I have
attended a few book signing events during recent years, and have noticed a
growing trend for something called “book
swag.” For those of you not in the know, book swag is basically free
stuff that you get from authors keen to spread the word about their books. It could
include posters, promotional flyers, keyrings, pens and even more specific
items like lip balms, all emblazoned with an author logo or book cover.
Now, I do
not yet have any official book swag. Indeed, the signing events I previously
attended did not specifically call for such a thing. My eyes were opened when I
attended the Sandbach
Author Signing Event back in November 2016. At this event I was
surrounded by professional indie authors, most of whom proudly displayed (and
distributed) a variety of colourful, promotional free gifts to their visitors. All
I had to offer was a few business cards and a couple of flyers. Boring!
In February I
will attend the West
Midlands Valentines Book Signing and Ball. I don’t yet have any
official book swag, but I plan to procure something of interest, if only to
keep up with my fellow authors and their established marketing practice. It is
all a huge learning curve for me as I step into another new world in the hopes
of finding my readers. Perhaps I can tempt them out with a fruity Redcliffe lip
balm, or a Blackpool souvenir with a vampire twist… Any suggestions?
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