How precious are books to you? Yeah, yeah, I know you all love to read - I mean the book as a physical object. I blush to confess the container the story comes in isn’t terribly important to me. I’ve bought a lot of books second-hand in my time, maybe that’s why I’m so rough. I don’t do that any more, BTW, because now I truly understand about royalties!
Elaine, if you’re reading this, you’d better stop now. I can see you wincing from here. I was VERY careful with the books I borrowed from you. You know I was, ‘cos you made me promise and I was scared. But you were right to be so stern.
Books I own myself, though - I’ll shove them in my handbag, chuck them on the back seat of the car, drop them on the floor next to the bed, absent-mindedly put a cup of tea on top of them. I particularly like mass-market paperbacks, because they’re such a convenient size for shoving.
Oh - I’m VERY kind to the books I’ve written, of course. And Joey’s and Christine’s. Anyone else’s - yeah, well… Unless they’re autographed.
I know I’m awful, okay? So beat me (gently).
To mark my place I’ll dog-ear a page. Okay, OKAY, don’t all shriek at once! I said I know I’m awful. Most of the time I use a postcard of Mr Gorgeous. Big enough not to lose (well, he would be, wouldn’t he?) and pretty enough not to be careless with.
Or I’ll use a receipt or a petrol docket. I’m hopeless with normal bookmarks. I don’t know how it happens, but they just…disappear. I wouldn’t mind a bookmark like the one on the right, though. I wonder if he singes the pages? 
Sometimes, I’ll get impatient and flatten a book out til the spine cracks so I can read while I’m eating. I’m a shocker. *sigh* But I never, ever tear or mutilate pages and those twits that write their own stupid corrections in books borrowed from the library drive me insane with rage.
On a parting note, I’ll leave you with two contrasting shelf arrangements ad a question. The first is my study (and you can see that tidiness is not a virtue I cherish, nor is flower arranging). But the novels are in alphabetical order by author, I have to give me that. And the reference books and files have their own sections.
Here we have an alternative scheme, books arranged by colour. Words fail me. I wish any room in my house looked so pretty… And don’t you love the rug? Not to mention the pug? *giggle*
So here’s my question. I have to think of ways of promoting my books that readers will enjoy and that won’t break the Rossetti bank, which is not a particularly flourishing institution. I’m thinking about getting bookmarks made, but I’m so hopeless with them myself, that I’m having doubts.
Help me out here, guys.
What do you think of bookmarks? Do you use them? Like them, collect them? Do they help you remember an author’s name? Have you ever, ever, checked out a writer because of her bookmarks?
If there are enough answers, I’ll write up a quick summary for any writers who drop by. (You know who you are!)
I’ll be announcing the winner of everything droolworthy as soon as I can get My Beloved to pick the name. Something different for June, I think…. Keep the comments coming!
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My thoughts are that you can’t have enough bookmarks.
I found a terrific idea the other day, it didn’t look too pricey.
It was a normal length bookmark folded in half with a small magnet
on each half. You slid it over the page and the two magnets
snapped together. Couldn’t slide out of the book, so couldn’t be
lost, so your name stays around for longer.
Light up the sky,
Lesley
I’m pretty hopeless with bookmarks myself, but only because I use them for other purposes other than marking books. I like putting my favorites up on my pretty picture cork board.
As for books, I’m terrible to them. I use the excuse that if I ruin one, I’ll go out and buy another. *wink* But quite frankly, I’ll be good to library books, good to others, but if they’re mine they’re going to get loved, written in and commented on, earmarked and torn and dirty. The worst part about it is, the more I love a book, the less likely it will be in my bookshelf. Chances are it’s under the mattress or the pillow, in the closet or behind the toilet. They turn up in the strangest places.
From your point of view (ie promotion) I don’t think bookmarks will necessarily do the job. I think after a while we become blind to anything that looks like advertising. I keep the ones that mean something to me. I would keep yours because I already know your writing and like it. I keep the ones my sister regularly gives me. Otherwise it would take an extra feature or two to keep it out of the bin on my periodic tidy-ups.How about some of your stunning art work, laminated, with one of those cut out ‘lips’ that will slide over the page and keep it in place while you are reading as well as while you are not? You can get a variety of metal ones like this but plasticised card would be affordable—metal wouldn’t!
