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Suggestions for Giving Away Dug Down Deep

Hey, everybody. Hope you're doing well. I'd love to get your feedback on something. My publisher wants to promote my new book Dug Down Deep by giving away some "advance reader" copies before it's officially published in January. So here's my question for you: What do you think the best way is to creatively give these away and generate interest in the book? I'd love your ideas. We've talked about hiding books in different parts of the country (an idea I got from my friend Don Miller whose new book is coming next month). We've also thought of randomly choosing people who join the Fanpage or follow me on Twitter. Any other creative ideas? My publisher suggested the idea of giving away to one person in each of the 50 states. But how should we pick the winner for each state? Whoever emails in first? Is there some kind of contest that you think could work? I'm open to any ideas.

Let's start with this: Whoever I think gives the best suggestion for how to do this--how to create some buzz and give away books--will win the first advance copy of Dug Down Deep. Just make sure to include your email address in your comment. Thanks.

Update: Thank you for all the great ideas! There are so many good ones that we've decided to give away more than one prize. And hopefully we'll use many of the ideas to give additional books away later this fall. I figure, why only use one method? But right now we're sorting through all the entries and choosing the winners. We'll post that info next week. Thanks again for participating.

Posted by on August 24, 2009

Comments (94)

What I think works best:

Find some popular blogs and try to make a deal where you send the bloggers 2 copies of your new book. They review it, link to places where people can buy it, and then they give away the second copy that was sent to them.

I'll volunteer. :)

Posted by Matt Svoboda | August 24, 2009 10:33 PM

I would say the most creative way you could do it is probably the simplest. Make a post, get a random number generator (on your's or someone else's computer) and go with the number of the comment that matches. Repeat for each advance copy.

Another way (more effective for publicity) would be to send them to the first X number of people who agree to write a review (specify length) and post it on Amazon or some other site that sells the book.

DK

Posted by David Ketter | August 24, 2009 10:34 PM

Hey Josh! How about you have people write a short paragraph explaining how the Lord has used one of your previous books to help provoke growth in godliness or help mold their convictions to live Biblically in different ways? Can't wait to read Dug Down Deep!!

Josh

Posted by Joshua Volz | August 24, 2009 10:37 PM

I'm not sure what the book is about, since I haven't heard of it before now, but shouldn't you some how get it to the target audience and not just random people?
Say, if it was specifically for young people, get it to youth groups. Or if it is specifically for men, or prisoners,... whatever the audience it needs to get to them.
As for how, what about people asking? Depending on how many books you have to give, how many are willing to ask?

Posted by Anonymous | August 24, 2009 10:38 PM

Well in keeping with the title, how about a promotion to see who can snap a picture with the sign "How deep are you?" in deep places like in the ocean, a cave, etc...

Have them send it in. You could hand out prizes for most unique, deepest, funniest, and so on.

np

Posted by NP | August 24, 2009 10:39 PM

How 'bout while you think about it you send me one. ;-)

Posted by Josiah Faas | August 24, 2009 10:40 PM

Well josh, I'm not that creative but I like to read a good bit and would be happy to talk to everyone I know about it and I'll post a review on my blog! And I'm known to be a talker, so you know I'd tell everyone about it! Haha, I'm already telling folks to read it! :). How's that for a shameless plug? So, if there's a contest for the most shameless begging, I hope you consider me! :) ha!

Posted by emily | August 24, 2009 10:41 PM

Go bury one in my yard and then give me a treasure map and then I'll "dig down deep" --let's say, 2 inches, to get it. Then I raise my hand to my chin as if I am really pondering this very dirty book. And we film the whole thing.

My kid says something funny on the video.

Posted by sd smith | August 24, 2009 10:42 PM

I suggest the best way would be to send them to my church, New Life Church, in Colorado Springs, CO. If it's something we've learned is how important it is to go deep, go deep in the love and forgiveness of God. Roots deeply dug won't allow the downfall of a beloved pastor, Ted Haggard, or the shooting and killing of two lovely sisters and the shooter himself cause the tree to be blown away. Nope, we dug down deep and as a church we withstood the storm. We had to KNOW what we believed in and why...and we stood.

Posted by Amy Kennedy | August 24, 2009 10:46 PM

There is this thing called "geocaching" (google it). Where you get coordinates on line about different locations all over the United States about different spots where there are hidden boxes full of stuff people leave. You could look up some of those spots, put books in them, then give out coordinates online or have "random" people find them. Might be fun....

Posted by Drew Simmons | August 24, 2009 10:46 PM

Maybe combine the email and single representative from each state ideas.

First person from each state to email in their name, blog url (must have a blog), and shipping address. You could then take the urls and link them on the book website (if you have one) as reviewers.

