Running With Quills: Susan's in a conundrum about promotion

Welcome to Running With Quills, your online newsletter designed to keep you up to date with what your favorite authors (that would be us) are doing throughout the year. Here you will find the release dates of our new books and get information about our backlists. We'll preview our cover art here long before the books hit the stores and we'll keep you informed about works-in-progress and special projects. You'll also receive advance notice of signings and appearances. From time to time we'll give you a peek at our worlds, tell you what we're reading, and introduce you to some new authors.

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Susan's in a conundrum about promotion

The other day I heard another author singing the Should-I-or-Shouldn't-I blues regarding bookmarks. She'd made them for her first three books but was currently on the fence, not sure if she wanted to do it again. I've done this myself. Early in my career I had some made up, but they frankly weren't very good, and that pretty much rendered them useless. Part of me thinks they're useless anyhow. Yet I've had readers email me requesting them and last summer when I was on two separate tours, I thought they would be nice to have. It struck me that even if I didn't sell a book to every person who stopped by my table, I could at least hand them something to remember me by. (What--you thought we did this for you?) *G*

Promotion is impossible to quantify and I have to wonder how effective anything can be that an author has to do on her own, if she lacks publisher support. In the current market, being able to write fast (an attribute I fail to possess, sadly) is probably the biggest factor to taking that next big step.

But a light bulb flashed on over my head even as I typed this. Hell-o! said I. You're surrounded by readers here.

So I'm bringing this to the experts. C'mon out of lurk mode and give me your input. What beyond the usual--cover art, back copy, the teaser page or the first few pages of Chapter 1—tends to grab your attention? Well actually, I’d like to know if it’s one of those as well. But in addition, has an ad ever made you go, "Ooh--gotta get me that?" A review? Meeting the author or reading her Dear Reader letter? If someone gave you a bookmark at a signing where you didn't buy their book, are you likely to consider that book somewhere down the road? Or did the fact that you didn't buy it then have less to do with the day's budget and more to do with it simply not punching your buttons? I gotta admit, that's happened to me. We're a

ttracted to what we're attracted to.

Or is all of the above moot because you mostly rely on word of mouth anyway?

A bookmark wouldn't do it for me. But I have been grabbed by an ad. And I discovered Charlaine Harris's Southern Vampire series (and from there everything the woman has written) by way of a recommendation from a bookseller at the Seattle Mystery Bookstore when I was there for a signing. I discovered Nancy Martin when a friend gave me her first book. And I have to admit, its great, great cover is what moved it to the top of my TBR pile.

But that's me. What does it for you?

52 Comments:

Karibear said...: what grabs me has changed and expanded over the years. Sometimes it's the writer - some writers I take anything they've written. Sometimes it's the next installment of a series, or the subject matter. Sometimes it's a catchy title [think Tamar Myers' Penn Dutch Inn and Den of Antiquity series]. Sometimes it's the cover. These days of the internet, there are a lot of sites that have 'people who liked this also liked that' lists.

The only times I've liked/used bookmarks are the times my kids bought them for me, but that was entirely different. I'd have liked and used anything they chose, especially when they were little and saved up their own money to buy them.; 11:05 PM
Anonymous said...: If I´m pondering wether or not to buy a book by an author I´ve not read before, then several factors come into play.

1) Does the plot interest me?
Obviously I´ve only got the blurb to guide me here, but this is probably THE most single important factor. If the plot doesn´t impress me somewhat, then I´ll probably pass.

2) Is the cover art interesting?
If I´m borderline on wether the plot is interesting enough or not, the cover art can definetly tip me over in the right/wrong (?) direction. Shallow perhaps, but there you have it.

3) Have I seen the movie?
If I´ve seen the movie but not read the book, odds are I won´t read the book, never mind buying it.

4) Once I´ve read the all important first book by a new author it simply depends on that book wether or not I´ll be interested in reading/buying another one.

In the end the most important thing for an author is to write a good story. The rest is up to fate.

Sirry; 11:33 PM
Anonymous said...: Well, it's not easy to say what grabs my attention. First of all I have my favourite authors, I want every book what they write or at least check every summary and decide then. New books of new authors: I read reviews or newsletters, or I wander around in the bookstore and something catches my eye: the title or the cover.
As for bookmarks, I seldom use "real" bookmarks, mostly I take what's available: the ticket for the cinema, post cards, the bill...; 1:58 AM
Lori Foster said...: Susan, I do bookmarks. At the right place, they're inexpensive and from my perspective, a LOT of readers enjoy them. I guess I get around 10 requests a week for bookmarks when I don't have a new release nearing or out, and over 20 a week when I do. By requests I mean that I receive a SASE in the mail to my POBox for the bookmark.

