This post is a little different and has absolutely nothing to do with editing. But is extremely important.
I am a voracious reader and LOVE going to signing events, meeting new authors, finding new book boyfriends, and of course picking up all the swag that comes with it.
But when I get home and the high has died down, I separate the swag into what I am keeping and what is just getting tossed in the trash. And I hate it. I hate throwing out the stuff you paid for or gave me for loving your book. But some things I’m just not going to keep.
The following is a list of the things I keep, throw out, love, hate, and what I’m up in the air on.
Remember, these are just my ramblings and preferences. Some readers want all the pens! So take what I say with a grain of salt and do what is best for you.
What I keep:
Art
All the art!
Bookmark, business card, or print.
But I HATE when I get home and that print has gotten jumbled in my bag of swag and I don’t know who that art print is of or what book it is for.
Please put a little sticker or text on the back telling me who I’m ogling.
Stickers
Any and all.
They don’t have to be your book specific either
Not that I know what to do with them, but I love them.
Any suggestions are welcome.
Bookmarks
But here’s the thing, I would LOVE for those to go in the book I just bought. Then I don’t have to figure it out later.
And I don’t need 6 of them for the single book I bought.
One per book is perfect. It lets me grab your book off my shelf and sit down to read without having to find a bookmark. Because you were smart and put your bookmark in your book!
Postcards
Showing your books or upcoming books.
I add these to my TBR pile on my shelf and grab one when I want an excuse to buy another book.
But they need to be exciting and grab me.
Put your cover and tropes on. Tell me why I need your old book or new book.
Don't just tell me to join your reader group.
Blindfolds
Yep, I have got a few from our kinky BDSM authors and…um….yeah, I never throw those out.
But they are unmarked! I don’t keep the marked ones.
What I throw out:
Business cards
Unless I have a compelling reason to keep them
A book cover I like.
Art or a quote I like.
But I would rather these be on a bookmark.
Cards that just have your contact info don’t interest me
We will find you and stalk you if we love your book.
If you want an easy way for readers to find you put a QR code at your table or put it on a bookmark or something.
Small pins
This one might be me specific, but I just don’t know what to do with them and they take up more room than my sticker pile.
Suggestions are always welcome!
What I hate:
Unknown raffle tickets in the swag-bag you hand me.
I’m not looking through that treasure-trove at the signing. It’s going in my bag for safekeeping with the lovely knowledge that all your art, stickers, and swag are in there.
So please do not hide a raffle ticket in there.
I get home and unpack my goodies only to be disappointed that I missed out.
At least tell me there is something inside the bag to fill out and hand back to you.
Or better yet, as you're signing my book, have me fill out the raffle card.
Unknown art
I love the art you give me or the art I buy, but don’t assume I will remember who they are when I get home
Put your name or the book's name somewhere!!!!!
Loose swag
It gets tumbled and mixed with everyone else’s and sometimes gets destroyed.
Only giving out one thing isn’t a problem either. You do NOT need to hand out a lot of stuff or anything. Just make sure your name is on the things you hand out.
What I love:
Bundled Swag
All your stuff together, so I don’t have to worry about it later.
And any bag will do.
The little mesh bags are the most popular option.
But a sandwich bag is better than no bag, and then I don’t feel guilty about tossing it out.
What I think is a waste of money are the special printed bags.
A lot of times you get the cheap option because special prints are expensive. I get it. So don’t do it. It doesn’t add much value to your bag, and they get thrown away.
Art
Who doesn’t love art!
But I’m going to say it again, make sure you put the title somewhere on the print.
Silly bracelets
Think 90s beaded or thread bracelets.
I love putting them on and laying them around my desk or over books when I get home.
What I’m undecided on:
Keychains
Again, I just don’t know what to do with them.
I’m not a big keychain fan, so this could be why.
Random swag that makes little sense to a new reader.
I received a paperclip in a bag once.
There was no name or book title anywhere in the bag.
I tossed it because it didn't make sense to me, and I didn't know what book it belonged to.
If you are going to put random, only your reader will understand, things in your bag make sure you put the book name in it!
Candles
This one is a big gamble.
You risk the reader not liking the smell and tossing it out.
Most of us love candles.
But we love the scents we buy.
Old-fashioned Keys
I have seen these a few times.
That being said, I still have them. They are sitting in a bowl by my door.
None of them have the author's information on them though.
Lanyards
People could like these if they use one for work.
I don’t, so for me it’s a bit odd.
Large reusable bags
During the conference I love them.
They allow me to hold a few more books.
But after the conference they sit in my closet.
They aren’t really large enough to use for grocery shopping.
Although, as I type this, they could be good for a quick gas station run.
Koozies
We have close to 100 at our house.
It’s my husband’s souvenir of choice.
So these are a toss up for me, but I have seen some people love them.
If I didn’t have drawers overflowing with them, I would like them. But sadly I am not that person.
Magnets
I’m torn. I like some but not others.
So it’s a personal preference.
But I love seeing the non-specific ones up on my fridge.
Like a bunny mask!
Pens
I’m very particular about my pens.
So the ones I get from conferences and signings go into a junk drawer for emergency use.
Keychain Bottle Openers
Again, maybe if these weren’t as abundant as koozies in my house I would like them.
Notebooks
I hand these out to potential clients in my swag bags too.
But I am not sure if they work for their intended purpose or if they get thrown in a pile like the ones I gather do.
Remember this is an ever changing and growing list and it may or may not be right for you. Ask your readers what they love. Reach out to book groups and post in there. You may end up drowning in conflicting information. Just take what works best for you.
My biggest piece of advice is to put your name or title on everything you hand out!
Opmerkingen