BOOKS, SWAG, AND ALL THAT JAZZ

Authors give away business cards, bookmarks, key chains, rack cards, etc., to draw readers in to buy their books. We all love it, clamor for it, and yes covet it. I know always have.



Years ago, when I started collecting, authors gave away the standard bookmarks and cards that were copies of the front and back of their books. If one was lucky, the author would autograph the item. Through the years I collected a couple hundred. The picture to the right is a very small sampling of my stash. A few that I really liked I laminated and hung on the wall around my desk for inspiration.

Other examples of swag from years past are post cards, book plates, a paper fan with author info printed on it, and more bookmarks.

A writer friend once gave me a puzzle for my birthday with the latest cover model heart throb. I met him once at a Romantic Times Convention. I'm sure he fanned the flames of many fantasies.

So many authors attend conferences, conventions, and book signings. I've done a few of them myself. They're informative, a way for authors to connect with other authors and readers, and they are loads of fun. I'll share a few pics from the Romantic Times Convention held in Dallas, Texas last May 2015. In Attendance were Hebby Roman, Caroline Clemmons, Hildie McQueen, Kirsten Osbourne and readers.

Pioneer Hearts lunch at Romantic Times Convention 2015.

Pioneer Hearts lunch at RT 2015 Dallas, Tx 2015

Here are a few snaps from the book signing, meet and greet from the same week, last May.

Me - Hellooooo!

Author, Kit Morgan

Author, E.E.Burke

As you can see, the tables, in fact the entire room is filled with swag. Much money is spent to promote our books. Does it work? We sincerely hope so. At any rate here we are again getting ready to attend conventions. The RT Convention is coming up next month in Las Vegas. YAY! But wait - I need swag! Yikes!!! I have business cards, bookmarks, hand fans with my name and contact info. There are magnets with the cover of a book, postcards . . . I hope it's enough. Nerve wracking, butit will be fun. I'll have pics. See you next month.

Hugs,

Carra

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