Other promotional stuff... the pens, nail files, etc... IMO aren't worth it. Folks use them, but with no knowledge of the book listed there. They're good for filling out baskets in raffles. LOL.

Speaking of filling out baskets... Right now (as all the generous Quills know) I'm collecting stuff for my local animal shelter's auction. I now have 5 LARGE baskets overflowing with books and book-related T-shirts, mugs, note pads, tote bags, etc...
For that purpose, all the fun stuff is great!
I think the AAF will make a killing with these baskets. Hope so!

Hugs,

Lori; 3:34 AM
Anonymous said...: I love bookmarks and pick them upwhenever I find them, even though I often end up using receipts, napkins, etc., to mark my place.

I generally buy books from the same authors - usually, if I like one a lot, I will like the others. But one way I've tried new authors is through author recommendations - some from blogs, websites, or from the author blurb on the back of a book. I have found if I like an author's writing style, I usually like the authors she recommends. I am also strongly influenced to read a book based on a good review.

Otherwise, I try books based on the plot summary on the back jacket. And I try a LOT of different books. Some are okay, some I love, and others, I don't finish.

Carolyn; 5:07 AM
Lynn said...: I tend to rely on reviews (as a librarian, I have access to many review resources), browsing, and word of mouth. When choosing a new author I'll give the cover a cursory glance, read the blurbs, and open it to the middle to read several pages and see if it holds my interest.

Bookmarks are not a big draw for me. I don't use them all that often and when I need one I use old concert tickets.; 5:28 AM
Billie said...: I love bookmarks even though I seem to lose them as fast as I get them, but despite that, I do craft shows and I give away bookmarks with my business information and they have brought me repeat customers because people remember me from all the other crafters because of the bookmarks.

As for what makes me buy a book, like some of the others I will buy every book my favorite authors put out (that includes all of you ladies). Otherwise, if the cover attracts my attention the blurb on the back is what either makes or breaks the sell for me. I refuse to buy books without the blurb, and have even passed up on a book by an author I like, if there isn't a blurb to tell me what the book is about.; 5:41 AM
AgTigress said...: What an interesting question!

I could practically repeat what Lynn said word-for-word (except that I am not a librarian). I distrust adverts and marketing ruses on principle, and I do not permit myself to be influenced by irrelevancies (cover art, titles, even blurbs, which are usually not written by the author, and can be misleading). The only means of knowing whether one might like a book by a hitherto-unread author are to read as many reviews as possible (especially the kind of detailed review-interview format we see on sites such as this), ask the opinions of friends, and look at the book itself - beginning, some pages in the middle, and the end.

I seldom use purpose-made bookmarks; there are always plenty of postcards, receipts, old tickets and such available. I wouldn't turn down a free bookmark, of course - but it wouldn't make me investigate that writer's work on its own.; 5:59 AM
Cbell said...: Author endorsement goes a long way for me. If I am undecided about a book after reading the cover, I will look to see if any of my favorites have anything to say. That is how I began reading all the authors on this blog... because I had read one and I assumed she would only blog with the best! I was right! If I read an author who a favorite has endorsed and I don't care for the book, it is no big deal... but if I like the book, I will read other works by that author with a vengeance... and then see who she recommends and continue on that way.

It can be a nasty cycle... but great reading is worth it!; 6:51 AM
DFender said...: Susan,

I think it'd be great to have a bookmark from an author that I admired - just to have it, not in any way connected to purchasing the book. If I read that author well, hell, I'd already have the book that the bookmark is promoting.

That being said...er...typed, I rely on the inside jacket or the back of a book when deciding whether to buy it or not. Reviews are just the opinions of others which I really don't take into consideration since they're not...uh...me. It's all about ME. Isn't it? Someone musta told me it was. Right? LOL. Really, if I'm the one reading it, it's my opinion that matters.

Like everyone else, I'm sure, if it's an author that I always read it won't matter what the book is about, when it's set or it's characters - I'll buy it regardless. Someone new? Definitely the jacket and/or back cover blurb. It doesn't hurt if one of the Quills has added a blurb, though, it's always an eye-catcher for me.

Happy Friday!
Deb; 6:52 AM
KathyK said...: Most of my decisions about what books to buy are related to authors I have enjoyed previously or word-of-mouth from blogs like this one. Those categories take up most of my disposable income for books. So in order to try someone new there has to be something eye-catching on the cover to make me pick up the book, then an interesting plot line on the jacket. Once it's in my hands, I'll skim a few lines at the beginning to see if it grabs me. If I buy it, I'll read it through. If it's really good I'll look for that author next time I'm shopping or try to find the back list on a UBS site. Promotion and marketing do work. And a bookmark is an inexpensive way to place your name into the reader's mind.; 6:56 AM
ashefrog said...: Susan:

You are an automatic buy for me.