I use and love bookmarks and have so many that recently I had to weed my collection! But then I am weeding all my possesions at this point in my life. I’m not sure that a bookmark would cause me to buy a book unless it brought to my attention and interesting cover - which led to looking at the book. I don’t know what you have in mind but you have been very fortant in covers and they would attact me to look at the book.
As a volunter at historical society with a large book collection the absolute worst thing you can do is put paper clips in a book as a book mark particularly if you leave them there for 40 years. The next worse is acidic paper like newspaper as it will mark the pages with yellow eventually. Even quality paper and items left in a book for many years will leave a mark on pages, so dog ear those papes Denise, it really is better than the other choices!
What really is bad that I can see from your shelf is not storing your books upright. They will eventually warp.
Arranging books by colour? I’ve seen sillier ideas by decorator’s. What about turning all the spines to the inside of the shelf. You are supposed to find your book how?
hey Denise! As a reader, I love promotional bookmarks - good quality hard glossy card, or laminate. Can’t stand the leather, tassled, bookflap-that-slips-over-the page-but-still hangs-out-ones because they still come out. The magnets that Jen suggested are great. Oh, and if you want a great fabbo place to order some, http://www.westsky.com in the States are brilliant. I also ordered a small amount from http://www.stuckonyou.biz in Australia (they’re actually plastic oval see-through kiddy name tags with just your name and web on them but can SO be used as markers!)
Paula x
—————————-
http://www.paularoe.com
Boardrooms & A Billionaire Heir - Silhouette Desire
I love bookmarks and have a lovely collection of them and I always check the authors web page out when I get a new one.
I also always use bookmarks and am very careful with my books they cost me lots of money and they are such a joy to me that I must be careful and when the day comes and I retire and I may not be able to buy all that I do (heaven forbid) I will have lots to read.
Actually I have a nice collection from authors that includes hot postcards bookmarks cover flats magnets pens and I love them all.
Have Fun
Helen
I’m a book trasher which is why I rarely borrow books off other people. I can’t be trusted not to wreck them. But I have to say that after attending the RWA conference last year where I picked up so many bookmarks, I’ve actually been using them. My Paula Roe Forgotten Marriage one is still in service. Tatty, creased beyond recognition, but still used even if it is languishing in a crapily written book I cant bring myself to finish. At least I’ve given up dog-earing pages.
Currently, I’m using a Nora Roberts one which is a thick laminate so very hardy. The bookmark doesnt make me rush out and buy her books, but it is good for brand recognition - every time I pick up the book I’m reading, I see her name. For a newer author building a brand, I can see some value in that.
oooh, Cathryn, email me your address and I’ll send you out a new plastic one!
I use bookmarks all the time.The more the merrier, but I never look at them unless they have something to say, For example i have two of Wayne Dyers one has the Prayer on it and the other has 10 Secrets for Success They are laminated with magnets on the back. They sit infront of my computer. They remind me of three things where I got them, what I believe in,and Wayne Dyer. Point is I think a book mark as a promotion needs to be versatile.Also when promoting Denise have you thought of contacting community radio stations. I did that once when I was promoting my CD it worked. But I had to make my talk funny and interesting , they are always looking for things to fill the spaces.
Hi Lesley, and welcome to the madhouse!
Right, that’s one vote in favour. *scribbles* And thanks for the suggestion. That is a good idea. I think I’ve seen those little magnet-y ones.
Jen, I think most authors would be perfectly happy to go up on your cork board, it’s a form of name recognition, after all. And I’m so glad to have found a partner in crime.
