The holiday season is not only a time for festive celebrations but also a golden opportunity for authors to leverage their annual holiday cards as a unique and personal marketing tool. As a published author, extending your marketing efforts to this traditional practice can enhance your book’s visibility and connect with potential readers in a warm and personal way. Here are some savvy strategies to make your holiday cards work double-time for your book:

Insert a Book-themed Bookmark or Business Card:

Enhance the festive cheer by including a bookmark or a business card that features your book cover, title, and a brief teaser. Bookmarks and business cards add a personal touch and serve as a subtle yet effective reminder of your literary work. 

Consider partnering with 99Designs by Vista if you need these items created. They have professional designers that can create just about anything, including bookmarks and business cards. They can incorporate your book’s cover into the design, making a one-of-a-kind design just for you. Click here to review what they offer and to get started.

Example: Imagine receiving a holiday card that includes a beautiful bookmark featuring a captivating book cover. It’s a thoughtful gesture and a clever way to pique the recipient’s interest in your work.

Incorporate Book Details in Your Holiday Letter:

If you’re including a holiday letter in your cards, announce your authorship and proudly share details about your book. Briefly highlight the storyline, themes, or any accolades your book has received. This turns a standard holiday update into a compelling piece of book marketing.

Example: “As the year ends, I wanted to share some exciting news – I am thrilled to have published my latest work, ‘[Book Title].’ It’s a heartfelt journey that I poured my soul into, and I can’t wait for you to experience it, too. Wishing you joy and happy reading this holiday season!” (Don’t forget to include the URL so your readers can order!)

Offer Exclusive Holiday Discounts:

Encourage book sales by providing recipients of your holiday cards with an exclusive discount code or a limited-time promotion. This incentivizes them to explore your work and adds a layer of exclusivity for those in your holiday card circle. You can do this by having a business card or a bookmark printed with this offer. 

Example: “As a token of appreciation for your support, I’m offering an exclusive 20% discount on all purchases of ‘[Book Title]’ made before the end of the year. Use the code HOLIDAYREADS at checkout. Happy reading and happy holidays!”

Integrating these book-centric elements into your holiday cards transforms a seasonal tradition into a powerful marketing tool. This personalized approach strengthens your connection with friends, family, and colleagues and introduces your literary creations to a broader audience. Embrace the holiday spirit and let your books shine in the warmth of festive greetings!

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