Merchandising

When I go to book shows I have noticed a lot of authors have things beside just their books on the table. Some have a giveaway item ranging from a free copy of another one of their books all the way up to high end purses or bottles of wine. It is something used to draw people in and reward them for supporting you and your work. There are also people who have sign up sheets for their newsletter so readers can keep up with what is happening and where the author will be appearing next. Some authors even have merchandise.

I have seen authors that sell tote bags with their logo printed on the side, specialty bookmarks, jewelry that ties in with the theme of the book, and of course, t-shirts related to the author and their brand. I have a shirt that was created for an event I threw honor victims and survivors of domestic abuse. I do not sell it but I wear it with pride. it was created for me by a friend and event volunteer.

I have long thought about creating something to accompany my books and have been looking into a merchandise line as a way to help promote my books, my personal brand, and of course the additional income couldn't hurt. There are so many different ways to go about it though that it becomes a hassle sorting though the options. Should there be an online store connected to my website? Which one is the best? What do I charge for my items so I make some sort of profit? I am not great at graphic design so should I go with a stock image or hire someone to make things more custom? So many questions.

Once all of those decisions are made there is the issue of start-up capital. I think I am somewhere deep in the red on that aspect. What I have decided to do it create a business plan, complete with financing and repayment prospects and attempt to get a business loan. I know my credit may not be great but I also know I am determined to make this work so if I can just get approved I will be able to create my merchandise and set up a plan for selling it at shows and potentially online as well. Now I just need to finish the research needed to know what I am doing. Good thing I stopped by the library today.