The only condition to getting a review copy is that you have to write a blog review of the book. You could stipulate the requirements for what constitutes a "review" as you and the publisher see fit (hopefully "it was cool" won't count).

What's that email so I can get mine in? :)

Posted by Troy Sanders | August 24, 2009 10:48 PM

I like the idea of giving one away to someone in each state, but you should have them do a scavenger hunt for state specific stuff.

Posted by Adam | August 24, 2009 10:48 PM

Joshua,

I agree with the first comment by Matt. I think this is one of the best ways to get the word out.

I'd be glad to promote your new book through a give-a-way on my website and blog.

Trish

Posted by Trisha Ramos (FishWithTrish) | August 24, 2009 10:48 PM

send 'em to a homeless center in each state.

Posted by Jared Pete Parker | August 24, 2009 10:49 PM

I could give a copy to Pastor Rich Nathan from the Vineyard Church Of Columbus...It is Probably the largest Church In the greater Columbus, Ohio Metro area!!! We could then have him put out the word on his weekly Radio Address, and then we could have A flier announcing the book in the church lobby, and THE MIX Magazine that it will be for sale in the church bookstore when it comes out.
Or you could Let Your Mentor...CJ Mahaney Read the book, and Make an announcement across the pulpit at Sovereign Grace Ministries Church in Gaithersburg, MD. Then He could also have all the other Sovereign Grace Sister and affiliated churches...Make an announcement in their churches.
What about putting copies in Dr. Offices across the country, or even in the Jails and Prisons for the Chaplains to give out!!!!
I hope I win this because I love you as a Pastor...My Home Church is Covenant Of Grace Church in Copley, Ohio. That is one of the Sovereign Grace Churches in the Greater Akron area.(That is where my son and I attend when we are home to see family, and or live there)
I would love to have a copy of this book, and review it. I also Love Don Miller...One of my fave books he has written is,"Blue Like Jazz". I love that book!!!!!
If I don't win...what are the chances of me still getting a copy of your new book, Dug Down Deep???
***********************************
***********************************
WHEN ARE YOU GUYS GOING TO START A SOVEREIGN GRACE CHURCH HERE IN COLUMBUS?????? DAYTON, OHIO IS ALMOST 100 MILES FROM ME, AND TOO FAR TO DRIVE EVERY WEEK.
Please tell me that a church is in the works soon!!!!!
Love, Because of Christ...
BJ & STEPHEN MILLER

Posted by Bj Miller | August 24, 2009 10:51 PM

Is the idea to give the book away or for the book to be read? I think that you should ask a question on some concept or chapter of the book and solicit responses on facebook, myspace and twitter and then choose the top 50 answers or however many books you want to give away. The judges could you, CJ and your other member (sorry his name is not coming to me at the moment) on the Sovereign Grace Leadership Interview Series since doing the pod cast isn't that time consuming for you :-) You could also just choose to give me a copy because I have given such a great suggestion for you. Have a great one. Peace, Todd Fox

Posted by Todd Fox | August 24, 2009 10:52 PM

From the research I've done on how to get your site to come up higher on Google, it seems that you need to have lots of people put a link to your site on their sites. Maybe you could announce that you'll give advance copies to the owners of the first ten (or however many) hits on a Google search of your book title, thus encouraging people to link to a site promoting or selling your book. Or some variation on that theme. :)

Very excited about your book~and your return to the pulpit!

Posted by mieke | August 24, 2009 10:53 PM

I think your giveaway could extend beyond an individual, involving whole local churches. Besides the theological rightness of a local church focus, wouldn't hurt to point out that you'd be generating interest beyond a single person.

You could do a picture contest for local churches, asking for the most creative pictures of an entire group of people digging (shovels, backhoes, etc.)

You could ask churches to find out which member has been the deepest on earth, giving the book to that member.

Finally, you could set up a website with a brief theological quiz. The church with the most right answers gets a book to give out at their discretion. (or, to be a bit more cynical, the church with the fewest right answers gets the book. :-)

Posted by david | August 24, 2009 10:54 PM

I think your giveaway could extend beyond an individual, involving whole local churches. Besides the theological rightness of a local church focus, wouldn't hurt to point out that you'd be generating interest beyond a single person.

You could do a picture contest for local churches, asking for the most creative pictures of an entire group of people digging (shovels, backhoes, etc.)

You could ask churches to find out which member has been the deepest on earth, giving the book to that member.

Finally, you could set up a website with a brief theological quiz. The church with the most right answers gets a book to give out at their discretion. (or, to be a bit more cynical, the church with the fewest right answers gets the book. :-)

Posted by david | August 24, 2009 10:54 PM

What about another country? I am from Monterrey, Mexico and I definitely want that copy =) Can I?

