advice? opinion?

[Jessica Crawford Vernold]

I have a giveaway for my book on goodreads.com. I received an email from a young girl requesting an ARC because she is unable to enter the competition as she lives in the Phillipines and it is US only. She states that she will review the book if I send it. I realize every situation is different. Has anyone had success with a situation like this? Are there any warnings I should be aware of? I have sent several ARC copies to US reviewers that I have met on this site and Goodreads but I want to be selective as we are of course not in the business to hand out books, but to sell them. We give them away to reputable reviewers, but I am trying to limit that number and, again, be selective.

[Mk - PopcornReads.com]

I'm not an author but as a book reviewer, I've had people from outside the U.S. try to get me to bend the giveaway rules for them or flat out send them a book because they asked. I never do that because it's unfair to the other giveaway entrants and I don't ship outside the U.S.

Common sense says to do some research on this person. Do they actually have a book review blog or site? Is it theirs, i.e., their name or other identifier appears on it? Is the contact email the same - if not, it's probably not them.

Is it one you would want to review your book? Is there anything in your book that is inappropriate for any age group, since you don't know this person's real age. Also just know that you're setting a precedent (sic) and can expect this person to ask again - also where do you draw the line?

Just some thoughts. Hope they help.

[Jessica Crawford Vernold]

Those are some of the same thoughts I was having. It is reassuring to know I am on the same track with some others.

[Stormi Johnson]

Ever situation is different but I do know some bloggers from the Phillipines, so she could be a book blogger who really would like to review your novel. Just be careful, ask her for her blog review site URL and check her out.

[Jessica Crawford Vernold]

great advice

[Tana Rae Reads]

Well I live in Canada and would love to review your book,  I am not sure about your question though I guess if you have given out enough copies maybe just send her an email explaining that and tell her you will keep her in mind for your next book. Did she send you a blog link so you could see if she has reviewed other books.

[Jessica Crawford Vernold]

It wasn't necessarily that it was the Phillipines. It was simply, that I wasn't sure ethically. What type of format do you prefer for reviewing?

[KW McCabe]

I would suggest asking her if she has done reviews before and to give the links where her reviews are posted. Also, if you have your book in ebook format- I would like to review it :)  Here's a link to a sample of reviews I have done: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/kwmccabe you can contact me at alwaysabuttrfli(AT)hotmail(DOT)com

[Sandra "Jeanz" Richardson]

Do you have an ecopy of your book you could send her? I am a reviewer/blogger and lots of authors prefer that as it is a cheaper option. I always enter competitions and giveaways but do also ask authors for their books if I really like the look of them too. I think I have only ever been refused twice once was as it was yet unavailable in the UK and the second the author (who I will not name) said "he was in the business to sell books not give them away" I still did an author interview with both authors.

From the reviewers point of view it is irritating when you read all about a book and get really excited thinking wow i would love to read that only to find its US only! Having said that we do understand P&P costs can be expensive too.

I can see both points of view really and all I can say is if its expensive stick to your guns and say "sorry no" I hope my rather muddled and from both points of view answer has helped a little.

[Jessica Crawford Vernold]

You are right, an ebook would be a good option.

[Beccie]

I would ask her questions such as do you have a blog and then take a look at it if so.  I love doing reviews just in case you ever need another reviewer and I'm very honest about how I feel.  You can find my blog on facebook

www.facebook.com/Bookiesfan

Beccie Weaver

[Jessica Crawford Vernold]

Do you prefer ebooks?