As a reader, I've always thought it was totally cool when I got a special bookmark to go along with a book. (Yeah, I'm a total book nerd. I'm sure most of you can identify.)
Confession: Way back before I had an agent (or even a finished book to pitch to an agent), I would hold the bookmarks of the authors I met at signings and dream of having my own someday. Bookmark, I mean. (Oh, all right. I dreamed of having a signing, too. Dreams are free--why limit yourself?)
And now, thanks to the help of a wonderfully talented graphic designer--Jeff Fielder--I do.
When I decided it was time to go ahead and have the bookmarks for In a Fix made, I was at a loss as to how to go about it, so I did what I usually do in such cases. I went to Twitter and said, "HELP!"
Once again, Twitter came through. Jeff''s name was bounced back at me by my friendly tweeps, and attached to it were glowing recommendations. I checked out his website (jallenfielder.com), decided I liked what I saw there, and contacted him.
He has been a dream to work with--a total professional. I sent him images of my book cover and told him what the book was about, and he took it from there. Though he said he'd be happy to revise, I loved what he came up with on the first try.
Here's the front:
And here's the back:
Cool, huh? And he didn't even cost me an arm and a leg! Being a writer himself, I suspect he understands that the vast majority of us don't have unlimited promotional budgets.
Jeff provides print-ready files for his clients. I sent the files to gotprint.com, which I'd heard from several sources provided a high quality product for a reasonable price.
I can't wait to slip one between the pages of an ARC of In a Fix!
If you'd like one, and don't want to wait for the (admittedly slim) possibility that I'll be signing books at a bookstore near you, just pop me an email at linda(dot)grimes(at)gmail(dot)com. I would be happy (okay, thrilled!) to pop one in the mail for you.* I'll even sign it if you like. :)
Oh, yeah. The question for today: What's the weirdest thing you've ever used as a bookmark?
(Me? I'm fond of old grocery lists, bookstore receipts, and appointment reminder cards from the dentist's office. But only when I don't have a REALLY COOL bookmark that matches the book I'm reading.)
*Until they run out, of course. It would be tough to do after that.
19 comments:
Oooh! Very pretty!
My publisher produced some stunning bookmarks for my first book and shipped me a generous amount to give away. But I know that's not typical, and I won't count on it for my second book (which is coming out via a different publisher).
So thanks for the links! I may be checking them out in a couple months.
Great book mark from one book geek to another :)
deb
Ooooooh! Pretty bookmarks! Love them. :)
I have been known to use a speeding ticket as a bookmark. It wasn't nearly as cool as yours. Your bookmark, I mean. I'm sure you never received a speeding ticket. Just sayin' :)
Awesome!
awesome,awesome,awesome. Sorry, I'm on a limited vocabulary budget today.
I love it!!! That is seriously so awesome. Congrats on dreams coming true. I use receipts and lists all the time too. I will be emailing you.
:-)
That is indeed a very cool bookmark!
Nice! And thanks for the link to Gotprint.
I've used toilet paper for a bookmark on occasion, but it seems disrespectful somehow...
Linda, thank you very much for this. It has made my day. You are correct: Being that I'm a writer (he says), I understand that promotional budgets are typically pretty thin, especially for first-timers.
I hope you enjoy your bookmarks, and thanks so much for the plug.
Those are sweet!!! Can't wait to read the book, obviously.
I use anything within reach for a bookmark. Often that means bobby pins.
How very cool! Yes I certainly do want one of your bookmarks! I'll treasure it because you're an awesome blogging buddy. And I can't wait to read your book either. Will be happy to review an ARC or whatever you need to help promote!
definitely cool!
Ooo, congratulations on getting such pretty bookmarks! :D
I tend to use index cards or ribbons to mark my spot when I can't find a bookmark. I used to put pencils in between the pages but I stopped doing that once I left a pencil in one book and kept it there for a while..the pencil left this annoying space between the pages that I still haven't managed to flatten.
Sometimes if I'm putting my book down for a sec I'll use the handle on my glasses. Never works though. I don't know why I keep trying.
Cool bookmark.
Stunning bookmarks! Just yesterday I used my iPhone as a bookmark! Ha!
Ooh, those sher are purrty! I do love a good bookmark. I think the weirdest thing I've ever used is a hairband that was just lying around. The book didn't close nicely but I didn't lose my spot!
I'm so glad Jay worked out for you!!! Love the bookmarks!!!! Send me a couple and I'll give them to my local libraries and bookstores!!!! :o) One for me too!!!
Beautiful!
In lieu of a beautiful bookmark, I'll use whatever's handy. So I'm obsessive about shaking out all library books before I return them. Some things I just don't want the next reader to find.
Very cool! Now besides dreaming of a published book I am dreaming of a matching bookmark!
Post a Comment