Posted by Giancarlo | August 24, 2009 10:56 PM

Why not find a few small groups throughout the country that would be willing to read the book, talk over it together, and compile some sort of advertising for their church? In this way entire congregations would get to know about it.

I'm sure after hearing about it many of your fans would be willing to get a group together that would support this idea. Whatever group showed the best interest via email or a written letter taking in factors like church size, etc...you could easily determine the winner(s) in a fair way.

Posted by Dylan Drake | August 24, 2009 10:58 PM

One book to one person in each of the 50 states??... what about your readers from all over the world?...

I'm from Dominican Republic. I've read all your books and I'm really looking forward to reading your new book... So here's an idea: why don't you make us "dug down deep" in all your previous books for some "quotes" or "phrases" and the ones who give back the right answers win a free copy.

Well, I'll let you know if I come up with something else. LOL

Posted by Lidia | August 24, 2009 11:01 PM

Josh,

I think a great way to spread the word, is to pass a copy through different churches and have the pastors read it and have a series of sermons based on your book. You could also do a sermon as well on Sunday because who doesn't listen to you online? or you could have CJ, John Piper, or Dr. Carson write a book about your book, then everyone will want to read it :o)

Posted by Eli Johnson | August 24, 2009 11:05 PM

I think you should combine your treasure map idea with the burying of the book idea from one of the previous comment.

Send two books to wide variety of people - a representative from each of the Sovereign Grace Churches - or a representative from each of the 50 states - or the first 50 people to respond to a post.

The representative gets to keep one book for themselves, but in return, they have to come up with a creative treasure map/set of clues to lead a larger audience to the other copy of the book... which they've dug down and buried deep in the ground- 2 feet or so.

Also, send two to Tim Challies and make him bury one and lead some Canadians to dig it up. Can't leave him out of it :-)

Posted by Jenn Romanski | August 24, 2009 11:12 PM

How about the first 100 to retweet something you post about the book get a free copy? Or first 100 to comment on your blog about why they think this book may be helpful? Max Lucado's publisher's blog gave away books to the first 100 or something that commented about a specific question.

Posted by rachel | August 24, 2009 11:16 PM

Give me a free copy! I'll write a blog about it, and all my friends will buy the books!

Wyatt

Posted by Wyatt | August 24, 2009 11:23 PM

Josh, How about sending copies to Christian radio stations around the country to give away during their Sharathons. One popular radio station on the East Coast WCRH Williamsport Md(close to where you live)is having their Sharathon Oct. 21-23 with guest Wayne Shepherd and Bob Lepine. Maybe the various stations could do phone interviews with you during their Sharathon and you could encourage the people to give to the station and also you could use that time to tell about your new book. A great way to reach a large audience with free airtime. God bless. wishiwereflying20th@yahoo.com

Posted by Michael Gearhart | August 24, 2009 11:35 PM

Parachute drop the books across the country.

Posted by Robert Berry | August 24, 2009 11:37 PM

Photos, videos and contests will help get some viral activity going. A video is probably too much work for most people to get a free book...so how about this: have a contest to see who can take the most creative picture to convey "dug down deep" by capturing a modern-day equivalent to building your house on a rock. The person (or people) who gets the most votes wins the book. Something like this: http://www.wildfireapp.com/tour/promotion_types could help you run the contest, but I've never used it before - maybe some of the techies in the singles ministry can help you out =P

Posted by Dave | August 24, 2009 11:52 PM

I don't know if this has been suggested or not. But how bout picking fifty local churches and pastors of each state. And then have them plug it before their sheep (after reading it of course). That way you can reach a fairly large group of people while still reaching the people you are seeking. Blessings and God speed!

Posted by Stephen Willcox | August 25, 2009 12:20 AM

I think the best idea is to have one in each state but you need to bring some hype to it. First you need to have a copy buried in each state. Actually buried. Then there will be clues posted on twitter that will lead to each individual place.
For example you start with a clue of the city and state. Then lead them to a monument, and finally with an exact location. Bringing an idea of Amazing Race meets Pirate Treasure meets Jesus...

Also I live in Canada and follow your blog and your ministry and would love to not have Canada forgotten, if that's possible.

Later,

Posted by Rob Steele | August 25, 2009 12:47 AM

You can hide your books in public places and then tweet out the location.

Or you can tweet out your location, then the first person who greet you with a specific message gets the book.

Or you can ask some questions on Twitter and the first person who answers correctly get the book.

Or randomly choose a winner who includes the hash tag of #dugdowndeep on their tweets. That way the book can even be a trending topic.

And the best thing is, people from all around the world can be a winner too!

Posted by Caitlin | August 25, 2009 12:51 AM

I like the previously mentioned idea about having a blogger from every state (and other countries) who will volunteer to write a review for you book.