I love bookmarks, but they wouldn't cause me to buy an unknown author.

I usually try new authors due to recommendations from friends, reviews (reviewer I know like the same as me), and blogs I frequent.

Cover art doesn't attract me to a book - writing attracts me.

I do "pimp" out your books every chance I get.; 7:23 AM
elizabeth said...: For me, it's the author's name, then the plot/background. Only once has a cover intrigued me enough to take the book off the shelf: Shana Abe's SMOKE THIEF.

It was a fabulous coverk and the book lived up to every bit of it! So did DREAM THIEF.

Otherwise, I pretty much listen to Jayne. ;-); 10:02 AM
elizabeth said...: oops, forgot to say to Susan. IMHO, there's nothing an author can do that makes up for what a publisher can't/won't do.

But if you like doing promotion, and it makes YOU feel good, do it!; 10:05 AM
Suzanne Simmons said...: I usually read authors whose books I already love or perhaps a new author who comes with a personal recommendation.

That said, some of my favorite books, like THE THIEF LORD by Cornelia Funke, I found by reading a plot summary or simply because something about the cover or the back cover copy appealed to me. (In this case it was the setting: Venice.) I love wandering through my local Borders or B&N and just browsing for a totally off-beat read to try. It's the thrill of discovery if I find a wonderful new author!

As far as self-promotion: this seems to be an eternal question writers ask. I'm not sure there will ever be a definitive answer. I do what I can in my spare time. Of course, I have very little spare time. :-)

~Suzanne; 10:12 AM
Anonymous said...: I have my favorite authors that I buy everything they write, no questions.

However, my ultimate buying guide is the The Book Club monthly reviews from Romantic Times. Here I learn about all the new authors, read reviews, and the ads from the publishers. Each month I circle the ones that catch my attention and it keeps me from accidentally purchasing a reprint of a book I already have.

The other mainstay is word of mouth from friends and on the various web sites.

Mary B; 11:39 AM
Anonymous said...: I read reviews and when I find a book that looks interesting I start by borrowing it from the library. If I don't like the author then it has cost me nothing to find out. If I like the author then I will probably borrow another book, if I still like the author then I start buying the books, including the ones I have already borrowed. That's how I've got into all the authors I collect.

Teedy, England.; 12:49 PM
Jayne Ann Krentz said...: I, too, have my list of "must buy" authors. Beyond that, I tend to stick to my favorite genres: romantic-supsense and suspense/mystery. However, I am open to suggestion and word-of-mouth counts with me.

Having said all that, I can't tell you how many times I have succumbed to the lure of a really great cover -- and I, as a writer, know better than most that is a really bad approach to choosing a book!

--Jayne; 12:57 PM
Shoshana said...: I recently handed a book I like to my mother. She picked it up, read the back, and asked me a question, and I looked at her in total confusion. I hadn't read the back!
There are some books I have literally read to pieces and STILL haven't read the back of. (Mostly the Georgette Heyer, Anne McCaffrey, Andre Norton, and Ms. Krentz, here.)
When I go to a bookstore, I have a notebook. THe first four pages are specific books by specific authors that I want. The next ten pages are authors I go searching for. After that, whatever section I happen to be in, I grab some of the books around whatever it was I just picked up, and start reading somewhere in the middle. If I get about halfway through, I reluctantly stop long enough to look at the others and stick it in my basket. If it doesn't hold me, I put it back.

The other way I find books is through recommendations. Author, reader, bookseller, stranger next to me on the bus, you name it.

Bookmarks... I think I have one somewhere. From something.

Oh. And if I know somebody and they've written something, I always read it and usually buy it. Even if I don't like the genre or their writing, I always finish it. It's just my version of politeness and common courtesy; and I will also always find SOMETHING good to say about it. When I'm lucky I like it and get to rave. :); 1:13 PM
carly phillips said...: This is a great topic ... Lori, what you said gets me most - you get SASE's. So did I. Tons. And then I got to wondering if I was giving people something from an author they'd read anyway or accomplishing my purpose - getting people to buy books. I suppose I'll keep them on hand for people who want SASE's but not sure I'll do mailings with them anymore. Still scratching my head over promotion. I really and truly am.; 1:46 PM
Susan Andersen said...: As I suspected. . .If there were a magic formula to let a poor author know how to direct her promo dollars, we'd all be mega-sellers. It's probably just as well that I leave most of it up to my publisher these days.

