Tuesday, February 03, 2009

RT Promo iIems?

For the past several days, I've been checking out promo items to have made for the RT convention in April. I can't make up my mind. Of course all of us authors want items that will compel readers to buy a gadzillion of our books, to buy all our backlist and all our future books. We want items the readers will keep and thus remind them of us for a long time into the future. We want items that will stand out in the crowd. And we want items that won't make us go broke. Um... That's a pretty tall order. At least it's perplexing the heck out of me. There's a couple things I'm thinking about. I hesitate to mention which things here because if hundreds of authors haven't already thought about them, I want to keep it unusual. When I'm at a readers' conference, I love to pick up pens. I usually look at the author's website. But does everybody? Hopefully. I definitely don't want to invest in something like a candy bar wrapper that'll be thrown away after one use and at most get one glance, however much appreciated. Bookmarks are another good buy for the money, but there are usually hundreds of them. How many will a reader honestly use and reread? Yet again, what other promo item can you purchase 100 for $17.95? You'll also want to see what Amarinda Jones, Anika Hamilton, Anny Cook, Barbara Huffert, Brynn Paulin, Bronwyn Green, Dakota Rebel, Kelly Kirch, Molly Daniels, Sandra Cox, Regina Carlysle, and Cindy Spencer Pape are up to, so make sure to visit them also. :)

8 comments:

Sandra Cox said...

Looking forward to meeting you face to face, Ash. I have no idea what I'm taking. Where can you get bookmarks?

Brynn Paulin said...

I use pens all the time that I get at conferences. Useful.

Molly Daniels said...

Ilove pens, bookmarks, magnets, and keychains:)

Phoenix said...

I don't use bookmarks or magnets (kids and sexy people don't mix). I do use pens, lip balms, note pads. I always pick up keychains and temporary tatts for the kids. Good luck.

Joanna Waugh said...

I look forward to seeing you at RT, Ashley! I'll be there as well.
I love any kind of bookmark because I read a lot and wear so many out. Pens are always good. I don't use magnets but I always pick up a keychain. Notepads also.

Regina Carlysle said...

Why not do a bookmark that has ALL your titles listed? That way it covers more ground. I've heard Vista Print does good one.

Shelley Munro said...

I like the idea of a lip balm, but at a conference a few years ago I picked up a little sign that says, "Writer at Work." Do not Disturb. On the other side the writer has their promo. I've kept that on my desk since I grabbed it. You can also get those signs that hang on doorknobs (the sort you see in hotels) Any writer mother could probably train her kids to pay attention to that sign. If it's not on the door they can interupt.

I also like the idea of a little loot bag with a bookmark and a couple of other things like an excerpt leaflet and a pen or whatever you have to hand.

One more suggestion - book thongs seem to be popular but if you make these make sure you add a tag with your name on it.

Unknown said...

So many great ideas. Thanks everybody! I look forward to meeting everybody face to face at RT, although Joanna and I already met at Lori Foster's event so we're old friends and I look forward to seeing you again.

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