I think you would be hard pressed to find a romance reader who doesn’t have at least one promo item from an author. I don’t collect promo stuff the way other readers do, but over the years I’ve had my share of cover flats, bottles of bubbles, magnets, jar openers, notepads and bookmarks. I’ve even been given a miniature pair of handcuffs. Try explaining those to a visiting neighbor when one of the feline members of your household carries them in and starts batting them around on the kitchen floor. It’s funny, how that neighbor’s daughter didn’t come to our door to sell Girl Scout cookies this year. Given the number of bookmarks I have, you wouldn’t think I would have an empty gum wrapper marking my place in the book I’m currently reading, but I do. My favorite promo item? No question about it, I love pens. I have notepads and pens in every room in my house and they get used – a lot. I keep pens in my car, my purse, and all over my desk.
Some authors go so far as to put their covers, titles, heroes’ names, etc. on items sold through Café Press or other design-it-yourself sites. These vary from t-shirts, tote bags, picture frames, journals, coffee mugs, and even undergarments. I have a review site coffee mug and a couple of author totes, but draw the line at undergarments, especially thong underwear. Am I going to wear a thong with a book cover or an author’s name on it? Um, no. Honestly, if I were to don one, wind up in a car accident and someone did see it, not only would my mother be mortified that I wasn’t wearing underpants, but the reaction of medical personnel would not be something you’d want associated with your name, pseudonym or not. I’m picturing an EMT passing his cell phone around at the stationhouse and everyone laughing hysterically at the photo he’s captured, trying to zoom in to see just what my underwear says. It makes me shudder just thinking about it.
I’ve known of authors who promo themselves by offering readers free copies of their books in exchange for reviews posted at one or more of the online booksellers. I personally don’t have a problem with this, so long as the reader/reviewer feels free to comment honestly and doesn’t feel like their vote has been “bought†with the free book. Others feel differently, and that’s okay, but that’s fodder for another article, this one isn’t about reviews.
Book trailers are the new black. I know that a lot of readers absolutely love them and tell other reader friends to check them out, thus making them a successful means of promo. Personally, I rarely watch them, but that’s just me. I have seen a few but honestly, I’ve yet to see one that would sway me to buy a book. I rely more on blurbs, excerpts and suggestions from friends.
Many authors have online reader groups through Yahoo or Google, either solo or in a group with other authors where book and movie discussions are had, recipes are shared, jokes told, and sometimes pictures of hunky men in various states of undress are enjoyed. I belong to several of these and while I’m more active on some than others, I enjoy the discussions they provide and treasure the friendships I’ve made.
Author blogs are hot, hot, hot! I wish I had time every day to visit all of the author and reader blogs that I enjoy. As it is, there are a handful that I never miss and others that I drop by a couple of times a week. Most authors have contests on their blog for either their own books or those of other author friends. I think that most readers, myself included, appreciate the solidarity of romance authors and respect their willingness to promo each other.
There are countless readers who blog as well. Some only talk about books they’ve read, regardless of their source. Others post solely about books that they’ve reviewed for an online review site. I personally have a blog where I post reviews of books I’ve purchased myself, books that authors send me for review, books that I’ve reviewed on behalf of Romance Junkies, and mix it up with a little personal chitchat and fun observations. A good friend of mine posts fun book reviews and awesome movie reviews, occasionally “trading†blogs with a friend of hers, which is always interesting and keeps things fresh and new. Are readers tempted to buy a book because of the chatter about or a review for a book that they’ve read on another reader’s blog? I certainly hope so. I’m hosting a blog party today and tomorrow for an author who is a dear friend but due to personal demands on her time right now is lacking the time to promo her upcoming book; I’m hoping readers come in droves to check out the fun we’re having!
So, what’s your take on author promotion? What works for you and what doesn’t? Do you know anyone who buys books without checking out any author promo? As you look around your desk, do you have any promo items sitting around? I have within reach no less than five pens, three notepads and two bookmarks. (There’s not a thong in sight.)
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Hey Laurie! (waving) While word of mouth is still the strongest and most reliable source for me, I like to visit author blogs or websites for those who keep their sites updated. It doesn’t have to be everyday, but at least once a week is a good thing. A quick blurb to let readers know what’s going on with current works, new releases, upcoming stories – it helps keep me on top of favorite authors.
I don’t mind a bit of the personal thrown in either. It’s nice to visit with the authors a little. I’m not looking to be their new best friend, but as a reader, I’m interested in the person who wrote my new favorite book and like to know a little more of what makes them tick.
I do like the promo items, but they are not necessary. Bookmarks and pens are great because they are useful. Keychains and magnets not so much.
I’ve been lucky enough to get ARCs in exchange for review, and accept if I know I can comment freely – there have been instances when I have not liked the book and have said so (albeit diplomatically because it just wasn’t my thing), and have gotten good feedback from the author who wrote it.
