This was a fun read, and you clearly worked really hard on it! I personally prefer "less." A handwritten note is really perfect for me because they make me feel part of the publication process and more connected to helping the author on a personal level, but I'd also never turn down another bookmark. Otherwise, as a recipient, it can feel overwhelming and like too much consumption to me or that the focus is on "things" versus the book, but I also totally get that "things" and fancy packages can make a bigger splash on social, make the package memorable, etc. I do also like the idea of a smaller subset of folks who get the swag, such as people more intimately involved in the publication process. For whatever it's worth :-) Great article with lots of interesting tidbits.
Jules! I can't believe I didn't interview you. I feel like you're the expert on this stuff. That's great to hear that less is more because it's daunting to think that as a writer you'd ever have to really do any of this stuff to get someone to take your book seriously. I am curious though: What is the coolest/most egregious/incredible/stylish piece of book swag you ever received? I love hearing about it!
I honestly don’t do much swag or many ARC’s! I still have your summer darlings note as well as a few other notes. Alex North did a cool one with little gifts you open on certain pages… but I honestly didn’t use them! Which leads me back to just preferring something simple and personal. I was honestly shocked to hear you say some authors even pay for them themselves. It really is a whole other job for you all to market these days.
I have used the availability of author swag in choosing the bookstore I purchase from. Brenda Janowitz had keychains for her last book The Audrey Hepburn Estate. I got an ornament with my purchase of Bright Lights, Big Christmas from Eagle Eye Books in Georgia. I have gotten swag from Nantucket Booksellers for Elin Hilderbrand and Nancy Thayer. I had the pleasure of meeting you at the Scarsdale Library. I will buy your books, swag or no swag.
This was a fun read, and you clearly worked really hard on it! I personally prefer "less." A handwritten note is really perfect for me because they make me feel part of the publication process and more connected to helping the author on a personal level, but I'd also never turn down another bookmark. Otherwise, as a recipient, it can feel overwhelming and like too much consumption to me or that the focus is on "things" versus the book, but I also totally get that "things" and fancy packages can make a bigger splash on social, make the package memorable, etc. I do also like the idea of a smaller subset of folks who get the swag, such as people more intimately involved in the publication process. For whatever it's worth :-) Great article with lots of interesting tidbits.
Jules! I can't believe I didn't interview you. I feel like you're the expert on this stuff. That's great to hear that less is more because it's daunting to think that as a writer you'd ever have to really do any of this stuff to get someone to take your book seriously. I am curious though: What is the coolest/most egregious/incredible/stylish piece of book swag you ever received? I love hearing about it!
I honestly don’t do much swag or many ARC’s! I still have your summer darlings note as well as a few other notes. Alex North did a cool one with little gifts you open on certain pages… but I honestly didn’t use them! Which leads me back to just preferring something simple and personal. I was honestly shocked to hear you say some authors even pay for them themselves. It really is a whole other job for you all to market these days.
I have used the availability of author swag in choosing the bookstore I purchase from. Brenda Janowitz had keychains for her last book The Audrey Hepburn Estate. I got an ornament with my purchase of Bright Lights, Big Christmas from Eagle Eye Books in Georgia. I have gotten swag from Nantucket Booksellers for Elin Hilderbrand and Nancy Thayer. I had the pleasure of meeting you at the Scarsdale Library. I will buy your books, swag or no swag.