I adore bookmarks, and have quite a collection. I love buying them, and picking up freebies with gorgeous pictures on them; I’m quite addicted. Sometimes I give my excess away - and I often buy a bookmark to slip into a card, or accompany a book gift - which is, after all, the best present in the world. Better yet if the bookmark is from the author! The funny thing is, I like using one bookmark until it dies. For a while there I was using a Rex Airlines boarding pass - that was perfect, the right width not to lose, the correct thin-ness… gosh, I sound nerdy! Then there’s the gorgeous super-cute red and black cat one my eldest son made me in primary school (he’s now 28). I really enjoy using that one - surprisingly sturdy cardboard - but as the years go by I’m using it less to preserve it. At the moment I’m using a bookmark that used to have a tassle, but all the threads except for two fell off. No matter, that actually makes it sit better in the book without the added weight, and get less tangled up in the junk in my bag. It features a cat sitting on a pile of books, and the phrase says: I treat my books like I do my friends. Rosario, a very savvy reader whose blog is marvellous: http://rosario.blogspot.com/ - said she chooses each bookmark very carefully to match the book she’s reading (as in tone, mood, flight of fancy, setting, how romantic, etc). Naturally, if I have a bookmark ‘of’ the book I’m reading, I’ll use that. So, long answer made short, Denise: YES, as a reader I love ‘em. …I will confess in a whisper that in books I own I actually turn up a teeny tiny corner at the bottom of the page every time a new character is introduced… but that’s because I have a shocking memory and need to be able to flip back when I can’t remember someone!
Still, sacrilege!
Welcome, Neely! So nice to see you here. And thanks for the lovely compliment.
You sound like me - I just don’t notice what’s on them after a while. I like the idea of the cutout “lip” thingie. Will have to investigate re the expense. Hmm…
Jenny, I don’t know what I have in mind either! That’s part of the problem - oh, and the fact I have NO graphic smarts whatsoever.
I guess it would be a good idea to have one that just promoted my name and website, my “brand”. But I’m also thinking of one specifically for THE FLAME AND THE SHADOW, because I want to make a big splash with my first big NY book. (And now I’m hyper-ventilating. breathe, breathe…)
Thanks for the info on preservation too. Luckily, I don’t use paper clips or newsprint. And I’ll be off to straighten up those shelves. Back in a mo…
Nah, I don’t use them at all. I get lots and think they are really pretty, and i have really good intentions to use them, but honestly they all end up in the bin.(ok, yes every now and then i feel very guilty and think I really should look after them, but it just doesn’t happen.)
For people like me, you are better off to save the money. If i have heard of an author and I want to find out about them, I just google them instead of looking up bookmarks for websites etc.
Love bookmarks, l collect them, and each book l read l leave the bookmark in them. Naturally if l am lucky enough to have the authors specific bookmark l leave it in that book.
But there again l am a horder l like to keep any memento of any kind, bookmarks, badges, books, letterheads, transfers re:stickers, personlised envelopes. Might explain why l can hardly move in my den.. he heee.
Ah, Paula! You’re a promo powerhouse! Welcome, and thanks so very much for the recommendations. I had a quick look at Stuck on You - so cute! Which product did you actually use? I couldn’t work it out.
And guys, Paula is the “ideas” girl to beat ‘em all. Which means she writes fabulously entertaining, sexy books - go check her out!
I lose them. I try not to but it never fails. I lose them. The cats steal them. The puppy makes off with them. They just disappear. Still, I like the ones that catch my eye and tell me about a book.
I love bookmarks. I love books and I beat the crap out of them too…I never borrow books because I have this obession to own them all LOL. So like you I have books every where and I just grab them when I see one I am in the mood to read. But back to the bookmarks. I use them all the time…don’t get me wrong, I lose them a lot too and sometimes they aren’t there when I need them but I keep them all over the place too. I have friends that come over and see them laying around and pick them up.
Helen, you’re obviously a collector at heart and careful with the things you love - unlike me!
That makes another vote in favour. *more scribbling*
I love bookmarks and use them a good deal…several of those not in use are currently in a box because of a move (but were previously on display on a wall with coverflats that I had laminated…I would change the display to suit my mood or the season, rotating what was displayed and what was stored). That said, I have never purchased a book because of a bookmark and would not likely do so. However, I do treasure them from authors whose work I enjoy.
Denise! :blush: If you’re going magnetic, they can get quite expensive… and the item I used at Stuck on You is the ‘call me cards’.
All us Aussie Desire gals got together for a group bookmark (white plastic with Aussie flag and includes our names and websites), and it worked out mucho cheaper. They’ll be some at conference!
Welcome, Cathryn. Aha! Now I know what I am - I’m a book trasher, that’s what!
But glad to see there’s a name recognition factor involved. I’ll bear it in mind.
Sandra, lovely to see you here! That’s interesting, you keep the bookmarks that have a purpose in your life. Hmm… And thanks for the brilliant tip on community radio stations. It would never have occurred to me.
