Last week on Instagram and Facebook, I posted a challenge from #WriterFriendsChallenge about Merchandise Ideas. I thought I'd blog about this a little further. Call it a bonus since the word limit is way higher here lol.
Back when I first began, when I was writing under Amber Rigby Grosjean, I had all these great ideas to get my books out there--stickers, magnets, t-shirts, etc. I had a printer and a little extra money to spend. I was also out more often than I am now, which does make a difference. Publishers did the hard work for me, they found all my mistakes and created the covers for me. I just had to show people what they made and I was on top of the world. But no one knew who I was and what I did. It was my job to tell them or show them. I even managed to set up a book signing in a small local bookstore in the city where I lived--Muncie, Indiana. I was super excited. I gave the store 10 copies of my book to get started, I made flyers, and even gave them a gift for having me. Of course, that day wasn't all that great because they scheduled my time at the same time as Ball State's graduation. The store and I were both affected. They did apologize for the mix-up. But I gained a lot of knowledge from it. Of course, I didn't make a second attempt--that's on me.
Anyway, here are some more ideas that you can do yourself...
See my logo? That's a sticker that I made! I cut it out and put it on my lamp just so you can see it in action. You can make your logo or hire someone else to make one for you, then make a sheet of stickers. You can place those stickers almost anywhere! And you can make all kinds of stickers. I go to Walmart, but you can check out those business stores for a bigger selection. I like window stickers but I haven't found those yet. Window stickers are good for windows (obviously). They have the sticker side over the printed side so you can put them on the window to show through and they usually are clear. That will make your logo pop. Other stickers have the sticky side on the backside and are also clear (I want those too lol) which would look nice if you have a transparent background. So, those work too! I was told on the package that these stickers can be removed easily, but you'll have to read the information on the package before buying the sticker paper. Of course, if you can afford to buy them--cool too. A few of the books that I got from other Indie Authors, were wrapped like gifts when they were sent to me. I thought that was so cool--like they were gifts. And each of them had a sticker, closing the wrapping in a special way. So, those stickers can be used for A LOT of ways! I mentioned in the blog that stickers can be used on candy wrappers and they can. When you make them yourself, you can change the size and cut them out anyway you want to make them work for you. I love that freedom!
It's the same thing for magnets. I made loads of them. You should have seen my fridge at the time I used them! I had one for each book! One sheet made 12 magnets for the size I used. These are safe for the printer, by the way. When each book was published, I printed a new sheet, cut them out, and slapped on our fridge. Then gave one to each of my friends which made them happy. They didn't write books so they thought it was cool. When they had friends over, it gave them something to talk about which also helped with sales.
T-shirts are the best! Like the stickers and magnets, I made a lot of those too! I wore my book cover on them proudly. I didn't have to start conversations, people were asking me about the shirt! Then they thought it was the coolest thing ever meeting a real author. As if we're a fictional breed lol. When I changed my pen name to A.R. Grosjean, I didn't do any of those things. Didn't have the money for it. I still don't, but I was given the green light to move forward anyway. I'm starting these things back up again as Amber Grosjean. I'm feeling the excitement over it again! Just the other day, I left one of my business cards at the doctor's office. You know that's a great place to leave something behind. You can even leave a copy of your book there (if you have one to give away). The nurses and receptionist can get some enjoyment out of sharing the book amongst each other and if they enjoy your book, odds of them buying another book by you will be big. So, keep that in mind when you have extra copies to share.
When you have the means, just about anything can be made. It does take work to pass things out or hang things where people can see them. Make friends at the library, your local bookstore, coffee shops, or anywhere books are sold and leave something like your business card, flyers, and posters. Get permission--that's why making friends with employees come in handy. Libraries are a great place for a reading or signing. It encourages people to read and librarians love that, so they will be happy to help. If you pass out business cards, you can leave a stack at the counter at gas stations, places that are in your book, doctor offices, or other places of business. Speaking of places in your book, talk to the owner or manager, and see if you can have a reading there or even sign books there. When you advertise for the signing or reading, mention how nice the people there are--you're helping your book AND the place of business at the same time.
The Walmart I shop at used to have an "office" department and that was where I found all of the "print" stuff. Now it's in the crafting department. I have no idea when they moved it, but it took a moment to find the aisle when I was ready for it. Head to that aisle at your local store and look at everything with an open mind. As yourself as you look at each item, "How can I use that to promote my books?" If you love the ideas, grab that item and begin making stuff. Use the book cover, part of the cover (if you have seperate pieces and legally can use them), logo, a phrase from the book, anything your heart desires.
If you can get your hands on a mug machine (those machines that add decorations to mugs), use that to achieve a unique mug for you or someone who wins a contest for your book. Take the mug to the signing/reading with you. Maybe that will inspire a sale along with a book sale. You can earn extra money that way. Charge whatever you think is right (cost of mug plus a little extra to cover costs).
Little things that can go a long way besides stickers and magnets can include, pens/pencils with the title of your book or pen name (or both), or some catchy phrase. As well as keychains, bookmarks, jewelry (you can sell those too!), and anything within the story. If your story takes place in a bar, you can use a bottle opener. I think something like that would have to be ordered, but at least it gives you an idea. A lot of craft stores have loads of things you can use for marketing. Think of your book as you shop.
A friend of mine has a cafe in her story. Here are some ideas based on this location...
A mini menu using foods from the story.
Pens with the name of the cafe on the side along with title of book.
Candies wrapped in the book cover.
Recipe cards with the characters favorite recipe, some blank cards for the person to add in their own.
Post card with a picture of the table used in the story. This is something you can do yourself. I remember seeing that as an option, but never tried it. If you try that, I'd love to see a picture of what you created! In fact, anything you made, please send me a picture. It would be totally awesome to see what you make for your marketing needs.
Do you have any ideas you'd like to share? Comment below. Thank you!!
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