Blessings!

Travis

Posted by Travis Squires | August 25, 2009 12:57 AM

I think the best idea so far (for publicity) is to have a blogger from each state (and country if interested) volunteer to write a book review.

Blessings!

Travis

Posted by Travis Squires | August 25, 2009 1:02 AM

Is this only open in US? how about reaching to other countries as well?
How about choosing a country or a state (in the US) that has some parallel connection to your book? Like for example, based on the title of the book: Dug down deep. You could ask a question - where could you find the deepest sea level. What country is it near located.
Whoever chooses the correct answer, you give a copy. you also give a 5 copy or less to the answered country.
In that way, you could reach out to a much diversed group. :D

Posted by Pearl Ben | August 25, 2009 1:04 AM

I have been reviewing books for 3 different companies. Two of them usually offer me 2 copies of each book (one for review and one for giveaway). I post my reviews and the giveaways on my blogs. I think this is an excellent way to get the word out :).

Posted by LivingforGod | August 25, 2009 1:06 AM

Two words, my friend:

"Limerick Contest"

Posted by Sheena | August 25, 2009 1:42 AM

Im not sure if this is possible but why not send a couple of books to each continent in the world? Maybe you can find some well known believers on each continent.

Posted by B. | August 25, 2009 2:02 AM

Start a blog about how Dug Down Deep has completely ruined all our lives, even though we haven't read it.

It'll turn the tables a bit on the weird cats who keep sending me links to how evil you are and such for suggesting that people date with purpose and all.

Bad idea?

Posted by Aaron | August 25, 2009 2:06 AM

A Competition; to enter people have to download and printout the image of the front cover (or you could send them the book).

The winner is the person who gets the widest (legal) publicity coverage and submits proof to your website.

Posted by Chris Holding | August 25, 2009 2:24 AM

Hey
sounds like fun... what about your readers who AREN'T in the USA?! :-) there are many of us who live outside it...

Posted by Hannah Cooke | August 25, 2009 3:07 AM

I like the limerick competition idea, but then I'll do anything involving rhyme and metre!

I'll second calls to give out copies to bloggers; pick a few well known ones (Adrian Warnock + Dave Bish for the UK, for example), get them to run their own competitions if they want, and pass out more to other readers--bloggers can review them online, but then so can anyone on Amazon, so it doesn't just have to be bloggers. Try the limericks to do that :)

Posted by Matthew Weston | August 25, 2009 3:28 AM

dug down deep is clearly a gardening link - photo competition for people to either depict a story out of the bible or a chapter out of the book using plants, vegetables or anything else they'd find in a garden...

and I also like the limerick idea :)

Posted by Mike | August 25, 2009 4:40 AM

Hi Josh, it all depends how radical you want to be! One of the best ways to get publicity here in the UK is to get something banned or protest about it!! So... Just get some willing volunteers from your church to gather and protest against the publication of such controversial book, get them to burn a few copies..(if conscious wont allow then just put the dust cover on a Richard Dawkins publication).and hey prsto! Hope this helps..but somehow I fear not ;) Anyway, all the best with the book. I appreciate what you guys at SG do.

Posted by GRAEME ADAMS | August 25, 2009 7:03 AM

You could put posters around the country with clever catchphrases, like "The Dig happens in January," ec. I hear it worked for that District 9 movie.

Posted by Lauren | August 25, 2009 8:02 AM

I agree with Matt Svodoba (1st entry). Give two copies for one blogger in each state, and two copies to one blogger in each country you have someone following you. So they can read post reviews and give away the other copy to one of his readers. I don't know if you remember, but a couple weeks back I've epmailed you about giving away a couple "advance readers" copies to some of your followers, could I be the blogger from Brazil to get it?

Posted by Filipe Niel | August 25, 2009 8:13 AM

Hey Josh,
I think that utilizing the radio, especially local (by state/area) or internet radio stations, to advertise your new book with a short creative commercial and with a free giveaway would help to promote the book as well as open the venue to bless those who win the giveaway of the advanced copy. I know that Air1 radio is popular and I am sure there are many other Christian radio programs or stations that would love to be able to giveaway your new book. Also using the advantage of how popular your previous books have been and the fact that this would be an advanced giveaway I think this might help generate interest and awareness of "Dug Down Deep".

A second idea that uses a commercial would be to ask for entries of ideas for a commercial/advertisement to promote your book and the best entries win a copy of your book.

Hope you find the best solution. God bless!

Posted by Melody | August 25, 2009 8:20 AM

I review books quite often (received from publishing agents and Thomas Nelson).

I've found people were always interested to see what their favorite book bloggers have to say but in this economy many will only purchase recommended books.

