Promotional Materials and How to Use Them
For many authors, holding the first printed copy of their book is a milestone moment—but that’s just the beginning of the promotional journey. Behind every successful book launch is a toolkit promotional materials, provided by us (the publisher) to help authors spread the word and connect with readers.
From eye-catching bookmarks and posters to digital assets like social media graphics, these materials play a key role in generating excitement and visibility. But what exactly do authors receive, and how do these tools support their efforts to promote their work?
In this post, we take you behind the scenes to explore the types of promotional items authors can expect, how they’re used, and why they matter in today’s competitive publishing landscape.
What Promotional Items You Can Expect
To start, you will receive a packet of postcards. Beyond that, promotional items are by request only. Some items you can request are:
- Foamcore posters
- 11x17 posters
- Banners (stand up or horizontal hanging banner)
- More postcards
- Business cards
- Autographed copy stickers
- Bookmarks (these are usually not book specific, but Arcadia logo'd bookmarks, if you wish for book specific bookmarks, talk to your publicist, they may be able to help)
- Social media graphics
If you have specific ideas that aren't on this list, talk to your publicist. They may be able to help provide or at least might be able to contribute financially. We have a limited budget, so we can't wrap your car for you, but if you need a little help with printing materials, we can assist in cost or print for you.
What to Do with Your Items
Now you have a box full of cool promotional items, what the heck do you do with them? Here are some ideas to best utilize your promo materials so they don't just sit in a closet for the rest of time.
- Take postcards to local retailers/bookstores to introduce your book
- Ask your favorite retailers to hang a poster in their store
- Offer to sign copies of your book at local bookstores, offer the autograph copy stickers (often they'll have their own, but maybe they don't!)
- Have bookmarks, stickers, banner and/or posters for book signings
- Mail postcards to your friends/acquaintances to announce your book
- Hang your poster in your office
- Add posters to local community boards (in the library, some local retailers have them, at town hall, etc).
- Keep postcards in your car so you always have some on hand - you might find yourself chatting with people and you can offer them a postcard to remember your book for later
The sky is the limit when it comes to ideas to use your promotional items. This is just a starting point.