Malvina, that’s so funny about the boarding pass! I’ve done exactly the same, many times.Perhaps it’s because they’re not so skinny, so a doofus like me finds them harder to lose. Which is another reason I like standard-sized postcards for bookmarks.
And I do love the idea of your son’s bookmark - the one he made specially for his Mum. That’s delightful. As for matching the bookmark to the book - wow! My eyes opened very wide. I think that shows extraordinary dedication and involvement in reading.
I’ll put you down as a vote in favour then.
Righto, Julie-Anne, I’ll put you down as a vote in the negative!
I have a baaad feeling, there are quite a few folk like thee and me. Huh!
Hi there, Rob, and welcome! I can just imagine you in your lair, surrounded by beautiful objects and things that have meaning for you. Maybe it’s as lovely as the colour-coordinated study in this blog post! Another vote in favour of the humble bookmark.
Bookmarks, I’m afraid, mean very little to me. People give them to me as presents (they know I love books), I receive promotional ones, but only very rarely use them. I use odd mail response cards from magazines, and (I blush to admit) odd bits of toilet paper, because, of course I read books on the loo. I never have bookmarks around when I need them. For me, no bookmark would make me buy anything, or even consider an author, really. On the other hand, there is a percentage of people out there, who obviously cherish them.
Books… How can you crack the spine (cringe). I lent someone a book once in pristine condition (as most of my books tend to be) and she cracked its spine in front of me (here imagine cry of outrage). As I was a teenager at the time and she an adult I didn’t say anything, but I worried so much about the book all night long, I called her the next day and asked for it back.
However, I now have so many more books than I do bookspace, my books live in piles and boxes a lot of the time, so my pristine is not as pristine as it used to be.
And as an aside, looking at your work set-up (untidy, who minds?) if you’re writing for an extended period of time, get yourself an ergonomic keyboard, woman, your hands, and wrists and shoulders and spine will thank you for it.
Love your office!
You’re one of those spine crackers! *wince* I’m one of those folks who don’t crack the spines and don’t turn down corners. I have one friend whom I loan books too because she’s as careful as I am. LOL
Bookmarks–I love it when I have a bookmark for a specific book or author. I keep it tucked inside the book and use it whenever I read the book. And yes, I do reread favorite authors and titles.
I think bookmarks work. Even if someone reads your name and then discards it. Maybe they’ll remember your name another time and try one of your books. Plus, bookmarks can go to bookstores and conferences when you can’t.
Arwen, thanks for visiting! If anyone’s interested in the Tarot (as I am), Arwen is an expert reader, go see and be enlightened - http://tarotbyarwen.blogspot.com/
I really like that you have the same problems with bookmarks that I do. Slippery little critters, they are. heh heh
Oh Renee, welcome to the madhouse! Yay, another “book trasher”! There’s a few of us around. But sounds like you’re a vote in favour. I’ll put you down. *scribbles*
Ah, Little Lamb, someone else who cherishes beautiful and meaningful things. It’s clear to see how much you value things like bookmarks and cover flats and so on. OK, another vote in favour…
Thanks, Ms P. I’ll check ‘em out!
Hi denise,
(not here to judge-you will just have have to search your soul when you meet the literary ‘GOD’) Book are expensive and I love my books to death and When I do lend one OR MAYBE two…. I am so seargent-major to the poor borrower that they wouldn’t dare not return it in same condition. I treat your wonderful darlings with just as much care.
I am a book mark-fanatic. No dog-ears…EVER.
Bookmarks made from photos of my kids, of pictures of artists works, of authors works, from the local book store, library(with return date on it) an old Visa card (with the no. scratched out) I laminate just about anything and keep them all handy.
I also paint real-leaf bookmarks with sayings, names, pictures, designs whatever takes my fancy, and I sell or give themaway. They have gone to good homes all over the world.
Good way to promote yourself I would think.
Cheers.
Susan, I believe you and Elaine are related in some strange and mysterious manner. She takes such good care of her books!
And on the study set-up - since that photo was taken, I’ve bought a decent chair with adjustable everythings. I use a short keyboard at work and a small mouse, because I have small hands. At home, I don’t seem to have the problem. I have a footrest and I use a timer, to remind me to get up and stretch. And do I? If I’m on a roll - nope! I’m also shamed to admit I do an enormous amount of work sitting up in bed with the laptop on a tray table. My physio always looks horrified, so I try not to mention it to him. *sigh*
NJ, how great to see you here. Thanks for dropping by!