Posted by Brenda@Coffeeteabooksandme | August 25, 2009 8:21 AM

Share a brief synopsis of the book and then have individuals write and tell you why they NEED the book right away. Then, they have a certain time to read it and write a brief review. When you receive the review, you will send a copy for someone else that they choose to give one too.

Posted by Scott Carson | August 25, 2009 8:35 AM

I think you should do a scavenger hunt type thing and people can look for the clues on Twitter or FB and when they find the book you could maybe be there in person to give it away?? I don't know though. You would be awfully busy. :)

Posted by Kristin Young | August 25, 2009 8:44 AM

Give two books to people, one to keep and the other to geocache to go along with the digging theme. Cheap labor for the cost of a book.

Posted by Tom Oles | August 25, 2009 9:13 AM

Have a haiku contest. If they can rhyme the word doctrine non-awkwardly, they deserve to learn more about it.

Posted by Emily | August 25, 2009 9:16 AM

Maybe randomly select churches across the country that aren't part of sovereign grace ministries and send free copies to the pastor of the church. Of course after they read it they will recommend it to their congregation!

There is also a new website called incourage for women -there are lots of writers for their blog and maybe sending it to some of them would be good and maybe they would write a review on it on the new website. http://www.incourage.me/

Posted by Brandy | August 25, 2009 9:31 AM

Twitter can be very effective for easy, fast, large-scale promotion (which will also reach beyond the US). I recently took part in a very popular promotion where a company was giving an item away each day for 7 days. They randomly selected each day one person who had used the specified hashtag in their tweet. The tweet didn't have to be about the company but naturally anyone reading the tweet would wonder what the hashtag was about and look it up, then start using the hashtag so they could win the item.

You could run a similar competition where you randomly select one tweet each day that contains the hashtag #digdowndeep and give the book away to the tweeter. It would be worth doing it over several days to allow it to gain popularity.

Posted by Robyn | August 25, 2009 9:47 AM

Have people retweeting a post about your book giveaway is a great way to market and give the book away.

Any forum of viral marketing can spread the word fast. Like those evil spam email chains you get that have been around for years. Your book could be advertised by a chain email for years! Lol

Posted by Kyle Callahan | August 25, 2009 9:52 AM

LibraryThing.com does an early reviewers list where you can offer copies and people can request them and winners are chosen at random to receive it early.

Posted by Matt Beeman | August 25, 2009 9:53 AM

I would encourage interaction on Twitter and Facebook and use it as a platform to do the give aways. I would ask questions regarding some issues in the book and give away copies to those who answer first. It is fairly random as you dont know who is on at any given time, and you can encourage others to become involved in your ministry through FB and Twitter by this. Plus, it generates interest in the content of the book.

Posted by JT | August 25, 2009 10:00 AM

You could also give away some digital copies. This wouldn't have extra print costs associated with it. If you want to discuss doing this with Olive Tree's mobile BibleReader, email me at stephen@olivetree.com.

Posted by Stephen | August 25, 2009 10:31 AM

Maybe you can get church leaders around the world to ask lay-people in their church what question they have about Christian doctrine, and you can ask someone or several in your congregation as well. The church leaders then submit the questions to you, and whichever church has a question that your book does a good job answering gets a few copies of the book. That way they know the book is going to address a question they are already thinking about.

Posted by Sarah Wories | August 25, 2009 10:32 AM

At Mark Dever's church they give away books to the congregation routinely. You could give away your books to different pastors all over the country with the express purpose that they plug the book in their services and give it away to a member of the congregation that they believe will actually read it. This inevitably ends up selling even more because it's like free advertising.

Posted by Tommy Peterson | August 25, 2009 10:56 AM

You could run a contest asking other people for their ideas on how to give the book away, and give it away to the best suggestion.

Do you like that idea Josh?
Win!

Posted by Nick P. | August 25, 2009 11:12 AM

1. Definitely post the first chapter or introduction online as a PDF. I can't tell you how many books I have picked up after reading the first chapter online. Also, bloggers like to link to actual content, and then some quotes will begin circulating.
2. Have a contest on Twitter having people tweet practical ways they have "dug down deep" and implemented sound doctrine in their own lives ("I dig down deep by..."). Pick the best ones (25 or so) and send those people books. This is better than random selection. Then post those tweets on your blog.
3. Repeat step two for Facebook.

Posted by M. Hunsberger | August 25, 2009 1:09 PM

No creative ideas here, Josh. I'm just a pastor who leads a care group and would love to grab an advance copy (I'll happily purchase it) to consider for all 3 of our care groups. Our "season" kicks off in the fall here, and I'd hate to delay a decision until January.

