P.T. Barnum of the mystery world that I am, early on in my author career I decided, what better way to get the word out about my books than to wear the covers emblazoned across my chest?
I had racer-back tanks made to wear at the gym and to my dance classes. Even though I’m not writing either of these series at the moment, I’m happy to say the shirt still work. Prior to a Zumba class at the Y, one woman told me she knew my books and another said she’d read them. Mission accomplished!
To save money, I decided to try my hand at making my own tee shirts, using either ones I had and rarely wore or a few I bought. I printed iron-on transfers from my computer and got to work. I couldn’t decide which color to use for the Golden Motel Mysteries, where I used a graphic my guru Hunter Martin designed for me instead of the cover, so now I have not one but three ill-fitting tee shirts that have yet to work the promo magic of the razor back tanks.
Still, they’re cute and comfortable. But then – cue horror music or the theme from “Jaws” – I washed one.
I wasn’t able to find the transfer paper I needed from Avery for some reason, so I opted for another brand, where I got more transfers for the money. Unfortunately, it was a case of quantity over quality. The images wrinkled and detached from the shirts, rendering them unwearable. I vowed not to wash one of my homemade tees again. (NOTE: if you see me wearing one at a con, don’t stand too close to me.)
I also decided to try outsourcing production again. This time, I turned to Etsy. The shirt that arrived was affordable and well-made. Downside? The image is HUGE. I’m pretty unflappable when it comes to shameless self-promotion, but the size of the book cover even gives me pause. It’s more than twice the size of my usual images.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m going to wear it, and wear it proudly. Even if it means at that point, I am literally, Ellen Byron, Human Sandwich Board.
Readers, would you strike up a conversation with someone wearing a book cover you didn’t know on their shirt? Authors, what’s the boldest promo move you’ve ever made?
Chicks on the Case 
The friendly face above the billboard shirt would draw me in!
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Awww, thanks!
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I agree! I would definitely chat with you about the book on your shirt, Ellen.
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I hope this happens when I wear it Tuesday to a college alum event!
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Oh, my gosh! That’s genius!
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I would definitely talk to you.
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Yay!
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I love it! I compliment people on band shirts they wear, but I can’t think of a book shirt like any of yours. I would definitely give the wearer a tip of the hat!
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You could totally pull off a cover tee shirt, J.C.! I can see you in an Elmo Simpson.
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So can I! Totally awesome.
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That is a cute idea! I have made wonderful bookmarks for my novels, front and back and given them out. I went to an author’s festival and one of the authors gave away a bullet marked with Zero Dark Publications. I still have it as it was unusual.
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It is a fake bullet made of metal and he glued on the name of his publications.
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That’s unique! Did you keep the bookmark?
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Yes, I believe his style of writing is mystery and forensic. His background was medical.
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Love these, Ellen! All of them are eye-catching and cool.
Re: the larger size, some of us appreciate a larger graphic and lettering these days. (Says the person who just slid her manuscript zoom size up…again.) 😀
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LOL, Cyn! Excellent point I didn’t think of.
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Always love your promo ideas, El! Now that I think about it, I guess I’ve never done anything even faintly outrageous promo-wise. I did sell my books in a local mall (with other authors) 2 weekends ago, though, and I was thrilled that I sold out (even hardcovers!). I’m not sure I would have attempted it if I hadn’t started wondering recently if there’s ANYTHING that helps sell books, lol–but it was so much fun!
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Lisa, that’s so great! I’m thrilled when I hand-sell a single book.
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I would definitely strike up a conversation. I would not, however, wear one of my own books. I think the boldest I’ve ever gotten was a postcard. No, wait. My critique group put THE TRUTH WE HIDE, which was my Shamus-nominated book, on a travel mug.
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I love that it was a travel mug, so you can take it with you wherever you go!
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I would go up to the author! In fact, I did go up to someone with a “Poets & Writers” shirt. But I think I’m not bold enough to wear stuff with my own books on them. I did, though, blow up a newspaper article mentioning my novel and framed it, but it’s now sitting in the corner of my room…
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Jen, take that framed mention and put it in your living room!