I love how so many of you use any 'ol scrap of paper for your bookmarks. I use about 3 inches of double-faced satin ribbon. I'm a fool for the feel of satin--and once upon a time I had a couple of throw pillows made of it on my couch. I thought they were so gorgeous--until the day I really looked at them and realized I'd rubbed their corners into rags while reading. I gave them a decent burial and bought myself a spool of the ribbon and started using lengths of that as bookmarks. When one gets too grubby I toss it and cut a new one.

Bizarre but true.; 5:17 PM
Susan Andersen said...: Forgot to mention--I love, too, hearing how you all select your books.

Readers rock.; 5:20 PM
KShepherd said...: The number one way to sell me a book is to have a good excerpt on an easy-to-use website.

I'll hear about a book somewhere, then I'll look it up on Amazon to get an idea what it's about. If it sounds like something that I'd enjoy I'll search for an author website. If I find an excerpt and like it, you've got a sale! If there isn't an excerpt, I'll try to remember to find the book when I get to a bookstore, but the momentum has been lost.; 5:58 PM
Louis said...: By the way, Susan, is that a new book by you in the picture..."Coming Undone?

I like bookmarks..whether real ones or any ole piece of paper.

How do I pick a book? It varies...If a favorite (of coarse the Quills) writer, its a must buy. Some I have selected from e-mail chapters, reccomended in various blogs or comments, or covers.

Elizabeth, I discovered Shana Abe' through e-mail...those Dragon covers are great.; 6:57 PM
Susan Andersen said...: Louis, good eye! Coming Undone is my August 28th book. That's just the paper mechanical of the cover, which is why it looks duller than the other two. I had another of those lightbulb moments last night (No one's ever accused me of thinking the fly) and printed up a copy on photo paper--it looks WAY better.

We won't be unveiling the entire cover for another month or two.

KShepherd, I agree with you about the need for a good webpage. The first thing I do when I read a book I dig by a new (to me) author is look up her/his webpage.; 7:29 PM
Joan Swan said...: What a fantastic topic! Promotion is one of those mysterious areas for a pre-pubbed author like myself, and this conversation has been enlightening.

So...if most of you are neither-here-nor-there about bookmarks, what COULD an author give away that would make a difference to you? Or what you might like to have that you would use over and over, something that would always be within sight to remind you of that author and their work? A magnet? A mug? A mouse pad? A book bag? Something else?

Joan **very curious**; 8:30 PM
Karibear said...: I used absolutely everything and anything for bookmarks. Junk mail, cash register tapes, bits of whatever was handy. But by far the best are Post-Its. I always had so many books stacked up, someone or something [usually a rambunctious puppy] would knock them over, and all the markers would fall out. All except the Post-Its!; 9:03 PM
DFender said...: My grocery list is a stellar bookmark. I always, always know where it is.

Deb; 9:42 PM
Stella said...: Author recognition only goes so far with me. There are authors I buy automatically; there are also authors I buy if I'm in the mood for a certain type of read.

My taste is ecclectic and I always read the opening pages of a book before I buy. I read far enough to be sure I care about the characters and the situation--this ususally takes three or four pages. Then I read the end just to make sure the character I think I'm going to follow through the book is still alive and kicking.

(Save the spit wads--I ain't changing.)

Covers interest me and I know how much influence they can have for buyers. However, I've bought plenty of books with unremarkable covers.

Bookmarks? The only bookmarks I want are my old favorites: a tattered leather one with the name of my English home county embossed, and one with a motheaten bear hanging off the top.

I want to save the trees as much as possible so paper should be used for printing books, not stuff you throw away. *mental image of stacks of catalogues flying from incoming mail to rubbish chute*

Super topic, Susan,

Stella; 11:41 PM
Chez said...: Okay so I'm in the minority in that I have bought books influenced originally from bookmarks received from an internet bookshop. Living in a town where there are no decent bookshops I rely on the internet and capital city bookstores for my books. I adore getting an order in the mail complete with a few bookmarks, cover flats, pens, etc. I do look at them, wonder about them and if intrigued enough go hunting for online reviews.

I also need to confess to having bought books because of a cover, a back blurb and definitely from online reviews.; 12:18 AM
Lori Foster said...: ::::waving "hi" to Carly::::
Oh yah, I don't think giving away bookmarks gains new readers. But if my steadfast readers want a bookmark, I'm happy to give it to them.
I don't mail out anything without getting a request first. I'm far too unconvinced of the value of trying to promote on my own. Well, beyond my website, which as many of you said, is a necessity these days so readers can find you on the net and see what you're up to, review your backlist, all that.

:::Hey Suzanne::: I caught your cold! Ugh. And I leave for NY tomorrow morning. Why do I always get sick before a trip???

:::Susan, now spill.:::: Which book is Undone? You know I love them all, but you also know that one particular one I'm salivating for! ;-)

Hugs to all. Stay warm. It's muy brrrr.... here.