Jason

Posted by Jason Nicholls | August 25, 2009 1:17 PM

Clearly, the bloggers who follow you should be among the first to get a copy - after all, we'll each write an incredible review and help launch this book to the top of the NYT bestsellers list.

Which, you've got to admit, would have to be the first for a book on doctrine. :)

Posted by Aaron | August 25, 2009 1:58 PM

I like the Twitter idea - but with a twist: have people post, in one Twitter tweet, why THEY deserve the book, and put the hashtag #dugdowndeep at the end. Each day, select the best (or funniest) reason posted and send that person a copy.

Posted by Trey Edwards | August 25, 2009 1:59 PM

As someone in the thick of marketing a book right now, one thing I'm realizing is the importance of developing creative ideas that fit the tenor of the book, stick in people's minds, and have the potential to go viral. So, based on the little that I know about your upcoming book, here's a random idea that I think would be fun:

1. Send 25 books to bloggers who will agree to post a review on their blog. (I would have people e-mail if they are interested in doing this, and list their location, general readership demographic, and site stats; then you can select the 25 based on whatever criteria you think would reach the widest audience.) They would also have to commit to posting the review within a certain time frame due to the nature of the contest, as described below.

2. Along with the review copy of the book, send a word that should be embedded somewhere "down deep" in the post. It should be placed randomly so that it is obvious that it doesn't belong in the sentence where it is included. (The reviewers would also include at the beginning or conclusion of their review an explanation of the contest with a link to the contest post on your blog.)

3. You create a post linking to each of the reviewer's blogs and stating that each blog contains an embedded word that, once all combined and placed in the proper order, will reveal a key message from the book (or whatever...this is something that you would obviously have to write ahead of time).

4. Once all of the reviews have been posted, anyone can read them, searching (aka "digging") for the embedded words and then arranging them into the key sentence (or, if you didn't want it to be so complicated you could list the blogs in the order that the words should be placed). Then they e-mail you the sentence, and all correct entries are placed in a drawing for the remaining 25 giveaway copies of the book.

5. To help with the viral side of things, you could designate 1 or 2 other giveaway copies and hold a separate drawing for anyone who blogs, tweets, FBs, etc. about the "dug down deep" contest and leaves a comment to that effect on the post on your site.

This has a lot of "sticking" power because those participating will have read 25 reviews of your book, plus have the final key sentence pretty deeply entrenched in their minds because of the effort expended to discover it.

Anyway...like I said, just a random idea that came to mind that could be effective and fun for your book!

Posted by Natalie Wickham | August 25, 2009 2:02 PM

I guess great minds think alike and I have to agree with Jenn Romanski.

"I think you should combine the treasure map idea with the burying of the book idea."

1. "Send two books to wide variety of people."

2. "The representative gets to keep one book for themselves, but in return, they have to come up with a creative treasure map/set of clues to lead a larger audience to the other copy of the book... which they've dug down and buried deep in the ground."

3. My only attempt at a somewhat original contribution to the idea would be to require the that treasure map be a photo scavenger hunt/riddle quest. Think "National Treasure." At each place people have to solve a riddle to get to the next step. For example, here in Tucson there is a very popular place to watch the sunset called Gates Pass one of the clues could reference Acts 3:10 and the man sitting at the Beautiful Gate. Such riddle hunting would force people to dig into the scriptures before finding the book. Photographing the journey could make for some great online content as people relive the riddles and the answers.

Posted by Geoffrey | August 25, 2009 3:16 PM

I think you ought to keep all 50 copies for yourself and write about the wonderful talents that you possess as a writer. Tell that the book has been a smash with all who have read the manuscript. At some point, after "Dug Down Deep" reaches NY Times status, those 50 original copies will be worth hundreds if not thousands of pesos making their gifting that much greater.

Posted by Dawson | August 25, 2009 3:46 PM

I think those who show a clear heart for doctrine and a desire to learn and share should be the first ones to read it, I think. As a pastor I think of several others in my cogregation (including myself) who would just devour the content of this book as they have with other books. (I'm down several copies of stop dating the church) So post the first chapter and ask folks to critique the book from intro, table of contents, and chapter 1 - I think we know you well enough to have a good feel from that. The best critiques get a copy and could maybe be used by your publisher as quotes for later additions.

Posted by Jeremy Smith | August 25, 2009 4:07 PM

Ohhh! Had another thought (last one, I promise). You could post some key quotes from the book. Have people respond to and interprit these quotes in a short (approx. 30-45 seconds) marketing video. They post the video on YouTube, send you the link, and you guys pick the best ones (judged on creativity, relevance, etc.) to send books to. Post the winning videos on your blog and FB page, and links on twitter.

Posted by M. Hunsberger | August 25, 2009 4:34 PM

Have anyone and everyone create a short youtube video (30 seconds ish) explaining why they want/deserve a copy of the book (if you want to spice it up make them do it in a song).

