Marketing: The Good, The Bad, The Swag

As some of you may know, in addition to writing I offer freelance marketing and editing services. (Want to check out my rates? Look here.) Today, let's talk about one of the most common marketing questions I get: what kind of swag should I order?

For those new to the publicity-sphere, swag is a catchall phrase for promo material intended to increase your brand awareness, such as bookmarks bearing an author's latest release, t-shirts with logos emblazoned across them, even those tire pressure gauges from your auto insurance company. You know, the fun little doodads given away at trade shows and conferences. Admit it, you know you love 'em.

Since most of my client's are writers, I usually deal with book related swag: bookmarks, postcards, posters, etc. While there's nothing intrinsically wrong with offering any of these, bear in mind that EVERY OTHER AUTHOR has bookmarks, postcards, etc. If you want your swag, and therefore your book, to stand out, you need to get a bit creative. 

True story: I once came home from a large science fiction/fantasy conference with an entire tote bag of bookmarks... and they all ended up in the trash. Really, after the tenth bookmark they all look alike. With a little imagination, it's not so hard (or expensive) to stand out from the crowd.

There are a few rules to swag: it must make you think of the brand/item it's promoting (easy enough by adding a logo or website info); it must somehow relate to your brand/item (re: don't order custom ice cube trays for a YA romance...unless it features Ice People or takes place in Antarctica); and it needs to cheap enough that you can give it away with abandon. 

Too much criteria? Trust me, it's not, and to prove it let's have a look at what arrived in my mailbox a few days ago.

Why yes, it's a tiny bottle of olive oil. Isn't it cute?

I am in no way affiliated with Goya, but c'mon, this little guy is adorable!

And, it came with a recipe book (in case I didn't know what to do with olive oil)! And a coupon!

In addition to the recipes (and sweet $1.50 coupon!) it advertised the other olive oils offered by Goya. That's called conversion marketing, peeps.

So, does this mean you should purchase teensy tiny bottles of olive oil with your logo emblazoned across the label? Not necessarily. But what Goya did with this presentation was something MEMORABLE. You want people to hang on to your swag, and remember your name. And, you know, buy your product. If the swag leads them to other products you have for sale, all the better.

I bet you're wondering if I put my money where my mouth is with swag for my upcoming release, Heir to the Sun. Worry not, I sure did. In addition to the standard bookmarks and postcards, I got magnets (everyone needs to decorate their fridge), mini books, and little spell bottles (which I ordered waaay before I got the Goya bottle. Really.). I'd like to do more swag, and I'm pricing out lip balm and travel sunscreens on key chains as we speak. I know, you're stoked.

Moral of the story: get something durable, something people will use for a few weeks or even months, long enough for them to remember your product. Don't forget to slap on a website or QR code, so they can buy that product. Other than that, let your imagination be your guide.

Have you ever ordered unique swag? Let me know in the comments below.

Heir to the Sun – available everywhere June 1, 2015. Add it to your GoodReads shelf here.

Like it on Facebook here.

Eleven Days Until The Relaunch of HEIR TO THE SUN

That's right, the new, updated edition of Heir to the Sun is almost here! It's been one heck of a ride, but I think you'll love the new version, especially with that awesome cover. Who knew Caol'nir was such a hottie?

We're running a giveaway on GoodReads for a signed paperback, and you can enter here.  In addition to the book, check out some of the swag you could win:

Mini books!

And, mini books in a bottle!

Yeah, I have a swag addiction.

While the prior edition already has some reviews, we're also looking for some new reviewers. If you're interested, either comment below or on the Chronicles of Parthalan Facebook page. Be sure to specify what version you'd like your ecopy in (mobi, .pdf, etc). It will be up on NetGalley in the near future as well, so that's another option.

Finally, be sure to sign up for my newsletter so you can stay up to date on events, new releases, and contests. The sequel to Heir to the Sun, The Virgin Queen, is scheduled for an October release from Bellatrix Press.

June first can't come fast enough!

Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Facts About Me

1.  One of the first stories I ever wrote was called The Coming of Ragnarok. It was about—you guessed it—Ragnarok! In my version Baldr made a timely appearance and defeated Surtr.

2. I wrote my first novel in the eighth grade. 20 years later, I published it.

3. I’ll eat pretty much anything, as long as it doesn’t involve goat cheese, coconut, or beets.

4. I secretly want to be a linguist. Well, I guess it’s not a secret now. I’ve taken formal classes in French, Italian, and Russian. I’ve also taught myself some Latin, Gaelic, Irish, and Occitan.

5. I love research! When I’m working on a new project I jump in feet first, and research things down to minute details. For instance, for a project that took place in Scotland I spent about a year learning Scottish history, folklore, and customs.  Oh, and that’s why I learned Gaelic.

6. I have a rather interesting employment history. I’ve mapped wetlands, worked as a barista, been a publicist for a small press, and handled insurance claims. Writing is definitely my favorite occupation.

7. My first pet’s name was Felicia, and I grew up on Beaufort Circle. That means my porn name is Felicia Beaufort.

8. My urban fantasy, Copper Girl, was indirectly inspired by one of my insurance jobs. Building maintenance kept the air conditioning around fifty degrees during the summer (true fact – I checked it with an ambient thermometer) so I got in the habit of going outside at lunch to warm up. One day I was looking at this weird tree at the edge of the parking lot, and I started wondering if it was a portal to the Otherworld; maybe my brain had frostbite. Anyway, that idle wondering became the opening scene in Copper Girl.

9. I’ve done a fair bit of traveling. I’ve been to Ireland, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Czechoslovakia (back when it was Czechoslovakia ), and Lichtenstein.

10. I’ve tried, and failed, to master many instruments over the years.

What are some fun facts about you? Leave them in the comments below, and we'll see who has the wackiest response.

Heir to the Sun - available everywhere June 1, 2015. Add it to your GoodReads shelf here. 

Like it on Facebook here.

Cover Reveal - HEIR TO THE SUN

We are gathered here today to view the all new cover for HEIR TO THE SUN, the first Chronicle of Parthalan. And here it is:

Here's the blurb:

A mad king. An escaped slave. One warrior to save the realm... 

When Asherah, stripped of both her memory and her dignity, learns that King Sahlgren is responsible for her torment it nearly breaks her. Instead, she leads her fellow slaves to freedom. More prisons are scattered across Parthalan, and Asherah vows to burn them all. 


Caol'nir, a warrior descended from the gods, is sworn to serve and defend the king. Then a priestess is murdered, and Caol'nir learns that Sahlgren is to blame. Determined to stop the king, sacred oath or no, Caol'nir joins Asherah's rebellion. 


What Caol'nir doesn't know is that Sahlgren has promised the demon lord a woman of rare and singular beauty, a woman whose abilities are rumored to rival the sun god’s themselves…a woman Caol’nir knows all too well. 

******************************************************************************

Isn't it beautiful? It was designed by the thoroughly awesome Veronica Jones of Moonshines Fantasy Artwork. Stop by her website and check out more of her creations: http://moonshines.com/

In the meantime, Heir To the Sun will be available in ebook format on June 1, with print soon to follow. Check out the links below so you can stay up to date with giveaways, release dates, and upcoming releases.

Add it to your GoodReads shelf here.

The Facebook page is here.

Twitter: @parthalan