I’m coming to believe there’s a group of “sister-carers of the book”, people who take exquisite care of their book-friends and never - ever - rough ‘em up.
And I have to say, I’m coming ’round a bit more to the bookmark camp, looks like the name/brand recognition thing actually works. Don’t they say you have to get your name in front of a prospective buyer 8-10 times before it makes an impression?
Mary, I love the idea of a hand-crafted bookmark as a gift. No one would ever lose one of those!
And yeah, I know I’m awful. *hangs head* Looks like you’re a founding member of “sister-carers of the book”. Chat with Susan and Elaine and Mary and NJ and the others. Seriously, it’s a great comfort to hear how well you take care of them.
Another one in favour…
I actually shuddered when I read that you dog-ear your pages. I don’t think I’m that careful with my books but I’ve never folded down a corner in my life. Eep! I keep all the bookmarks that make their way into my house (mainly through the monthly catalogue from Rosemary’s Romance Books). Granted I keep them downstairs with the books so when I actually want one I’m usually sitting in bed and end up using a hair band instead. But whenever I grab a bookmark off the pile I always look at it before popping it into the book. So I do see the names of those authors more often than I would otherwise.
It’s my pleasure to drop by.
And you’re right. It does take about 8-10 times for name recognition to kick in. I figure every time a reader sees it in a magazine or on a bookmark or a store shelf it might make them think about trying one of my books.
I divorced my second husband because he creased my books. Don’t laugh, I’m serious. I had a wonderful collection of Asimov, most second hand but in great condition. He read them and turned them backwards, ruining the spine and popping pages out. A complete collection ruined. I decided that was the last straw. It showed a distinct lack of respect for me, so I divorced him. Problem solved.
I love my books. I have many books that have been read several times and still don’t have a crease in the spine. I love that. I used to worry about wear and tear but not so much anymore. I’ve mellowed some. Of course that might be because I don’t lend books much anymore.
When I do lend books I have a terrible habit of forgetting who I’ve lent them to. A wonderful person gave me some ‘lending bookmarks’ a few years ago. The bookmark basically says ‘This book belongs to ….”. My end of it is a butt where I can write the borrower’s name and the names of the books I’ve lent them. Brilliant for keeping track.
As far as bookmarks are concerned. I would never consider dog-earring pages. I don’t lay books face down between readings and I don’t even consider pushing them flat to read. I always, always use a bookmark of some sort. I’m not careful with bookmarks and am constantly losing them. I use anything available. My current bookmark is my temporary State Library e-card. I received the real one so the temporary one became a bookmark. I use receipts, envelopes, torn corners off pages, bits of cloth, anything that will hold my place without damaging the book.
I will report one major change in my book behaviour over the last 12 months. I’m studying for my masters and have found I can’t remember things I read unless I highlight the section and write notes in the margin. Usually I photocopy the pages from books so I can do this but the last 12 months, with books I’ve bought for the purpose of study, I haven’t bothered. I do it in the book. I had nightmares the first time but have found it so useful I’ve decided to stop worrying about it. I’m still careful with the spines and won’t dog-ear the pages so the books still look new - they’re just more useful with my notations.
It’s worth checking out http://www.worldwide.com.au if you’re shopping around. I had some bookmarks printed by them, they were very simple but good quality and very competitively priced if you get a big batch (I got 500). They’ll print up anything from your own design in word, which you convert to pdf. I did my book cover, a couple of review snippets and my web address and kept the colours of my website to help with the brand recognition thing. And they have heaps of Brisbane locations which means you can physically go pick them up if you prefer that to mail out (I do).
Honestly I don’t know if bookmarks work, but I figure it can’t hurt. And it’s pretty cool having your own bookmarks
As a reader I keep them if they’re pretty, but they don’t really make me check out the author. You have such great covers though, that I’m sure a bookmark would look fantastic.
I think bookmarks are a good idea. If I saw Mirry on a bookmark I would pay attention and try to find the book. It could start out as a small investment and if it takes off cool, if it doesn’t you still may have gained some more readers.
