Now I will have to make sure a Promo Code isn't wasted. If I could have used it after the expiry period with another potential reviewer then Apple and I would have accomplished more marketing activity without any effort on Apple's side.
Apple allow the promo codes to be drawn in small batches - say 5 a time - you do not have to take the 50.
I often get stick for sounding like an Apple "Apologist" as one recent Disgruntled 'author" claimed a short time ago - but, Apple have put a lot of money in man hours in various departments in producing iBooks Author and the systems which take one persons idea for a book through a process right into their iBooks store - Free of charge!
Having done that, the "how do I sell my book to the public", is basically up to you and how proactive and inventive you can be. As for promo codes, I covered them above, so plot the reviewers etc,. you think will be usefull and draw suffient codes to deal with them, I would suggest you add in your request, that the code expires in 7 days or will be withdrawn and issued to A.N. Other who has asked for it!
Now I will have to make sure a Promo Code isn't wasted. If I could have used it after the expiry period with another potential reviewer then Apple and I would have accomplished more marketing activity without any effort on Apple's side.
I do not agree with this premise! I think Apple are well aware that the vast majority of books uploaded by are not going to sell 50 books.
I am sure Apple also know how promo codes are in fact used. Most are used to get a free copy to friends and family, and I have been on various Apple related forums where the codes are offered for apps and books - with a request for a 5 star review - which helps the product to show more in the lists.
So to me "controlling free copies is a none start idea - why? because.....
You have a website - so upload a book there and include a download link when you contact other reviewers. A short explanation to download and get it onto iPads/Macs will help. This method with its variation can be used by any person and even without a website - Dropbox is free and ideal to move move books easily. I would bet most if not all reviewers will have Dropbox or Box or other "Cloud" storage/distribution sites for their own use.
Another option is to open a free book account, upload your book at the same time to Paid book is delivered or wait till thats accepted then add the free book. Using the Link Maker, get the link and include when approching reviewers.. suggest its your way to enable the full " book purchase experience using the iBooks Store" ! After your reviewers are satisfied, go into the accout iTunes Connect > Manage your Books > click on the book to open its page and top right Rights and Pricing > un select all 51 countries. Your book is now out of the store and laying dormant having done its job with offereni a freebie to any body else... at the start its also the way to get your friends and famiy a freebie direct from the store
And don't get me started on the benefits of having manageable discount codes to run reduced price promotions, eg quote a discount code in an advert.
Maybe not as easily manage BUT, you can run a reduced price offer simply by setting a period where the book price is reduced. Same as the free book above.. select a reduced price period in Rights and Pricing.
https://linkmaker.itunes.apple.com/us/?urlDesc=
Good look with your books ....
madcrowd
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vinnyvg
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