Lori; 5:18 AM
Chris H said...: Ladies, and Gent(s)
Great topic! I'm especially curious as I have been observing the trend of websites --- OK I primarily, greedily and consistently frequent RWQ and its dark twin, Squawkradio --- offer book reviews and guest blogs by authors I HAVEN'T read. I was wondering, somewhat suspiciously, if that was a new marketing tool or if the authors REALLY really liked the guest/featured author. Have to admit, it has hooked me on a few new authors...

I'm not asking for an admission or anything, but it really seems like a savvy way to get sales...

Frankly, my dears, this blog is one of the best marketing tools because I so enjoy ALL your works (OK, Jayne and Ms. Betty were my original "must buys," for an embarrassing number of years, but I discovered old(er --- never OLD among women) keepers by Suzanne Simmons in my stash, and a Stella Cameron or three, AND some Susan Andersons...OH, there's a couple by Foster... So YOU are the ones I trust. If you say it's good, I'll try it. (Although, Jayne: Laurell K. Hamilton? I did try, however, and my daughters LOVE her.).

Thanks for making your blog feel like home...like having coffee with friends and sharing good reads..

chris h; 6:29 AM
Margaret said...: I can state categorically that promotional bookmarks don't do it for me. Like others here, I buy my favorite authors, genres, etc. In the past few years, I've taken to reading the information on Amazon.com. If I'm on the fence, I can be swayed by the amount of pro/con reviews. I read the blurbs on the back. Although they sometimes have nothing to do with the story inside. LOL

Another place I read reviews is at The Romance Reader. http://www.theromancereader.com. Alas, by the time I read them, I have already read the book. But it's fun to see if they agree with me. LOL

I have the most fabulous bookmarks in the world. And they aren't made for that purpose. They are big, colorful plastic paper clips from ACCO. They are called "Hot Clips". I get several bags of them at a time and keep them in a small plastic box. You can find them at Home Depot for one place.

The thing I like about them is I can hang them over a few pages at the front/back of the book and they are right there when I'm ready to close up for awhile. I just clip it over several pages. The colors make it easy to spot where I need to take up the story. I've even given these out as small gifts to other readers. The bags full, of course.

Oh yeah. I am also a terrible bookworm and have been known to read those papers that come in medicine bottles. I enjoy finding "new" authors. That's how all the research pays off.

Cheers on a cold, icky day in PA.; 8:00 AM
elizabeth said...: Speaking only for myself: If I praise an author in this forum, or review an author, it's because I REALLY ENJOY the author!; 9:32 AM
Anonymous said...: Websites, excerpts, and recommendations. I'm lucky enough (though my budget is crying) to have an awesome bookseller who actually reads and gives great recommendations for new authors based upon her knowledge of my usual autobuys. Bookmarks end up in a box somewhere or as a snack for my book eating cat. I rely heavily on recommendations, and websites with excerpts for trying new authors and for author email lists for reminding me of current books coming out. Since it's sometimes hard to find even my favorite authors on the shelves at the bookstore I tend to track their books through their websites and email lists so that I can put in an order if necessary and I will special order a new author if I've had a chance to check out an excerpt and synopsis. I actually trust the author provided excerpts more than scanning the backs of books standing in the bookstore (for obvious reasons). I pretty much buy all of the books my local bookseller recommends. I wouldn't discount the pay-off of grooming your local booksellers. I do like the little reader booklets that are starting to turn up, primarily for long series such as Kenyon's Dark Hunters or Brockmann's Seals.

Eli; 11:03 AM
Susan Andersen said...: Stella, I'm a last page reader, too. (except for mysteries) It drives my best friend nuts.

Hi Carly!! Now, you're one whose promotional dollars truly did garner a great pay off. Yet, still it's a pig in a poke, isn't it? And luck probably factors in as well.

Joan, I think the most effective promo tool is probably a good website. Something that's easy to navigate and has changing content to draw your readers back.

Chez, all right! I knew there had to be someone out there who found booksmarks a useful tool for selecting new books, or how did this trend get started in the first place. Bless you for bucking the flow and stepping forward. :)

Lori, my pet, Coming Undone is YOUR book. Yep, the book you've been hounding me about--PJ and Jared's story. And I'm not embarrassed to say, this one truly was a book of the heart. I've never had a character like PJ before who simply grabbed hold of my imagination and wouldn't let loose. I wish that happened every day.

Chris, the authors we invite to blog are usually invited because the invitor at least really loves her/his stuff. Some of us may not as yet have discovered that author, so it's an opportunity for us as well to try someone new. How cool is that? It's a win-win. *G*

Margaret, cheers back atcha from (currently-and don't think we aren't taking advantage of it while it lasts--Seattle.