I blog-hop a lot, so really, I don’t need the promo items to get me to buy a book.
Heading over to your blog Laurie!
I feel guilty. I think I fit the bill for most of what Laurie said!
Cafepress store – check.
Free books for online reviews – check.
BLogs everywhere – check.
Bookmarks – check.
But you know, I do the cafepress store because *I* like a lot of the stuff. And I do the free books more as a thank you to the readers who always do post online reviews. And I blog mostly because I just love chatting with readers. My favorite blogs are the ones where I’m not expected to entertain, that is, where I’m just blabbing and being me.
Happy sunny day to everyone!
Lori
Please no magnets!
I’ve lost count the number of times I’ve erased my bank card because I’ve slipped a business card sized promo magnet in my wallet. Now I look at them in horror. I can’t even recycle them.
The freebie books I receive because of my business blogs are always welcome. I don’t do reviews but I can usually get a post or two from the info in each book. My readers can make up their own minds if they want to buy the books or not.
The only promo items I’m doing for my book launch (other than having a site) is business cards (how we business gals say hi) and pens (because I lose one a day, might as well lose my own). My blog readers don’t even enter contests, I doubt they’d appreciate schwag.
I don’t buy books based on promo items like bookmarks, but I do love reading blogs (heh, not difficult to guess, given I’m replying here!). I like both author blogs and reader blogs–I get a lot of recommendations that way. LiveJournal in particular has been good that way, because of the “friends” feature to consolidate a number of journals together for daily perusal. It’s fun to watch someone rec a book, and then have reviews of that book flutter across one’s friends’ list.
I did start a new journal after I sold to Harlequin Spice, and bought a web domain, but haven’t put more there than a very basic page (the book doesn’t come out until December). I’ll be checking this entry to see if I can get any good advice!
“I think you would be hard pressed to find a romance reader who doesn’t have at least one promo item from an author. … Do you know anyone who buys books without checking out any author promo?”
I don’t have any promo items, nor does anyone I know offline. I don’t want ‘em–I’m not into collectibles or wearing/carrying advertising.
For me it’s all about the book itself. What I want is a way to find out about books and read excerpts online.
That said, I’ll be a grinch and say that not ever author should blog or make book trailers. If you don’t do them well, you’re better off just having a good, frequently-updated website. Just last week I decided not to try an author when I saw the quality of writing on her blog. And book trailers are risky–if I don’t like the way the book’s depicted in the video, I won’t pick up the book; whereas if it were left to my imagination, I might read the book and come up with different images that do work for me.
I’m notoriously lazy when it comes to promotion. Bookmarks are about the extent of what I’ve done. Oh, and I did postcards of my second book cover because Vista Print did them for free.
Thing is, you can collect author promotion materials for days and even like/enjoy it and nine times out of ten, you won’t remember who the sponsoring author was or what book they were promoting. So I just don’t bother.
I do blog, but it’s more because I’ve been doing it for ages and have built a solid network of friends via Live Journal. It’s only been recently that I’ve become more involved with group blogs with the intent of getting my name out there author-wise—this one and the MTV Books blog. I enjoy them and they serve as a bit of a warm up for getting into my writing day. That said, blogging’s not for everyone. I do it because I enjoy it. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t do it. Because I’m notoriously lazy.
Hi Laurie,
This is a great post/topic. Me as a reader I love receiving promo goodies authors yes I even have a tote bag filled with all kinds of promo goodies I collect from different authors and I even give some away as contest on my blog
I love sharing promo goodies with other reading friends. I do love post cards, pens, tote bags, book marks, signed book plates and lots of other things the authors send me 
I agree with you on the Book Trailer I love watching them.
I belong to alot of the authors yahoo groups/newsletters
Love blogs as well I try and visit as much as I can.
I have seen authors post about sending readers/reviewers a copy of there book for free if they agree to review it. Me I wouldn’t mind doing it but I suck at writing a review I just do comments *g*
Hugssss
LindaH
For the exact reasons RfP mentioned, I’ve given up blogging. I don’t have time to do it well and in truth, only started one because *everyone* said I should. Same with the MySpace page. At least that one I update, however infrequently.
Yahoo group for newsletter? That I use on a semi-regular basis (2 or three notices a month as I have news). Giveaways? On occasion. Promo items? Yes, I have a Cafe Press store and I do giveaways of bookmarks and excerpt booklets on Promotion Lane at conferences.
But my biggest and best promotion? By far…the promoting I do in Second Life. I have several shops that offer free excerpts (and an in-world serial that’s available for a small fee, although the first three episodes are free). I give a writing workshop (also free, although I accept tips) and I give live readings of both new short stories and of excerpts from my books. Those readings are increasingly popular and for the past two months, I’ve even made a small profit from the tips I get!