As for books, I am so careful that if somebody asks to borrow a book I say sure and then go buy another copy and loan them that. I even had a hard time in law college marking in the books so I could aanswer quickly and intelligently when called on in class. Necessity broke me from that habit but I still cringe when I have to highlight things. Thank God for Post-it notes.I encourage my students to use those instead of marking directly in their books.
Whoops!
Sorry, Rebecca - and welcome, BTW! I wonder if there’s a special place in hell, where dog ear-ers get dog-eared themselves? 
Another vote in favour… Think you guys are winning!
Elaine, you slay me. I divorced my second husband because he creased my books. What a classic conversation stopper. I love it! And I couldn’t agree more - richly deserved, the fink.
Can I stand at your elbow at the next RWAustralia conference and hear you say it?
The “lending” bookmark idea is simply brilliant. I wonder where you can get them? Will have to investigate.
As for writing in books, I will do it, if it’s a textbook and I own it, but I HAVE to do it in pencil. I simply CANNOT mark a book with a pen, my hand shakes so hard I have to stop. Those little flag-it thingies and post-its are a great boon!
I confess. I dog ear my own books (but never borrowed ones!) I’ve been known to lay an open book face down. I have, on a few rare occasions, pencilled notes in books. I use post-it sticky things to mark pages I want to return to.
I do love a gorgeous, visually splendid bookmark, but in all honesty, I rarely actually use them. My bookmarks are in a box on my bookshelves, but I wander away from the bookshelves to read, so when I need to put ina bookmark, I use an envelope, a shopping docket, or whatever’s handy. I do read when I’m flying, so boarding passes usually do double duty as bookmarks. I am definitely not organised enough to match bookmarks to books!!
Other than a rather wonderful Aragon bookmark, I couldn’t actually tell you anything about the bookmarks I have - especially not author or book titles. So, as a promotional item, they’re lost on me. I might remember a gorgeous illustration and recognise it on a book cover, but I’m afraid I’ve never bought a book because of a bookmark.
Having been away for the weekend, I come into this discussion late, and I see Denise that you’ve already made up your mind - but I had to weigh in anyway!
The only way that I currently receive bookmarks is through the brraddicts meetings - and Elle certainly does have a lot of them to share! Usually I look through them, and pick out the ones that catch my eye. For me that’s nearly anything with a historical / regency feel to it, or contemporaries that have a great pic or an interesting blurb.
I don’t keep many bookmarks - I think there are about 5 on my bookshelf at the moment. But before I throw out a bookmark, I’ll look up the authors website, if I like what I see I’ll add the website to my favourites, and add the book to my ‘to buy’ list.
So in terms of keeping bookmarks for the ‘8-10′ times of recognition, no, that wouldn’t be me. But in terms of buying books that I’ve heard of through bookmarks and then via the authors website, yes, that’s me!
PS - Yes, I also trash my own books - but I try to be very careful with books that I’ve borrowed.
However, when I’m finished reading a book it will still be in mint condition. I treat my books like dear friends and never mistreat them.
I have bought many books because a bookmark intrigued me. Especially one I pick up at a con or from a bookstore. I’ve gotten a few in goodie bags too.
Gee. You can tell kids don’t live in the ‘colour me anal’ house LOL!
As for book marks. Yeah, well. I’m with you D. I use whatever I can get my hands on. Receipts, business cards, tissues (clean of course), scraps of paper, you name it - LOL! You’d honestly think I’d design myself some, wouldn’t you
I won’t bring myself to dog-ear the pages though. That’s pushing the friendship a bit too far 
I’m a little slow to catch on to things,
but I just found ‘book thongs’. I love these.
They don’t hurt the books (I was a page creaser),
and because I’m ‘crafty’ I make my own and attach
a label telling what it is, (In case the reader is a
little slow like me) to the little plasttic package
along with my newest book and my business card
which has my web site, my list of novels and my brand.
Readers really seem to like them.
Allison
“It’s All About Romance”
Thanks so much for the recommendation, Sami! I checked them out and asked for a quote. And yes, the Cover Fairy has been VERY good to me.
Hi Clynax. Another yes vote.
You must be related to Elaine! Buying another book so you can lend it? Wow! I do remember a guy I knew who would simply say, “I don’t lend books.” I do recall feeling shocked at first - he had all the social skills of a flat fish - but I could see the sense of it.