Have a good day, y'all.; 12:11 PM
jpoomrman94 said...: If it has a bit of the back blurb on it and a copy of the cover on the front I will definitely take one - and use it! Will it convince me to buy the book? Depends on the blurb on the back - I will occaisionally buy books with author recommendations - I love Suz Brockmann and buy all her books - but realize that I don't actually read the same things she reads - so that may not be a real seller or me. But a teaser or two from the back cover will at least get me to investigate further.
cheers from a voracious reader!; 7:02 PM
Brandy said...: I read reviews on several websites, RT magazine, the authors website and/or blog, and sometimes a cover will catch my eye and I'll read the back blurb and the first few pages. I also love when a book has excerpts for other books by that same author or even other authors in the back. As for bookmarks, I have been given several, but they are sittng in a drawer next to my bed. I use one of those bookmarks that look almost like a big hook. They don't get lost as easily as a slip of paper and they don't harm the book!; 9:58 PM
Bookstoredeb said...: As a bookseller I can tell you that I love bookmarks, personally and for our customers.

I love getting that bit of advance info on new books, and the customers do too. They often search through our bookmarks for their favorite authors and are always snagging bookmarks of new authors that catch their eyes. For customers that I know are almost impossible to get interested in new authors, I make sure I put a few bookmarks in their bag for various genres of books. I can't tell you the number of times customers have come back to buy a book from the interest generated from that "free" bookmark.

Often times a bookmark will have series info for an author or even previous books and websites for the customers to learn more about them and their books. Being introduced to a new series is great for the author and the store.

We have bookmarks out all the time and I also use any and all kinds of author goodies in monthly prize packages for the in store romance contest. We are setting up lots of author signings and for each customer that comes in, I give them a goodie bag full of author promo goodies. Great way to introduce them to new authors and books from their current favorites.

I love getting packages with arc's and promo goodies in them. There is always a sense of excitement when we open those packages full of treasures. To me it is like having a bit of Christmas all year long so please keep those promo items coming! We love them!; 10:11 AM
crankyshopper said...: Generally, I avoid bookmarks with artwork because I find them distracting; I prefer blank index cards that I reuse until I write lists or notes on them. The only bookmarks I used extensively were from Joseph-Beth Bookstore, which featured a reclining lady absorbed in a book.

Bookmarks probably wouldn't sell me on a book, simply because I wouldn't see them. The WaldenBooks store I patronized for years kept them down behind the counter, and even though I was a regular customer, they never added them to my bag. If I wanted a bookmark, I had to lean over and grab one myself. So much for marketing. The Borders store I use now that I've moved (again) distributes Borders bookmarks.

The only promotional item that ever got me to purchase new authors was a compendium of excerpts from various books. It caught my eye because it could be (and was) displayed next to the books or in a standard-sized POP dump. Based on that experience, I would say that book-sized promo materials are the way to go -- a brochure the size of a hardcover or paperback, or a card made of heavy stock, because they'll fit into the shelves and end caps at the store.

I decide to buy a book by reading inside the front cover (I dislike paperbacks that are all excepts of endorsements without any blurb about the book). I also read the list of the author's other works, if any, the back cover, and part or all of the first chapter. If I like what I've read, I look deeper in the book (half to two-thirds along) to make sure the writing and editing haven't collapsed. If I still am interested, I buy the book. If I discover I am in the second chapter of the book before going on to check later in the book, I buy the book anyway, hoping I'm onto a good storyteller.

I like short stories a lot. They work the same way a promotional book with excerpts works; I read everything, and if someone new surprises me, I get more of their work. If I don't like the writing, the story's over soon. And the authors get some cash, since the collections aren't freebies. Borders doesn't seem interested in a lot of the seasonal short-story collections. I think that's a mistake.

I read contemporaries and regency romances, selected mysteries and science fiction, poetry and a wide range of nonfiction.

Short stories have always given me a way to winnow through authors. It's too bad romance doesn't have the equivalent of Analog, which carries everything from short-shorts to serials and showcases a wide range of writing. I ignore Romantic Times reviews, because my taste doesn't match that of the reviewers, and because I think they're too easy on really bad writing (or at least they were years ago, when I stopped reading them).

I think if a person is a fan and a collector, a bookmark may be very appealing. I'm just not sure it creates sales; it may just build loyalty.; 3:16 PM
DFender said...: Since we're all discussing bookmarks -

Does anyone else NOT use bookmarks in paperback books? I'm guilty of dogearing pages in paperbacks that I own.

I won't do it if it's a borrowed book, which is rare anyway as I usually buy 'em all so I can re-read 'em.

