When a book is newly released, the first thing an author might think of is to print up a bunch of bookmarks as a way to advertise their book. If I took a poll, bookmarks would probably be on every new author’s list of how to get the word out.
But that’s not the only way.
There are sooo many choices when it comes to marketing ideas that it can become overwhelming for a newer author to decide what will work and what won’t. Not only do you have to decide WHAT you want to put your book information on…i.e. swag items…but also WHERE do you want to promote those items. This week I will be looking at some swag items and other promotional ideas I will consider as I get closer to my release date for my historical fiction chapter book, HISTORY’S MYSTERIES: Ship of Dreams. Here is a list that will be helpful as general knowledge for self-published authors as well as those who might not have access to a marketing or publicity department through their own publisher.
Printing Companies
Vista Print…http://www.vistaprint.com
U Printing…http://www.uprinting.com
Print Runner…http://www.printrunner.com
P S Print…http://www.psprint.com
Mimeo Printing…http://www.mimeo.com
4 Imprint…http://www.4imprint.com
Oriental Trading…http://www.orientaltrading.com
Marco Promos…http://www.marcopromos.com
These are just some of the online companies offering ways to advertise my book. Some are quite cheap and others more expensive than my little budget will allow so I will get creative with my promotional ideas. Yes, I’m sure I will get my stack of bookmarks to advertise Ship of Dreams but here are some other ideas I might consider too. I will also keep in mind that ships are central to the story line and butterflies are part of my company signage as well.
Promotional Ideas
Hats
Tshirts
Ink pens
Pencils
Car Door Magnets
Foam Butterfly Stickers
Adhesive Labels
Silicone Bracelets
Business Card Magnets
Regular Business Cards
Full Color Badge Ribbons
Display Table Runners
Handle Bags
Butterfly Necklaces
Small Plush Butterflies
Butterfly Shaped Foldable Fans
Water Bottle Labels
Mini Flying Discs
Hi-Density Pulpboard Coasters
Corrugated Plastic Yard Sign
Indoor/Outdoor Banner
Emery Boards
Wooden Nickels
Temporary Tattoos
Balloons
Bumper Stickers
Hand Fans
As you can see the options are nearly endless when it comes to advertising my book. Will I be able to afford 500 tshirts with the Ship of Dreams printed brightly on each one? Probably not. But it’s my job as the author to lead the charge to promote my book and the future readers of my story probably don’t care that my budget is tiny. I’ll check what other authors are doing and make sure I give my book the best chance to succeed!
What have YOU used to advertise your books? What worked? What didn’t? Let me know in the comments below…
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Best selling, award-winning author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna is a BOOK NOOK REVIEWS host providing the latest book reviews on all genres of children’s books, and the host of WRITERLY WISDOM, a resource series for writers. Donna is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators and Children’s Book Insider. She is a lover of dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection. Donna’s latest book, LUNADAR: Homeward Bound (a YA fantasy), is now available in eBook and print form from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, and other online retailers.
