Our Guest: Kiki Howell, A Tip for Creative Marketing

When I first started marketing my books doing all the usual book cover ads and blog tours, etc; I thought there had to be a way to incorporate something I loved to do into my marketing endeavors. At the time, I was always complaining that with writing and edits and marketing, I never had time to knit anymore. A little while later I stumbled upon the Etsy store, www.etsy.com, “the place to buy and sell all things handmade.”

So, I created an etsy shop I called Kiki Howell’s books & things where I sell products made by me and inspired by my books which are magical erotic romances. For example, for the release of my Torrid Twisted Tale, The Witch’s Beast with Whiskey Creek Press Torrid, I created a knittd book thong which has a witch’s hat which flaps over the top of the book cover and a broom which hangs out the bottom of the book. While this release was only sold as an eBook, I thought at least I was getting my name out there and giving people something physical to remember me by. Plus, I had an excuse to knit again! I see it as a way to sell my handiwork and advertise my books at the same time.

I also use the book thongs as give away items when the book released giving me a chance to promote both my book and my Etsy store. Etsy is also linked to Facebook allowing you to have your newest listed items posted to your wall with a link. Etsy also provides you a code to embed on your website, so your listings are shown in thumbnails there as well. Mine is at the bottom of my home page at www.kikihowell.com

My ideas then just seemed to take off with each contract I got! I also took to beading, a craft my mother is wonderful at, to create a gemstone book thong for the release of my Mystic Stones print anthology. I am selling a combo autographed book with the gemstone book thong on the site, as well as a knit mug cozie with a gemstone button to keep warm that cup of tea or coffee while reading. Another creation is a beaded book bracelet with a witch’s hat book charm for my coming release, A Modern Day Witch Hunt. Also, I just created a book sweater with an attached corded bookmark for my September release of Rituals and The Healing Spell & Other Stories anthology. If you would like to see these items, you can go to KikiHowell.etsy.com

My point in telling you of my journey here is to challenge you. Just as you let your creativity show in your stories, let it show in your marketing. Maybe you are good at technical or non-fiction writing as well, you could write articles for magazines or websites to get your name out there. If you have another creative talent, there are always places to sell your items like Etsy or Ebay or even a local craft fair. If you can tie them into your books, it is double the promotion at all times.

My words of wisdom: Marketing is truly selling yourself as well as your product—so, utilize all of your talents in doing so!

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To learn more about Author Kiki Howell please visit her website: http://www.kikihowell.com/ 

 Leave a comment on this post for a chance to win an Authographed Copy of  Bloodlust & Redemption  with Dripping Blood Bookthong. 

  "It is a non-erotic short story in print in the genres of paranormal/vampire and historical/regency"

Winner will be notficied by e-mail-please include that in your comment and this give-a-way will close September 15th, 12:00pm EST.