Hardcovers, yep, I use bookmarks. I don't know why I'm so weird about the whole paperback/hardcover issue. It shouldn't make a difference...should it?

Deb; 4:18 PM
Karibear said...: I've said all I have to say on bookmarks, but I do have a favorite author promo piece. When Interview With the Vampire first came out, I raved about it to several of my friends. One couple went to New Orleans and came back with a tote bag that said:

Red Beans
Anne Rice

Lovely pun, and I still have it in storage somewhere - hopefully here, soon! I should also mention that it wasn't a freebie, they paid for it. I've gotten over the vampire thing, more or less, but I still love the tote.; 7:17 PM
dee said...: Our bookshop puts different bookmarks in with our purchase and that's how I bought one of my books. :); 5:03 AM
Anonymous said...: Joan Swan asked...
"what COULD an author give away that would make a difference to you? Or what you might like to have that you would use over and over, something that would always be within sight to remind you of that author and their work? A magnet? A mug? A mouse pad? A book bag? Something else?"

I find that a year-in-advance magnet or bookmark by an author works really well for me personally as well as professionally when we're buying books at the library. The magnet, because I can stick it on my desk and just check it once a month while ordering. And the bookmarks, because we give them out to readers, helping promo the author's work and the library at the same time. Then they know when to come in (or log on) and start requesting "that new book by so-and-so" and already have the title and pub date - it really makes our lives easier.

As for me personally, I have a lovely collection of bookmarks. Of course, none of them are ever handy when I'm reading - they're carefully tucked away "somewhere safe," so any old thing like a (clean, of course!) napkin shred, a used envelope, a receipt ... you get the idea! ... will be used to mark my place. But post-its (when I have them) are the best!

Lynne; 12:24 PM
Carrie from Wisconsin said...: Susan,

I hope you read this. Sorry that I haven't posted sooner, I was on a writing bender. As a consumer, I can look at my refrigerator and list off about 12 different companies represented by magnets. Most people keep them and use them. While bookmarks are cool and I tend to collect them, especially free ones, they aren't very durable and don't usually last long.

A free magnet on the other hand is something that can be used. In fact I am more likely to look to the refrigerator first for a repairperson if I need one. I love magnets, especially if they are well done. They could look like the cover of the book they are promoting, hell make them a collector's item. I think it would be neat to have a bunch of magnets that represented different books by my favorite author.

As for signings, I've never been to one and I'm not sure if I can recall one being in the area, except Chicago. I avoid Chicago like the plague because it is a nightmare to navigate through. On a good day it takes two hours just to get from Gurney to the end of the city and that's becuase of traffic. Book signings don't seem to be that promoted around here and I don't understand why. I'm going to have to start paying attention to that.

Carrie; 1:26 PM
Anonymous said...: I have a pretty simple method for choosing books. Usually I go to the library where I have about ten minutes to pick up some books before my two year old pulls me away. First I look for the authors I love, and once I see that there are no new books out, I look around in that aisle and see if any book covers catch my attention. Sometimes it may be because of the cover itself- an eye catching color or an interesting title, or because there are several books by the same author (to me that is always a sign that they are popular writers, and if they are popular there is a good chance that they will tell good stories). I am not sold on a book however until I read the blurb on the cover jacket
- if the plot sounds interesting, I will give that book a try. If I like the author, I will read a few more of his or her books to make sure that the book I did like was not a fluke, and if I consistently like them, when a new book comes out, I will purchase it.

For me, giveaways like a bookmark will not get me to try out a new author, unless the giveaway is the actual book. A bookmark would normally only interest to the extent that I would actually use it as a bookmark, however, if you wanted to use a bookmark to persuade me to try out a book or a new author- it should include a few sentences about the story- even if it was the most basic plot like "a man, a woman, travel back in time to live with the dinosaurs!" with art that reflects that sentence. If the bookmark was just a title and some flowers or a manly chest- I wouldn't bother checking the book out based on that alone.

Hope my longwinded statements help!; 9:01 PM
Anonymous said...: I don't think bookmarks are helpful. What really gets my attention is when a fellow book addict tells me I will like a book or a writer. Usually if I like one book by a writer, I will go ahead and read everything by that author. Did I mention being a speed reader?; 10:19 AM
venusloves said...: I find that the personal touch is a very good way for me to decide to buy something. If I am in a store and I see that the author recently came in and signed copies, I'm more likely to buy it.

I think whether or not I buy something at a signing depends on whether I know the author and, if I don't, what the energy of the person is like. If the person seems positive, upbeat and has a generally approachable air about them, I would consider buying the book and if I didn't have the money on me to buy it then, I would file the person's name so that I could buy it later on on Amazon.

