The Value of Printed Marketing Materials for Your Book
Sankofa Literary Society Posting Home
Printed marketing materials serve as a visual cue every time someone
sees them. Collateral (as printed marketing materials are sometimes
called) such as bookmarks, business cards or postcards promoting your
book, remind people that they either met you or were referred by a
friend to learn more about you. They build legitimacy, increase your
book's visibility, and serve as a stepping stone for an eventual
sale.
Below are suggested uses for some of the most common printed materials
used by authors. Be sure to include key information about your book on
all printed materials, such as your website address. Viewers should
always be told what action they can take to gain additional
information.
Postcards
Top uses for postcards featuring your book.
Cost-effective and relatively inexpensive direct mail piece (send them
to everyone you know and ask close friends to send them to ten friends
each)
A large business card which contains more useful information
Doubles as a flyer or a mini-brochure that can be posted in key
locations, left on tables, or handed out at events
Frame one as an informative display near your books
Order form for autographed copies of your book
Printed Bookmarks
Top uses for bookmarks promoting you and your book.
Use as innovative and memorable business cards
Give them away at your book signings and other events (people will be
coming across them for years to come)
Write-in the date and time of your next book signing and hand-out as a
reminder
Ask your friends to give the bookmarks to their friends
Business Cards
Top uses for business cards about you and your book.
Networking. Being able to pass out a business card featuring info
about you and your book will help people (agents, publishers,
reporters, book buyers, etc.) remember who you and your book
Doubles as a book mark for readers
Give out at book signings and speaking engagements for people to pass
along to others
Write-in the date and time of your next book signing and hand-out as a
reminder
Posters
Top uses for posters featuring your book.
Put on view in advance of, and at, book signings
When giving a speech where a sales pitch isn't appropriate, a poster
of your book will send a subtle, yet powerful, message
Place near your writing desk for inspiration
Display at book fairs and other events
Use for guerilla marketing - attach to a sandwich board and hire a
student to wear at large community gatherings.
Ella D. Curry, CEO EDC Creations
Visit Us Online: http://www.edc-creations.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/edc1creations
Book, Branding and Internet Marketing Coach