Promo? What Promo?

Promo is a huge buzz word among writers. What works, what doesn't, what's free, what's worth the money?

With the RWA National Conference coming up, promo is an especially big issue. See, there's this thing called The Goody Room. If you've never been, it's basically a room filled with every imaginable promotional item authors can come up with to show off their books. You'll see scores of bookmarks, book thongs, match books, enough pens to circle the world, pencils, emery boards, wine glass charms, cover flats, tulle wrapped tea lights, chocolates, mints, small excerpt books, tea bags...you get the idea.

But how many of those things make a lasting impression? How many make the recipient actually buy the book? The sad truth, I believe, is very, very few.

Have you ever bought a book based on a freebie you've been given? I'd love to know what the promo item was and what made you buy the book because of it.

Betting On Books?

Simon and Schuster is betting the public's opinion will help them find profitable projects. Read the NYT article here.

If you're interesting in playing along, you can sign up or check out the site here: Media Predict

What do you think about this? Sounds interesting to me, but I'm not sure if it's got any real merit in relation to what makes a book "breakout" or die on the shelf. I've starting playing and have so far made about $1900. If only that were real money!

And yes, it's still my birthday. All day.