A Reason For Blogging

As the release date gets closer, my mind strays further from writing and closer to promotion.  Something that most people don’t know about writing is that the writing is just a part of the job.  Especially if your budget is small like many of us out there.  We are unable to pay for a publicist.  We have to balance our promotional items budget and invest in what will give the greatest returns.  We have to consider the cost of conferences versus the benefits received. 

So, this past week I’ve been working with my publicist.  Yes, I said my publicist.  You see, I’ve been graced with having a niece that has a background in publicity.  Her name is Lisa Pavia and she’s fulfilling her Christmas gift to me by acting as my publicist.  We’ve been working on many things; media packet, press releases, events and promotional material.  Lisa, maybe someday I’ll actually be able to pay you back. 

So, back to the topic; Bookmarks.  I had no idea that something so simple would take so much time.  Several author friends told me how easy it was.  Send your cover art to your graphic artist and place your order through one of the many print houses.

Graphic artist???  First you need a budget and there isn’t one, so…another hat to wear.  I first did research on common sizes.  Bookmarks do come in sizes.  All kinds of sizes.  1 5/8 X6, 2×6, 2×7 and every possible combination.  I even saw 2/8.  After looking over all the printing websites, I focused on 2×6 or 2×7. 

All I knew was that it needed cover art on it, a tagline, a blurb, ISBN numbers, publisher and my website.  That’s a bunch of information.  On 2″x6″?  And it has to be readable.

So starting with the cover art and a blank sheet, only 2 inches by 7 inches, I fired up Photoshop and started.

That was REALLY crowded and I was going for the patriotic background.  Not a bad start, but it needed another day and more work.  After long hours, version 2 was crafted.

More information was moved to the back, but the lettering was small and hard to read.  More work.

At this point, I was working under the assumption that the back would be black and white for budget reasons.  It looked simple and plain. Then I realized that the difference in printing cost for B&W and 4 color was minimal.  More work.

And the above went to the printers with about 40 working hours into the project. In case you’re wondering, I decided that the setting sun will be “Corporate Logo.”  Now, on to the postcards.