My case is not unique: I have decided to go it alone and self-publish on Amazon Create Space rather than use agents and publishers.
I also write a seminal blog under my writer's pseudonym.
Although the number of followers is small, I have considered promoting my books by offering as a prize one of my books as a prize.
The object is for followers to answer a multiple choice question about my books (which are collections of haiku/senru) and have a £1 entry cost (payable via PayPal) if I set up an account. I would simply buy my own book on Amazon and post it to the winner.
I have checked the Gambling Commission website, and S 14(5) of The Gambling Act 2005 seems to fit my type of proposed competition, though I'm not entirely sure.
Could anyone who has run a such a raffle in England recently provide an answer, or who has knowledge of this specific area and has promoted a book in this way? Please, no 'general' answers; my request is quite specific and also relates only to the law as it stands currently in the England and Wales jurisdiction.
Lorraine, thanks for your response, I have considered the issues raised in your reply. Indeed, I have emailed the GC and await a response. I'm not worried about the tax as I will declare that too. As for Amazon, I'll look into that.
I have looked at the relevant Act and Schedules thereof (it's a long one) and the proposed activity does not seem to be covered by it.
Generally, what I also really want is for someone who has published on Amazon CS and has operated such a raffle. I very much doubt Amazon would grill me for it; after all, the winner would receive the prize by way of the book being purchased on my own account and posted to them at my own expense.
Indeed, if someone from ACS is reading this website and sees this Q and A they could tell me directly.
Before you go that far, check your contract with Amazon/CS to make sure it's permitted.
You would also have to look into any tax implications. I'd advise you to contact the Gambling Commission direct.