Since I’m attending the conference in San Francisco I’ve been thinking about promo. Last time I went to the RWA conference I distributed bookmarks and business cards via the goodie room and thought I’d do something similar this year. Then last week, thanks to the Marketing for Romance Writers loop, I had another idea. Book thongs.
Hubby and I discussed the idea and I googled for instructions on how to construct a book thong. We decided that the only downside to a book thong would be the lack of connection to my name, but we’ve come up with a cunning plan to combat this disadvantage. Each book thong will have a little label attached and will also be placed inside a ziplock bag, along with an excerpt. We’re also going for a special New Zealand flavor, which unfortunately for all of you is top secret. In other words, I’m not gonna tell. 
For those who don’t know what a book thong is, here’s a link to instructions on how to make one plus a photo. Here’s another link to JM Snyder’s instructions so you have two sets of different instructions to compare.
We’d already decided to go for a drive to buy compost and potting mix so added bead shopping to our list. In the past I’ve done several handicrafts including knitting, tapestry, cross stitch and sewing, but I’ve never done beadwork. We walked into a craft shop and had great fun studying all the beads and deciding which ones to buy. I settled for a green theme since that’s what I have on my website. We also purchased dark cord. On arrival home we discovered our cord was a little thick for the beads. Mr. Munro stalked out to the garage and returned with his drill. He had his serious face on so I left him to it. He loves projects and thrives on challenges of all kinds. About half an hour later he’d made three book thongs. I was very impressed.
I’m not spending a fortune and don’t intend to make hundreds of thongs, but a few lucky people will go home with New Zealand book thongs.
This morning I received another good review for Fancy Free. In fact I’m thrilled with the reviews I’ve received so far. Kate Garrabrant from JERR says, “I had some good laughs while reading Fancy Free and Shelley Munro truly writes exceptional sex scenes with two great characters. I would recommend you check a great story by an exceptional author!”
Shelley I had no idea what a book thong cuold be (thongs in the UK are skimpy knickers!!!) but I checked out the link and they are soooo pretty! I think they’re a really gorgeous promo idea!
by Christina Phillips April 7th, 2008 at 3:14 amThey are pretty! Great idea!!
by Kathleen Oxley April 7th, 2008 at 5:52 amSounds great!!!
And congrats on the review for Fancy Free.
by Amy Ruttan April 7th, 2008 at 9:49 amFirst book thong I saw at a conference, I couldn’t tell you the author’s name (isn’t that awfully remiss of me), but I can tell you the slogan she used: Book Thong…it goes in the crack.
It’s a marvelous idea. :) My CP and best bud is from Australia, and one of our other CPs is from NZ, and I can tell you that when they visit here for a conference, their Goody Room goodies are just gobbled up. Can’t wait to see what you produce (and to meet you at last) in San Francisco.
Best!
by Sunny Lyn April 7th, 2008 at 10:08 amChristina - skimpy knickers are thongs here, too.
I guess these are skimpy bookmarks with bling!
Kathleen - they are pretty, and I like the way each one is a little different.
Amy - Thanks! I’ve been really pleased with the reviews for Fancy Free.
Sunny - I’m looking forward to meeting you at the conference.
by Shelley Munro April 7th, 2008 at 12:50 pmBook thongs are a great idea. I have several I have won in author newsletter contests.
by Estella April 7th, 2008 at 1:01 pmGreat idea!
Too late for RT I think… Hmm think I can con my daughter’s brownie troop into making them as a craft project?*g*
Sooo agree on all the reviews for Fancy free!
by Marissa Alwin April 7th, 2008 at 1:58 pmEstella - I’ve never actually used one. Do the thongs fall out of the books?
Marissa - teehee - it sounds like a great brownie troop project. And thank you on the reviews. I always get a bit nervous…just a typical writer…
by Shelley Munro April 7th, 2008 at 2:14 pmI am so excited to see/meet you in San Fran!!!!
And I’m so grabbing a book thong! I love those, and am excited about a NZ twist. They’re great promo items, I just don’t have the patience to make my own. LOL.
by Shelli Stevens April 7th, 2008 at 8:40 pmShelli - wait until your daughter is a bit older and you’ll be set.
I’m looking forward to meeting you, too!
by Shelley Munro April 7th, 2008 at 8:48 pmI don’t own a book thong, but I’m going to start looking for them.
by Jane April 7th, 2008 at 9:08 pmOkay and now I am having a freak it out since it didn’t even occur to me to take promo stuff to San Fran (oh, yes, nothing like a clued in author!!!!). Anyway, how cute do those book thongs look! Roll on July!!!!
by amanda ashby April 7th, 2008 at 11:28 pmI love book thongs, sometimes they’re so nice I store them in a keepsake box :)
Will you post a pic of yours after the con?
by danette April 8th, 2008 at 12:36 amHugs, Danette
LOL Amanda - it’s a few months to go yet. Hubby and I have been planning our holiday (after conference) so we’re really looking forward to it.
Danette - I’m taking my laptop and of course my camera so all going well you’ll get an online tour of our holiday as well as a few conference pics. I’ll try to remember to post a photo of the book thongs.
by Shelley Munro April 8th, 2008 at 2:12 am