Several months ago, I attending a writer’s conference. There, I rubbed elbows with the published authors and agents, attended workshops, and gave directions to someone after drinking too much champagne. Fun! I also managed to sneak into a promotions workshop for bookstore owners. This, in fact, was one of the best workshops I attended when it came to promo ideas. So now, here for you–my few devoted readers–promotional items for authors on a budget:
- Buttons
I like buttons. People at the conference liked buttons. You can put your bookcover or something catchy from the book on said button for instant promotion. Put them in Christmas cards. Hand them out to Trick or Treaters. Wear them on your shirt or bag. Two websites for button making fun: http://www.purebuttons.com or http://www.busybeaver.net.
- Poster Printing
What better way to get readers attention at a book signing or a conference than with a big, colorful poster? This site, sircooper, has 11×17 color posters for $0.36 each: http://www.sircooper.com
- Bookmarks
Bookmarks need no explanation. When I worked at Waldenbooks in college, authors would leave handfuls of bookmarks by the register. A lot of times, shoppers would pick them up. Bookmarks were also a favorite at the writer’s conference. There’s a million places online that do bookmarks; this is just the one mentioned at the conference: http://www.printplace.com.
- Business Cards
For the on the go author! Good for handing out at booksignings: sircooper has them, as does http://www.vistaprint.com
- Other promotional ideas
Matchbooks, novelties, balloons, candles, stickers, lipgloss, bath products–you name it, someone online sells it in bulk. Pens are always a big hit with people (especially me) and you can find a lot of places online where you can get your title or name on a pen then buy mass quantities for like, $0.20 a pop. I, personally, like free and can always be distracted by the promise of a free pen or bookmark. Anything that can catch your reader–or potential reader’s–attention could be well worth the investment.
Any other marketing ideas out there? List away! Links always welcome.
October 2, 2008 at 3:58 pm
I’ve received promotional “flying discs” (Frisbees) from authors before, so you really can use anything to promote yourself and your book.
October 2, 2008 at 5:22 pm
A great idea! I think some connection with the book is a great idea, like the author that gave “snowflake growing kits” with a business card attached. But, overall, anyway you can make an impression on someone is a great tool. Thanks!