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(WestSide Books, Dec 2011; Fitzhenry & Whiteside, Feb 2012)
SkinWalkers: 
Book promotion on public transit
I’ve been seeing more and more ads, the last few years, for books–and feeling good about it.
The other day when I was on the subway, I saw an ad for Tundra Books–all children’s books–with “Season’s Readings” as a slogan. It delighted me. I loved the play on words, but most especially I loved seeing children’s and teen books prominently advertised. I wanted to cheer. Finally, an ad I could actually enjoy. One that didn’t put down women or use their bodies or sex to sell something, one that didn’t pretend to be anything else–it was just…books. Something I could actually enjoy looking at while riding the subway–if I wasn’t reading a book (which I usually do).
I thought there were a bit too many books in the ad for recognition–a lot were listed, showing their covers and the age group beneath each. It made it hard to see from the other side of the subway car, unlike a few ads I’ve seen for one book or one author. But that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of it. It still made me grin.
Have you seen any ads for books around? How do you feel about them? And do you ever read book ads? Do you think they’d prompt you to buy–or read–a book?
December 10th, 2008 at 7:27 am
Well, I just saw a commercial for Nora Roberts new book. Does that count?
When I get a book published, I will advertise it as MUCH as I can. The entire world will know! Flyers all around!
December 10th, 2008 at 7:32 am
Absolutely, Madison, a commercial for Nora Roberts’ book counts. How cool! (and what a lot of money that must have taken! But–wow! That really must get her book visible to a lot of people. And her name.)
Yes, book promotion seems pretty important.
December 10th, 2008 at 10:03 am
A lot of it is do-it-yourself now, which I think is good. It helps the author approach this more as a business and the publisher can work on ALL the projects that will make them money rather than focusing on just one or two. I can’t wait to have a book out and figure out how to promote it. I’m a creative person and so is my mom, so I think we’ll have fun with it. Maybe one day we’ll get the chance!
December 12th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
I love ads for books out in public places. Also, hip ads for reading.
Thinking of ads on transit reminded me of a promotion our city did a few years ago. It was called “Poetry in Motion”, and they wrapped the city buses in poems so that you could read lines as they drove by. It was quite lovely.
December 16th, 2008 at 6:51 am
Madison, I agree that authors doing book promotion can be a good thing. I’m glad you’re going to have fun with it when you get a book published! That’s a great attitude.
Ms S, I love hip ads for reading, too. And Poetry in Motion sounds lovely–especially wrapping city buses in poems. I remember poetry in ads in the subway….