I've seen tons of those youtube videos go viral, and many similar contests take place to win various things, you can get into the contest because you can track the videos that are getting viewed the most/are highest rated.

Just an idea

Posted by Grant Diamond | August 25, 2009 4:35 PM

Ask folks to write a promotional poem that has a zealous use of alliteration in each line?

The poem could end in "Dug Down Deep".

Posted by James | August 25, 2009 4:52 PM

Noticing that your book has 3 D's in the title, you could find a straight D student and give them a copy to help spur them on a little.

Posted by Jesse Phillips | August 25, 2009 7:22 PM

Have a contest centered around evangelism/witnessing (via video submission). Then let people vote on the most relevant/original ideas or biggest impact. And send it to those people. It's a double win they get a great book and it's an opportunity to reach souls for the Kingdom!

Nick

Posted by Nicholas Jenkins | August 25, 2009 7:57 PM

Offering it to bloggers who will read and then review your book is one of the strongest ways to get buzz (I know I've gotten books you've recommended on your blog) and another thing I'm thinking about doing when my book comes out is offering it to the first x amount of people (25, 50, etc...) through facebook, twitter, blog and...but the catch is they have to review it on amazon.

Posted by Rob Teigen | August 25, 2009 8:05 PM

What about a copy to a bookstore in every state and allow them to give it away as some kind of reward. Like someone who purchases another Josh Harris book may receive this book for free?

Posted by Ryan Corbean | August 25, 2009 9:50 PM

If you were planning on marketing the book in Australian Christian circles it would be good to get it reviewed up on the main stage at KCC - http://www.kcc.org.au/ Matt Chandler is speaking at the engage conference there this weekend. One book could be given to whoever reviews the book (in order for them to read it), the other could be given away to whoever sends the first text message to a certain number at the conference. This would expose 1000s of young Christians in Australia to your book.

Posted by Brad Konemann | August 26, 2009 8:10 AM

Couple ideas (some are from Malcolm Gladwell's tipping point):
--Get the book into the hands of people who are a part of a book club (so you would have to have a way to find people who are in book clubs or who would start a book club)
--Try more than one person's idea
--Put a scratch n win lottery kind of thing in Christian magazines (don't know how that would work for online mags, maybe some kind of widget)
--Give free books to people who complete a widget that emails a recommendation/link to Dug Down Deep website to 5-10 of their friends
--have a competition to see who can create the coolest youtube video or tag line recommending the book or whoever can come up with the most uses for a shovel or the most uses for your book and give books to the 5 or more best entries
--give a free book to every 30th friend on the Dug Down Deep facebook site

Posted by Bill Melone | August 26, 2009 11:14 AM

Here are some more options:


  • Put vouchers for copies inside theological books in church bookstores, public bookstores, theological school libraries, and public libraries. Place them like bookmarks so they are visible even when the books are closed. Have a link to a web site to enter their bookmark-specific redemption code and a picture of their finding. (Give vouchers to the volunteers who plant the vouchers.)

  • Put copies in the above-mentioned locations for people to simply take as their own. The book won't be in the locations' point of sale/loan systems...yet. Affix a note of explanation inside the front or back cover in case someone gets caught taking a copy.

  • Have people answer specific questions about other theological books on your blog; pick random recipients from the responses.

  • Have people submit pictures of themselves buried in their theological book collections and award the people with the most books and the most creative arrangements.

Posted by Ian Lotinsky | August 26, 2009 12:13 PM

Try one to everyone who comments on this blog and have them read Dug Down Deep and have their review published in some format they are familiar with and share a copy of it/link to it with you. Example: Each person's blog, their friends blogs, the local paper (yes, they are still read in places) and distribute it to your friends who have blogs and see if they will review it too.

I would really enjoy reading it. I have gleaned a lot from your earlier works. Thank you for your consideration. I read a lot I would be glad to share and publicize the book.

Posted by Tracy Atcheson | August 26, 2009 12:36 PM

Give away books to..

-People who get the title in the media using an unconventional method. (i.e. a sign at a football game or in the crowd at NBC's Today, on the tee-shirt of a runner covered in a race by local news, maybe they are a contestant on the Price is Right?)

-Run a photo editing contest where people have to photoshop your book into a picture and post it either on their blog, facebook, or twitter. 50 best pictures win. (Angelina Jolie or Whistler's Mother contemplating your book...)