Welcome to Under and Over, Bronwyn. Couldn’t agree more about boarding passes! Don’t know if it’s the size, the thickness or what, but I’ll continue to use them until I misplace them somewhere. I use standard size postcards a lot too - especially Mr Gorgeous.
Maybe it’s because they’re so much wider than a normal bookmark?
Hey there, Debbie, welcome to the madhouse! I wouldn’t exactly say I’ve made up my mind… It depends on the costs and how difficult it is to come up with a design. Graphically gifted, I ain’t!
But interesting that you’ll actually follow through to an author’s website. Hmmm… I guess with me, there are a number of ways to snag my attention - reviews, ads, promo materials etc - but in the end, the book excerpt is the real test.
Sorry to say I love yellow sticklies as bookmarks. Stay in place and work as mini-notecards.
Amber
Kayelle, my friend, you are so very welcome here. Writers, Kayelle runs a group about marketing for writers - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MarketingForRomanceWriters/ Full of really useful advice!
Looks like you belong to the “grab anything brigade”, Kayelle. Like me. But it’s interesting to see you have actually followed up from bookmarks. Obviously, they work for some people. More food for thought…
you know one other thing I do - I put those mini-flags on pages of a book that have erotic scenes that appeal to me. Then when I need inspiration, I go back to a few of those and try to identify what it was about the scene that intrigued me. How did the author grab my attention. It’s really a form of studying the craft of the writer.
In ebooks, pdf allows you to place bookmarks, did you know that? Very cool feature.
Thanks for mentioning my marketing group, Denise. We are open only to authors (published and unpublished), literary agents, author promotion services, and publishers. No spam, no jokes, no promos, just the business of learning how to market. It’s a great group.
Lyn, that’s great idea - I wish I had your graphic smarts. Or any graphic smarts at all, really. And can’t you just imagine what sticky little fingers and all those “accidents” would do to that beautiful room? That rug looks mighty vulnerable all of a sudden!
Hi there, Allison and welcome! A book thong is made of string or yarn or ribbon, right? I can see how people would love a gift hand-made by the author - what a lovely idea! I envy you your “craftiness”, but I’m guessing it takes quite a bit of time?
Welcome, Amber - glad you dropped by! I love sticky notes too, especially for study. I have a set of quite big ones that you can write a whole lot of stuff on, very handy for copious notes! I do have a couple of sets of stickies personalised for me, too. I keep meaning to give them away as prizes, but I forget!
Denise,
The book thongs take about a minute, maybe a minute and a half to assembly.
I cut bunches of waxed string, seperate the beads, and I’m ready to go. I
made at least fifty one night while watching one episode of “Law And Order”.
The first one or two take a bit of time, but after you get the technique down
it doesn’t take any time at all.
Allison Knight
“It’s All About Romance”
I always use bookmarks…..and yes I was one of those shrieking at the mention of dog-earing a page…*sighs*….I have a huge collection of bookmarks…though sometimes I run out so I’ll use whatever is handy, expired credit cards work very well and if dropped in the bath tub won’t be ruined.
That’s clever, Kayelle. Good way to learn.
Wow, Allison. I’m impressed!
Meg, that’s so funny! I wouldn’t have thought of using an expired credit card as a bookmark in a million years. But I have to admit, I love to read in the bath and it really is a very clever idea!
Well ya know what they say about nescessity and invention! Yeah that and I’ve dropped a few bookmarks in the bathtub…
Hi
I’ve been trying very hard to stop dog-ear-ing my pages because my children are appalled by it and cannot believe that their ex-english-teacher/writer/all-round-good-guy mother defaces books like a common vandal. “Mum! It’s a *book*! How can you do that?!?”. The trouble is I always lose bookmarks, or never have enough for the number of books I’ve got on the go at one time. I know: maybe I should start a collection? And I’ll start with yours, Denise
Hey there, Toni, welcome to the asylum! My word, I’m impressed with your kids - you did a truly fine job with them. Talk about upstanding citizens.
Know what you mean about never being able to lay a hand on a bookmark when you need one. A collection sounds like a good idea and I’d be super-chuffed if you started with mine!
[…] week, I asked you all what you thought of bookmarks. The post was called The Care and Feeding of Books. The response was wonderful, everyone had an opinion to offer. Thanks so much to every single one […]
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