Giveaways - What's the deal?

[WonderBunny]

I see many blogs that offer book giveaways and since I'm new to blogging, I wondering if they are necessary to keep blog readers and/or grow readers/followers. Are they?
When you are just starting out blogging, how do you get books to give away?
Is there a way to best promote book giveaways?

When it comes to author interviews along with book giveaways, do you contact the author first? Or contact the publisher?

Is twitter important to giveaways and promoting your blog?

Thanks!

[Mandie]

Hi Wonderbunny! There are actually groups on here where publishers offer you books to giveaway for you to review and promote the book. The publishers set up the author interviews for you although authors are starting to contact me now too. I have giveaways for several different items on my site but books always do the best. I actually just started a 2nd blog this week dedicated to just books! (not many followers yet) I do promote on facebook, twitter, and ning groups.
good luck! ~Mandie
http://www.takingtimeformommy.com Online Magazine for Moms
http://www.mommyreadstoomuch.blogspot.com

[Jeanne C.]

I have just recently started blogging, too! I wondered the same thing about authors, getting books, etc.
I am hosting my 2nd giveaway right now. I don't do twitter. I suppose I should, but I just don't.

I sell books online, so I have a lot in my personal collection. That's where I get mine for giveaways. But I don't know what other poeple do. Hopefully as time goes on I'll learn more about this whole adventure!

To promote my giveaways, I have just posted here on BB.
Wish I could help you more. Maybe somebody who knows what they are doing will pop in and offer some advice. LOL.

Jeanne
www.acupofteaandacozyforme.blogspot.com