The reputation of an author also encourages me to buy books. I used to read all of Elizabeth's and Jayne's historical novels. As soon as I saw one come out, I would buy it without even really focusing too much on the back cover. My only thing is that I'm not very into contemporary novels, so I don't read much of those even if it is an author that I like.

Mostly, if I'm just in the bookstore, I read the back blurb and that's what makes me decide whether or not to buy it. If the cover is good, that helps. I hate trashy bodice-ripper covers. They are just funny and embarrassing. I ride public transportation a lot and I feel red-faced if I'm carrying around something so conspicuous. Once, I had to consciously hide the title of a novel from someone sitting next to me who was absolutely determined to find out what I was reading. The cover, thankfully, was not too conspicuous, but the title certainly was!! I prefer basic covers like Elizabeth's Only series or Thea Devine's books which usually just have a flower or a piece of fruit on the cover. When there is "man-candy" on the front, I like something like Karen Marie Moning's books where you just kind of see a chest, but it's not over the top. So, even if a blurb looks good, if the cover is too trashy, I won't buy it!

Word of mouth does work, but I don't have a lot of friends who read romance (though now I've just joined the RWA, so hopefully that will change). I did just meet someone who reads everything of Jayne's and she recommended some "Jayne Castle" stuff, so I recently bought some books. Because historicals are my thing, I hadn't really read her contemporary and futuristic pieces, but I'm glad my friend recommended them to me because they are quite enjoyable!; 9:54 AM
Anonymous said...: the biggest thing for me would be the back copy and teaser page
i also like to hear what other people are reading

i am always loosing bookmarkes; 4:46 PM
Anonymous said...: Don't know if you are still checking this but I never use bookmarks. I usually throw away everything other than the books that come with my on-line order shipments and refuse all over the counter promo items. Just can't take the extra paper and I never did like bookmarks anyway. (even for hardcovers).

Obviously, we all have favorite authors and like any good bookworm, I have my automatic buy list.

Aside from that, the NUMBER ONE reason I buy a book is a trailer or teaser in the back of a book that I already read. Second is probably the back blurb, but I have also been burned on that a number of times -- half way through the book I'm like "what did that have to do with anything". I am somewhat likely to buy a book based on its cover, but certain books I absolutely WON'T buy because of their covers -- too much bodice ripping or something that just looks goofy.

Third, recommendations, from friends, relatives or from authors I already enjoy!

And I also like getting email newsletters telling me when I should rush out to my nearest bookstore and grab the latest book I've been waiting desparately for.; 3:06 PM
Anonymous said...: Oh yeah, and the first chapters of books on websites or at least an excerpt often make me add books to my shopping list (and I do have one!); 3:10 PM
Anonymous said...: As many have said, it’s about the authors I already know and enjoy.

Since it can be a trial to find an author who writes what I want to read, once I do, I stick with them until I exhaust their backlist. To that end, if authors who have series or interconnected books have a list to show the ordering of their titles, that would be great on a bookmark. (It wouldn’t be used as a bookmark, but rather a shopping list, but still, really nice to have it in a handy format). Unfortunately, I don’t know how beneficial this would be to garner new readers, but it would make it easier for buyers like myself. (But I will grant you that I still end up buying the books of authors I like and then determining the order and re-reading them that way).

As for marketing, an author recommendation by an author I enjoy goes a long way – and especially if the new (to me) author is being compared to an established one -- i.e. “if you like… then check out…” The other reason an author recommendation is more persuasive than the plot description or inside jacket/back-cover blurb, is because then I typically don’t run into the problem of a great premise turning out to be poorly-written. If an author enjoyed a book, odds are it’s, at the very least, well-written.

So, Ladies, it looks like you’ve developed a great marketing tool already with the blog. Personally, that’s what I would promote. I would venture that for anyone who has an affinity for romance in any of its many forms has read, at a minimum, a couple of books from one or more of you, so it has great cross-author promotional capabilities. Each of you bring different readers to the group, and the guest bloggers that have participated do as well.

For myself, it’s finally motivated me enough to dive into the many, many, many books of Lori’s, the only main blogger who’s backlist I haven’t read, but only due to being overwhelmed – I’ve enjoyed the few I’ve picked up, but reading the blog and the interaction by you all, has convinced me to make the effort to go pull your back-list.

But to re-iterate what a few have mentioned, if the cheese factor gets too high with a title or cover, I’ll pass on the book if I was on the fence about purchasing it. And I agree that the anthologies and holiday collections are a good standby, and a great way to be introduced to a new author or two, as long as it’s anchored by an author I already enjoy.

Sorry for the rambling, but this has been fun :-); 11:55 PM

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Thursday, January 25, 2007

Susan's in a conundrum about promotion

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