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When my husband and I walked through the Harry Potter village in Universal Studios, Florida, we were once again hit by the magnitude of promotional materials for sale. Wands, stuffed animals, candy, eye balls, robes and hoods ... the list goes on and on. All the items available had me soon thinking, what if? What if my book became a movie, what would I want to sell as promotional items?

My first book, Memories Trail, is set in the early 1800's and I already have a poster of the Shawnee warrior, Tecumseh, available. I've sold as many as a few! I have a tomahawk for display and that weapon has helped make many a sale, but I don't know if I would want to promote such an item for profit. And I have to wonder if that is the mom in me and not the writer thinking about consequences rather than profit margins.

My second book, Promises To Keep, has a gambler and I have used a deck of cards as a sales promotion. I was invited to an Illinois Library Association luncheon and I placed a playing card at each table setting. I had to use two decks due to the size of the audience, so I was giving away two books when I would rather have given away only one. Whoever had the Queen of Hearts won a free book. The promotion caused quite a stir and everyone wondered what the cards were for and only when I was introduced did the purpose become evident. I knew then a deck of cards with my characters would be a good gimmick and a wonderful way to spread the word about my book.

Do you have a sales promotion in mind? Have you used something to promote your book? Would your characters and settings make for great promo material? Share with us!

Til next time ~

DL Larson