Designing Business and Bookmark Cards for Writers

First things always go first, so here's the first thing:
 
Successful writers have and use business cards.

Business cards provide you with a recognizable, professional image. A scribbled on piece of paper torn from a notepad is just not a great way to leave an impression with potential readers, other writers, publishers, agents, etc. People look for quality when they explore new things, including books, and you don't want to be written off as soon as you hand over your information. Business cards contain all of your contact information and are about you as a writer--not your books. Bookmarks are for your books. Don't get this mixed up. Business cards focus on you.

That being said, writers also need simplicity.

Don't make your business cards flowery, image-laden or too calligraphic. Too many writers include pictures of quills, typewriters, books, and the like--things that make the card too busy. Remember, professional cards are simple and direct. Keep it simple, keep it clean and keep it easy to read.

The list of things you want on your business card is actually very brief:

• Name -- your real name, pen name, or both depending on your privacy preferences.

• Title -- something like "Author" or more specifically "Young Adult Fantasy Author"

• Official Website Address

• Other Forms of Contact -- Facebook, Twitter, etc. Pick your one or two most prominent and leave it at that.

• Author Brand or Logo (If applicable)

• Very simple color scheme

Now, let's talk about bookmarks.

Bookmarks make great pass-along cards. Not only do they contain information about your books and where to buy them, but they also help you advertise yourself and your work to a wider circle of people. They also increase your chances of staying connected to people you speak with, because those people have a constant reminder of you, your book(s) and your website.

And the best part is that your bookmarks don't have to be crowded and busy to achieve these goals. In fact, most of the time, the simpler they are, the more attention they'll get. Messy layouts and overabundant text drive people away, leaving a bad taste in their mouth that will be forever connected to you. (Not good.)

So, keep it simple.

Here's an example of a fairly common and successful design that you could use with a front and back card layout:

On the Front

• Your book's front cover

On the Back

• The Blurb -- from the back cover of your book or the dust jacket flange.

• One or Two Reviews (if you like)

• Where to Learn More and Buy (This is a great place to use QR codes.)

• Your Website Address (Again, this is a great place to use QR codes)

• Your Social Media Contact Points

That's really all it takes. A simple design that conveys everything they need to get interested and nothing more.

A well-written and beautifully published book, elegant business cards for you, attention-grabbing bookmarks for your books, and your confident work to see that they get handed out with pleasant conversation and a handshake. These are the things that will get you grounded right and start you on the way to success.

Good luck!