Just another avenue of promotion for readers and authors to consider!
Diana
I don’t really like promo items like pens or bookmarks, and I don’t make them myself, but I love author blogs. I like reading the behind-the-scenes stuff about the books, and also reading a *little* about what the author’s life is like–a daily writing day, etc. I write a blog myself but sometimes it’s hard to walk the line between interesting and too much information.
Kate
Hello pal. I don’t have a single promo item from any author. I think my friend Brenda sent me pens once.
I’ve never gone to a convention, so I’ve not found the reason to create widgets, although I’ve done some things for signings.
I keep thinking that I got to age 50 and read a lot of books. I mean a lot. And all without knowing you could get a pen, thong, bookmark, ARC, cover flat, etc.
I think most readers are that way. The internet could be changing that, but I still believe it’s the bookstore placement, the cover, the genre, and the name of the author. So I’m trying to focus on writing a book that will get me there without magnets.
I now really blog for myself as much as anything. There are so many more clever bloggers out there, that hoping to attract readers that way is like, well, you know…
xoxo
Ciar
When I was *just* a reader (aka, before I joined RWA) I had no idea author promo stuff existed. I didn’t know about RT. Nada. I checked out the new releases on Amaon and in the stores and bought books as I found them.
My first RWA conferece blew my mind. Rooms filled with swag. OMG. I still feel utterly unprepared. Like the dog ate my promo.
I *think* (hope!) my blog works for me, and I like doing one big contest for each book. And this time around I’m going to give away a free novella on my website (just as soon as I get it done, LOL!).
The only promo I’ve ever done is a business card and a trailer for my book. You’re right, trailers ARE the new black. My writer friends seem to be scrambling to have them done, paying God knows how much money to do it.
I have mixed feelings about trailers. Some of them are truly terrible and, I think, do a disservice to the writer and his or her book. And while the better ones may attract a certain number of readers, I’m doubtful that they’re very effective. Besides, where exactly do you SHOW a book trailer? On YouTube? How can you guarantee that readers will find it?
For what it’s worth, here’s a link to the trailer I made last year for the hardcover release of KISS HER GOODBYE. Is this something that makes you want to read the book? I have no idea. But comments are welcome.
I use pens all the time -whatever is handy. Even my kids grab them at the last minute when they walk out the door going to school. I keep a large hand painted ceramic planter near the door/table/phone and regularly restock it with pens and pencils as we deplete our stock.
I don’t buy books based on author promo materials. For me, it’s word of mouth first by readers whom I know share my interests, then excerpts online will sway my decision on buying a book. I lurk on several yahoo loops and when talk turns to a book releasing, I’ll go read a blurb or excerpt and decide if I want to buy the book.
I rarely watch book trailers for the simple reason of time. I’ll watch them for some authors I know and thats about it, and those are books I am going to purchase anyway.
Enduring Romance has a sister blog devoted to book trailers. However, this is only for books we have or will be reviewing.
You know, give me a good blurb and I’m there. That’s all I need, all I want.
If someone recommends a book to me that he/she knows I’ll like, that’s just gravy.
Wow, I never thought about promo items in this light. Before I was published, I didn’t have promo items from authors – I was missing out! Now that I’m pubbed, I like creating new things and brainstorming for new ways to get my name out there.
Word of mouth (as with any industry) is the best promo…or the worst. People trust their friend’s advice and will more than likely go buy a book if someone recommends it.
Personally, I like free books
. Who doesn’t? I love totes and Tees as well. I don’t use bookmarks, but I will read the blurb and decide from that if I should check into the book.
Great post, Laurie! I’ll be thinking long and hard about my promo items now that I’ve read your blog and the comments
.
Hugs,
Jules Bennett
I don’t pick up–or toss if I somehow end up with them–bookmarks and pens. I have nice bookmarks that I’ve selected over the years; I’m picky about my pens. As promo, they don’t work for me. Ditto cover flats, unless it was one of an author I loved and had amazing artwork…
Book trailers might work for me if I saw them on TV (although I record everything to DVR and usually skip commercials) or at the bookstore (i.e., if the bookstore had a screen up). I don’t spend a lot of time on YouTube.
Does all that make me sound cranky? I’m really not! I love books, but I buy them based on authors I already love, friends who write, or word-of-mouth/reviews that contain enough content that I know what the book’s about.
OTOH, my coauthor and I did have thongs and panties (and t-shirts) made with our logo and slogan, but we write erotic romance and a lot of people have really enjoyed them!
Great topic, Laurie.
I do promo just to remind readers and booksellers I have a book out. Word of mouth is hands-down the way to sell books. Readers listen to other readers.
Trailers are a way of getting your book news where it normally wouldn’t go. It expands your market if you get it widely distributed. Distribution is the key.