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Jen and El, I’ll see your living room and raise you a book signing. I’d def put that framed article on my signing table. Congratulations, Jen!
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Of course I’d strike up a conversation with someone wearing a book cover on their shirt. Especially if it is a book I’ve read.
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And boy, would that author be happy to talk to you!
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I definitely would if she looked like you do in the picture-
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Awww, thanks!
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I love all of the shirts, and don’t think the graphic of A Murderer’s Guide to Mardi Gras is too big. Like J.C., I have struck up conversations with people about band t-shirts. I think the same thing would happen if I came across somebody wearing a shirt featuring a book I liked. In Rose Madder, Stephen King gives a shout out to one of his favorite singer-songwriters, Michael McDermott. How? By having a character wear a shirt with Michael’s lyric “I’m in love with a girl called Rain.” I think you are definitely on to something. And if you aren’t familiar with Michael McDermott, do yourself a favor and check him out.
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I will. Thanks for the tip!
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I talk to most anyone and love books/reading. If I came across someone “wearing” the cover of a book, I would most likely start chatting.
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I hope I get to meet you – wearing one of my shirts!
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That’d be great, Ellen! Who knows…
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Ellen – I love your super-sized book cover t-shirt! It’s eye catching and unique. Plus, you don’t have to worry about folks not being able to see the title of your book. They can’t miss it.
As to my boldest promo move, as a debut author, I’m taking baby steps with bookmarks and business cards as my promo swag. You’ve incented me to get creative!!!!
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Debra, let me know what you come up with! And congratulations.
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I love these! I had Edith Maxwell, Mystery Author mugs made some years ago, then realized how much it would cost me to ship them!
A better choice was the Maddie Day/Edith Maxwell, Mystery Author aprons that I ordered for special giveaways. They are pretty light, and I write mostly foodie mysteries, so it works.
For the launch of my Cece Barton (wine country) series, I designed and ordered branded two-bottle wine totes. Even lighter to send!
Coasters are always a good idea, as well as jar openers, and I’ve done both. They are easy to take to conferences to give away. Any swag I make have my web site on them, and except for the Quaker Midwife coasters, I avoid a particular book cover so they are perma-good.
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Also, I clearly missed the original question. Of course I would speak to someone with a book cover on their shirt! I do have a tote bag with the cover of A Case for the Ladies on it, but nobody has ever stopped me to ask about it. Clearly I need to print some shirts…
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As both an author and a reader, I’ll answer both of your questions. I met an author at Left Coast Crime this year who had a large image of her book cover on her t-shirt. And standing right next to her was her sister who had the same book cover image on her t-shirt with the words “Author’s Sister” above the book cover image. Apparently the author made t-shirts with her book cover image on them for all the members of her family that attended LCC with their relationship to her as the author noted above the book cover image. I thought it was brilliant marketing. So, yes, I would talk to an author with a huge image of their book cover on their t-shirt. I’m all about marketing and especially unique ideas for marketing.
I don’t have any outrageously bold promotions that I’ve done although I thought I was pretty brave when I hosted a single author event for myself in a small room at Bouchercon one year. I was terrified no one would show up, but I had a good turnout and it was fun.
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I am desperately trying to remember the name of the author who wore a dress made of fabric with her book covers on them at Malice-Go-Round this year. She writes books based on fairy tales. It was so clever!
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They are definitely fun! I may have to try it. One of my daughters had my first book cover made into a pair of earrings on Etsy and I loved them so much that I’ve had the next two books done too! Soon I will run out of holes in my ears, but as of now I can wear all three at once to events. It’s fun and they are really cute!
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In the future, I think I might skip the T-shirt and go directly to forehead tattoo.
Seriously, though, I’m considering buying one of those nifty purse straps that turns a book into an unusable-but-highly-promotional purse. They’re available on Etsy.
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