you what to expect (i.e. how long it normally takes for a book to arrive, etc.).
Once you receive and read the book, it’s optional to post a review. But it is recommended, since a big part of the purpose of Goodreads giveaways is to help share and generate buzz for that book.
Publishers and authors are taking the time (and spending the money) to send a book to you, so it’s nice to return the favor by sharing about the book in some way!
I hope this post has inspired you to enter some book giveaways on Goodreads. 🙂 Happy reading!
Related posts:
- What is Goodreads (+ 9 Reasons You Should Join!)
- Library Book Sales: What They Are & How to Find Them
- TBR List for Books: What It Is & How to Make One
- How to Start a Bookstagram (& What It Is!)
- Bookstagram Influencer Programs to Join for Free Books
- ARC Books: How to Get Advanced Reader Copies from Publishers