I do think you have to promote. I know several NYT authors who spend over 20K in publicity. As they say… Even Coke advertises.
Dianne
Hey Ljo,
I have lots of coverflats, bookmarks, pens, etc. I don’t use bookmarks very often since I have a book cover for my books. I throw my books in my tote bag and like to keep them protected.
Pens are my favorite promo item besides arc to have. I have bought books off of postcards we get in at the bookstore. Or arcs we may get in.
I don’t look at trailers much mainly cause I have dial up and its way to slow.
Great blog
I love the pens and notepads too. I have a stack of book marks and use them as promotion myself. I’m working on getting some pens.
I laughed out loud reading about the underwear and having an accident. How many of our mothers warned us about that?
This is my favorite blog to visit. There’s always an interesting discussion and many clever comments.
I don’t watch trailers or have one myself. No particular reason and they don’t convince me to buy books. I need to read blurbs or reviews or excerpts.
Promotion is something I’m just getting into, so it’s great to hear what other people think. Thanks for opening the conversation!
My guess is, although I don’t have a lot of evidence to back it up, that word of mouth is always the best way to get readers. I can’t imagine buying a book from seeing a pen or a magnet (although the pen could be very useful). But if I read on a blog I trust that a book is great or hear it from a friend, it means something.
Do others think reviews generate readers? I’ve read things from some authors that say they don’t.
As the co-author who made thongs and boxes along with Dayle, I have to say we didn’t necessarily expect anyone to wear them, just talk about those wild erotic romance authors who had promo thongs. (The t-shirts were a great idea–especially after my luggage got stuck in Pittsburgh last RWA while I went on Dallas.)
I sometimes keep pens and pretty bookmarks and always keep Post-Its, but I can’t say they’ve influenced me to buy a book.
Maybe I just didn’t know about it, but I think author promos have exploded in the past 2-3 years. And I’m all for it!
The first three+ years I began reading romances, I had absolutely no promotional items/SWAG. Only when I started checking the internet for author websites to find out about new & upcoming books did I get swag.
I really love the book giveaways. LOVE them. I learn about so many new authors that way. And I’m in professional school, so I can’t really afford books, so the giveaways are super appreciated.
As to giveaways I’m not as big a fan of … coverflats. I, just, don’t really like them. I know some people do, but I’d … really rather have nothing at all. Save the tree, let it live, and keep the prizes to books. Coverflats don’t do anything for me, and if there is a book up for grabs, it’s almost a let down. After all, they say second place is the first loser :-X.
I agree with the promo. I seriously have a box full of cover flats, bookmarks, and magents. I don’t know what to do with all of it!
I love pens and notepads/sticky notes as I use them constantly. I laughed at my DH the other day. He lost his pen that he kept in his wallet, so he grabbed one out of the drawer and didn’t look at it. He was a little amused that it was from a romance author. He found his other one real quick!
I also love tote bags. I’m always using one to carry stuff around. My mom and I trade them when we give stuff to each other every other day.
Hi Laurie
I also love the pens and notepads. I carry the smaller pads in my purse and they are perfect for quick notes to myself.
So many great comments today! It appears that most of us agree that regardless of what promo materials we might receive or see, we still rely on word of mouth and/or blurbs and excerpts to make our book choices.
I appreciate all of you taking the time to share your thoughts! Thank you.
Hi, Laurie! Late to everything today! Great post, and I do agree that I enjoy author blogs that are done well; some of my favorites are group blogs which help take a bit of the pressure off a single person who might end up feeling spread too thin with writing and more writing and self-promo-ing…
Pens and notepads are great, and bookmarks I can always use. Magnets and buttons are less useful to me. Thongs? Seriously?? Yikes…
Great topic!
A good blurb does more to get me to buy a book than any promo stuff, with the exception of galleys.
Postcards are great if I receive them in the mail. I personally don’t pick them up at conferences–they go straight to the trash when I get back to me hotel room. But several authors and publishers I know send me postcards and–maybe because I know them–this causes me to buy the books.
Bookmarks. Same as postcards.
Book Trailers. I made one once, when it was required by an event venue and then it went up on the web site for the book. I know this definitely sold more books, but it was a $40 cloth regional history book. For a mass market paperback, well, you’d have to sell a whole lotta books to earn out the expense.
Web sites and blogs are my favorite promo things, from a reader’s point of view. I love reading exceprts online, seeing what’s coming, and reading author blogs.
[...] Good question – author promotion: what works for you and what doesn’t? [...]
I don’t produce much promo stuff because, living in the UK I don’t have the opportunity to give things away very often. However, I blog a lot…
I’ve just been told that we can’t use my cover image on Cafe Press items as it’s not covered in the Licence of the picture, so I wonder if a good few people are bending the rules?