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Content creators of all kinds, including authors, are beginning to realize merchandise's promotional and revenue-generating potential. Using merchandise as part of book publicity campaigns can be a cost-effective way to advertise and promote books. Merchandising can benefit any book but is especially popular for novelists and other fiction authors. Fans enjoy owning items connected to their favorite stories and characters, and using a book cover as artwork can help promote the book and make it more noticeable. Seeing cover art can spark conversations and lead to recommendations.
The classic merchandise options for book promotion include t-shirts, mugs, and caps. Apparel is beneficial because fans wearing branded items spread the word naturally. Mugs also work well as they are often displayed in offices or workplaces, leading to word-of-mouth promotion. Well-priced and popular merchandise can also create a secondary revenue stream to supplement book sales, unlocking additional value for the book. In addition to the classic options, tote bags are popular among fans, given their practicality and visibility to others. People also tend to use them daily, which boosts their value.
Creative designs and artwork on tote bags featuring easily recognizable elements related to the book can be effective. Words or critical quotes from the story can also be used to catch the eye of potential readers. Color choices can be influenced by the book's cover art or content, and collaborating with a graphic designer can provide further ideas. The rise of the digital era has led to a new merchandise category - electronics cases for smartphones, tablet computers, and laptops. Smartphone cases, in particular, are popular because people carry their phones with them constantly like they do tote bags.
Posters are another category to consider, especially for specific fiction genres and younger audiences. The appeal of a poster depends on its design and ability to resonate with fans. Regardless of the product categories chosen, leveraging merchandising can greatly benefit book promotion. Benchmarking often helps; you can find out what other authors in your genre have done successfully. Creativity reigns supreme, and a new idea can heighten your success. But ensure that whatever you do is appealing to your fans. They must want to buy merchandise if you're selling it rather than giving it away.