Use Merchandise to Advertise Your Book

The many benefits of merchandising make it increasingly used in book promotion today. Merchandise gives fans another way to connect with your book and is also a form of advertising. It works well because those who buy and use (or wear) your promotional merchandise often do so around others who may be interested in your book. If your t-shirts, mugs, and other items become strong sellers, they can be an additional revenue stream. It's also wise to consider whether fans may make unapproved merchandise if you don't offer it. When you do, you retain control of your brand image.

Apparel is one of the most popular categories for book and author merchandising, which means it goes beyond t-shirts and caps. Sweatshirts, jackets, and other apparel items that can carry your book's title and logo will work. If there are passages from your book that would reproduce well on t-shirts, you can also include them as conversation starters that go beyond a title and logo. Creativity reigns supreme but ensures whatever you do is easily understandable. The merchandise works similarly to outdoor billboards that can carry a single, concise idea. You may go over people's heads if you try to get fancy.

Posters are enduringly popular as merchandising items. If you're a self-published author, you may want to bundle a poster design with your book cover to have the same designer produce both. As your book is launched, it can save time and money and have ready-made merchandising items. Some popular poster designs are as simple as reproductions of your book cover, while others include quotes or short passages from your story. In the children's or young adult genres, posters may be especially popular, but they can be used in others. Some pages can be enlarged and used if you publish a photography book.

Personal electronics and technology have created a new category for merchandise, namely, carrying cases and accessories. Knowing that people use their smartphones and tablet computers daily, getting your title or logo onto those items guarantees, they remain in easy view. People take their devices to work and school, exposing others to your advertising message. Canvas book bags that are often repurposed for other uses are also wise to consider. If people will buy and use something, it's wise to consider it for merchandising. There's nothing wrong with t-shirts and mugs, but unique ideas help.