One of the things I've had to begin considering as my book gets closer to publication is promo. Specifically, I mean those items that one gives away — bookmarks, notepads, potholders, etc. And I am NOT having fun. I don't like these kinds of decisions.
Order 500 pens with my name and web addy? Or go for the sticky notes? What about the potholders? Lip gloss? Personalized mugs? Drink holders? Backpacks? Notebooks?
ARGH!
Obviously, cost is a factor. So is space and tote-ability. And, after visiting the Goody Room at the National Conference, I have very specific ideas about what I like and what I don't. Truthfully, I wonder how much of that stuff makes a difference or an impact. I get bags full of stuff at the Reader's Luncheons I've attended, and I toss most of it. Except for bookmarks. I figure you can never have too many bookmarks. 🙂
What kind of stuff do you like to get in your goody bags? Do you keep potholders and luggage tags? Or do you prefer bookmarks (I know there are TONS at these things, and yet I keep nearly all of them I get). Or do you consider all of it a waste of time and money?
P.S. HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!
I’m a magnet queen! With three kids, there’s always stuff needing to be stuck to the fridge, so I hoard the magnets from conferences.
And a very happy St Pat’s day to you too!
I like items that are useful. I end up throwing out bookmarks and postcards, usually after ripping off the candy.
I like stuff – pens, magnets, clips, nail files, etc. We’ve done sidewalk chalk and crayons on the playground and almost never take any extras home with us.
I think the key is to somehow tie it into you and what you write. Your tagline. Like – “get swept away with an exotic romance by Lynn Raye Harris” then give away those little keyboard brushes. Mine is romance with a twist, so one day, I’m hoping to do these little travel corkscrews for opening wine. Twist. Get it? 🙂
I like useful too. I don’t care for bookmarks, but I know some folks do, so I’ll probably end up doing them eventually.
My promo stash is low. I need to order new stuff soon, though. Like my credit card needs the extra weight.
Magnets! Hmm, thanks Rachael. I don’t know that I considered magnets.
SP, love your idea of the corkscrew! I’ve seen those, but wasn’t planning on doing it because though I’m a wine drinker, they don’t fit my books or writing at the moment. Cool idea, though! And thanks for the thought about tying the item to the phrase.
PC, another vote for useful. I guess it matters what the thing is to me. Potholders don’t do a thing for me, and neither to jar openers. A corkscrew might. Pens, definitely! You can never have too many pens.
So much to think about. And I hate to spend the money on stuff that could go to waste. 🙁
Corkscrews… hmm.. I am writing a wine book right now. Something to think about, definitely.
I always take a pen. Always. You can never have too many. And since I read the person’s name almost every time I use it, I figure it helps with name recognition. Other than that, useful stuff, definitely. Only once have I ever bought a book because of a bookmark.
Danniele
I’m all for useful stuff too. If promo is just going to lay around and serve no purpose, I’m not that interested in it.
We all love getting free stuff so it probably won’t matter what you choose, Lynn. The only thing that matters is that it’s meaningful to you. 😉
PC – corkscrew is mine! Mine, darnit! 🙂