Why I'd Rather Spend $1,000 Giving Books Away Than Make $1,000 Selling Them

If you're thinking about writing an authority building book, and I really hope you are, and you don't want to be counting pennies or checking your book sales all the time, you actually want a book that's going to change your life, I can tell you how. Just go to sevenfigurebooks.com. I'm not trying to capture your email or anything. You can just download this PDF that's going to tell you exactly how to turn an authority building book into revenue, speaking, authority, and no exaggeration, a whole new life.  A listener asked me a two-part question: as she gets ready to publish her book and launch her speaking career, what's the simplest, most economical path to having a box of copies on hand, and what should she budget to get there? I love this question, because I'm currently doing the exact thing she's asking about with the relaunch of On Good Authority. I've been following what I call the Alex Strathdee method—seeding signed, gift-wrapped copies into communities run by people I know and treating the request as the favor it is rather than a favor I'm doing them. That approach has already turned into an October speaking opportunity, and it's why my answer to her question is simple: never sell books after you speak, because giving them away builds far more value than the $60 you might walk away with from selling a few copies. Printing runs about $3 a copy—with shipping as the real cost to budget for—and I'd rather spend $1,000 giving books away than make $1,000 selling them, because that investment tends to turn into far more down the road. In this episode: - Why treating a book gift as a favor to someone's community, not a favor from you, changes how people respond. - The specific packaging details—stickers, highlighters, custom cards, ribbon—that turn a free book into a memorable gift instead of a giveaway - Robert Cialdini's concept of reciprocity and why gifting a book creates a different kind of obligation than selling one - How collecting addresses at events, following Joe Polish's thank-you-card approach, led to an unsolicited podcast invitation P.S. — Want me to answer your book question on a future episode? DM me on Instagram (@annabdavid), message me on LinkedIn or email [anna@annadavid.com](mailto:anna@annadavid.com). **Want to know more about my company? Legacy Launch Pad Publishing is a boutique hybrid publisher for entrepreneurs and established founders. We help clients create books that build authority, attract opportunities and grow businesses. More info** 👉 https://www.legacylaunchpadpub.com **Want to ask me how to build authority with your book to generate seven-figure returns, speaking opportunities and high-value clients?** 👉 **https://www.legacylaunchpadpub.com/pocket-anna** **Interested in working with a selective hybrid publisher that focuses on strategy, authority and long-term business growth—not just publishing a book?** 👉 https://www.legacylaunchpadpub.com/apply **And if you just want to know more about me,**  👉 **www.annadavid.com** Remember, if there's anyone in your life who you know could be considered an authority in their field if they were better known, share this show with them!