August 11th, 2005
I’ll be stuffing goodie bags tomorrow for those of you who e-mailed me your addys. I bought the bubble mailers a couple of days ago, but I’ve been swamped. I’m looking forward to putting them together. It should be fun! I bet you’ll love the stuff. There are some great promo items in that box.
While we’re talking about promo, you all mind telling me what your favorite promo items are? What do you actually keep that makes you think of the author now and then?
Alright, let’s be blunt. What could I give away that would actually help you remember to buy my books? *g* 
I think sometimes the type of contest you put together makes you memorable too. For example, when you asked for ways to kill someone off, I had to think about it for awhile (and think and think and think…). That makes me remember you.
I don’t use bookmarks (even though I think they’re great for people who need them), because I use Page Keeper to mark my pages and I have for the past ten years or so. I know they offer a service where you can put your info and logo on them, but I’m not sure how cheap/effective that would be (I do plan to look into it, though, once I’m to that point in my career).
I love pens and notebooks, because I’m a ditz and I’m *always* looking for something to jot notes on. Key chains are great, too, because I’m a key chain junky. I have four or five on my keys right now.
Magnets are also really fun. I have a ton of those on my icebox. I used to keep them on my filing cabinet at work, too.
But, as others said, I don’t have to be reminded to pick up your books. More likely I’ll have to learn how to make myself wait for them.
I love everything that you all have suggested so far, not sure what I could add. Pens and notepads are especially nice! Other things that I’ve thought of are:
I love tote bags (use my Lori Foster one a lot), coffee mugs. I also have gotten phone cards (the calling cards with pre-paid minutes) from a couple of authors. Gift certificates are always nice. I’ve gotten a Victoria Secret gift certificate once, as well as the usual book store certificates. Oh and what about book covers? Those come in handy.