4 MARKETING MUST HAVES

4 Marketing Must-Haves!

Read Time: 3 minutes

 My New Picture Book Launches Next Spring!

It may seem early, but now is the time I begin thinking about marketing materials.

Here are three essentials I always consider:

• A bookmark

• A sticker (kids love them!)

• A word search or coloring pages

• QR code

   

Why a Bookmark?

A bookmark is like your business card. It’s useful at events, perfect to include in books sold through your website, and easy to carry around in your purse or backpack because you never know who you might meet!

On your bookmark, I recommend including:

• A picture of your book cover

• The title

• Your name

• Your website and/or email

   

Designing in Canva is simple, and online printers like Vistaprint are reliable. (See my newest bookmark below!)

Why Stickers?

Kids love stickers—and many collect them. I certainly did. Stickers are great giveaways at:

• Classroom visits

• Author events

• School readings

   

Mine feature just the book cover, but you can get creative!

Why Word Searches or Coloring Pages?

These are usually a hit with both kids and educators. They're great as:

• Downloads from your website

• Activities during events

• Extras for classroom visits

   

Your illustrator can likely create a coloring page from existing artwork. As for the word search, I used a free “word search generator” I found online. Quick and easy!

Why QR code?

Make it easy for potential customers and readers to find you. The easier the better.

Other Ideas

Some authors create plush toys, design pencils or T-shirts related to their books. I haven’t gone this route, but it’s more common for authors with multiple titles or recurring characters.

No matter what extras you choose, you won’t regret having a few thoughtful marketing items ready to go.

Keep writing. Keep creating.

Sam