If you’re a published author and don’t already have some business cards, it might be worth considering. They are one of the cheapest and easiest ways to advertise your books, and a convenient way to give anyone you meet the information they need to find them. Having a business card also makes you appear more professional.
People will often express interest in your writing, but can easily forget the details after they finish the conversation. With your business card in their hand, they are much more likely to proceed to the next step and perhaps to a sale. It also gives you an easy and convenient way to provide people with your contact details and a place to find your buyer links. Quickly handing over a card is far preferable to searching for a pen and scribbling the information on a scrap of paper.
Various online sales outlets allow you to upload your own designs and images and modify the arrangement and style of text, all for a surprisingly low cost.
The information on your business card
Aim to design a business card that looks professional and includes the most important information. Order a small batch at first, perhaps 250 cards, as you may decide to make changes or include more information after that.
On the back of the card, have an image of your book covers or other image that represents your brand.
On the front of the card, have all your written details. Keep the font bold and clear, and unify the text style it so that it matches the font on your book covers or brand image. Be sure to include the following:
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Your name
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Your job description – Author – and the name of your series or genre
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Your website
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Your email address
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One or two of your other social media accounts, such as Facebook or Twitter.
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You might also consider a business card dedicated your latest book release.
When to hand out your business card
Never leave home without a collection of business cards, and keep them in a cardholder so that they stay tidy and in good condition. You don’t want it to appear as if your card has been lying at the bottom of your bag for the last six months.
Hand them out whenever the opportunity presents itself, and be alert to any situation where that chance might arise.
Here are some suggestions of when and where to use them, after introducing yourself, discussing your writing, or responding to the the inevitable, “so what do you do?” question. Hand them out:
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To family and friends
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To work colleagues
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To strangers you chat with on public transport, in queues and elsewhere
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To people you meet while travelling or on vacation
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To bookstores
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At book signings
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At readings
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At conferences, seminars and classes
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At other events
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When you meet agents or publishers
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When you meet other writers
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When you give talks or training courses
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When you are helping at markets or stalls
You can also attach them to some of your correspondence.
Think of your business cards as a comparatively low cost form of advertising. They are a marketing tool that many writers find effective. Remember to always carry them, ready to hand out whenever you have the chance.
I would love to hear if you have found business cards to be a worthwhile investment and how you have used them.
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Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog 
I’ve always had great faith in business cards as I’ve remembered a conversation about some subject with a stranger, then need their services. I have a special holder where all my collected cards are kept for easy access.
😀 😀 Hmm. For books, too. 🙂
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Thanks Viv – yes, agree that they are a very convenient tool, and swapping them is a great way to spread the word.
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Thanks for the blog, Chris and for spreading the word, Sally. I was considering the merit of business cards and I will now definitely go ahead with them.
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Thanks Robbie – I think you’ll find them worthwhile. Toni
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Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
Toni Pike as a guest on The Story Reading Ape’s blog with a piece of marketing advice for authors.. have a business card.. I agree totally.. whilst not a good idea to litter!!!! leaving your card in strategic places can be quite beneficial.. not to mention handing it out to those you meet to spread the word about your books.. excellent.
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Many Thanks for spreading the message Sally – Hugs XXX 😀
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Many thanks for your comments and sharing, Sally – agree that they can be beneficial – hugs, Toni
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Thanks for this useful post. I do have business cards but don’t always remember to carry them. Your article is a timely reminder for me to do so! I have been in situations when someone has expressed an interest in my writing but has not taken down my details. Afterwards I wonder did they remember the address of my website? The title of my latest collection of poetry etc?!
I sometimes carry a copy of my latest book which can also be a useful way of sparking people’s interest in my work.
Kevin
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Thanks Kevin – a great idea to always carry a copy of your book, and also to carry a few of your business cards in your wallet and some extras in your folder, briefcase etc.
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great post. lots of useful info.
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Thanks Libby – glad you found it helpful.
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I think handing out bookmarks is more appropriate and effective.
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That’s also a good idea – perhaps both have their uses.
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All the detailed advice about author business cards is much appreciated, including all the pertinent information to include and only running a small batch at first in case changes are needed.
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Many thanks, Eve – so glad you found it useful. I find mine very handy.
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Great Advise. I finally got around to ordering mine a week ago. Thank you.
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Thanks, Chuck – I hope you find them as useful as I do.
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Many thanks, Chris, for posting this and for your continued support.
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You’re welcome Toni 😀
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