Posted by Matt Hall | August 26, 2009 4:17 PM

I agree with geocaching. That's what I was going to say! Make it simple, though - I tried this on a date night for my husband and we didn't find anything :)

Posted by Christen | August 26, 2009 5:26 PM

i have a suggestion!

try to run a contest here in your blog asking for any blogger to write something about your book and then those who do so will get a link back from your site in one of your posts and will get a chance to win the book! aside from that i'm favorable to randomly giving a twitter or a facebook friend.

hope this helps

Posted by Mikes Sumondong | August 26, 2009 8:13 PM

How about...

Challenging everyone who reads the blog to post a video on YouTube (perhaps on one of Jesus' parables, like Luke 6). Whoever gets the most 'hits' in 2 weeks, wins a copy!

It would be fun, edifying, and internationally viable.

Posted by Jake Eggertsen | August 27, 2009 9:47 AM

Ask people to review one of your previously written books. Set some guidelines for the review (word count, etc...), and then pick the best reviewers to get the new book.

This tact gives you insight to how the people getting the freebies actually digest your ideas, and whether or not they actually read, which if you are going to give away a few books you probably want them read, rather than shelved.

Oh, and people like Challies are exempt from the competition...he gets enough free books.

Posted by Jay | August 27, 2009 10:07 AM

I suggest you give the book some Christian leaders of opinion, and other brothers who do not have much influence in their churches.

Posted by Joel Cepeda | August 27, 2009 2:32 PM

What if you used an email vote. Publish on your sites the email address to send votes to. Your fans would then vote for as many people as they would like (but not themselves) to receive a free copy of your book. Those who were voted for receive an email showing they were nominated by X with a little detail of your book and an invitation to vote for others.

Posted by Jacob Ward | August 27, 2009 2:47 PM

Hi Josh!
I just heard of this new book like 5 minutes ago! (since I've been on hear);)I'm so excited and I want to get one very quickly. This topic has been one in my own thoughts for about two years now. The idea of getting "Deep" and consequently "Dirty" is your conviction and beliefs and not just piggy back on your parents. I read a book entitled "Growing up Christian" by Karl Grustien and Mark Jacobsen. It changed my life! I tell everyone who brings this subject up to read it!

Ok, So an idea to pick people for a free copy of the book to review? I think you should have people write in about a particular conviction/ deep belief that they have and how they have sufferd for that conviction/Belief (everyone write on the same topic that you would choose possibily even from one of the other books you have written) and pick what you think is the best/deepest/most sincere. That's the first thing that I thought of when I read your post. I didn't read through everybodys so I don't know if this has already been said if it has sorry for the repeat, if not, what do you think?!

Personel preference I would strongly plead with you to not do something that you have to do with a blog! What about us who don't have a blog???

Posted by Peter | August 27, 2009 7:47 PM

I would travel to cities where there are Christian universities, for example, the ones in Texas I am familiar with are Baylor University (Waco), TCU (Fort Worth), SMU (Dallas) etc. Got to these Christian universities in all different states and find the local coffee shop hangout, even a Starbucks if there is nothing else, and leave a copy of the book on a table or chair. Make it look like someone read it and left it. Write a note on the inside cover explaining the book was left there on purpose by you, and for that person to read it and pass it on in the same manner. Hit all Christian universities in all states if possible and let it flow. Who knows...maybe a non-christian will find it, read it, and you will have changed their life.

Posted by Tide Normand | August 28, 2009 2:26 AM

How about if someone agrees to cut off one of their limbs to get one? Great publicity!

Posted by Michele | August 28, 2009 11:50 AM

I think you should send out a free book to a number of people who left a comment on your blog and inside the front cover should be a challenge for anyone who receives the book. The challenge would include reading the book and creatively passing it on to someone else they know. Such as, leaving it on their friend's doorstep or having a Bible trivia game where the winner gets the book next. Plus i think it would be neat if everyone highlighted things they liked in it and left little notes or verses on the pages... that way the next person to read it could understand the same subject from yet another perspective (kinda like sharing ideas in a discussion).

Posted by Lydia | August 29, 2009 3:34 AM

hi,Pastor Josh.i just came to know bout u through a friend that i jz cme to knw...it's been vry encouraging to c hw God has been using u in a special way to touch d lives of many in d whole world..including Malaysia,my own country.i believe that God will give u His insight of what He realy want u to do..
God bless

Posted by STEPHANIE | August 29, 2009 4:30 AM

In order to give myself a fair chance you could give a free book to a random amount of people who signed up for your break out session at the t4g conference in Louieville. My boyfriend and I are early bird sign ups, I am very excited to visit southern as well. haha jk that would be cool though but you probably would like to reach a wider base than that so...


in order to do that you could post a series of questions, bible/ doctrine trivia, and the first to answer get a book.

Posted by Chelsea Owen | August 29, 2009 2:02 PM

I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

Susan

http://dclottery.info

Posted by Susan | September 11, 2009 10:44 AM

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