Imagine your readers sipping from a mug with a favorite quote from your book or taking notes in a branded journal. Creating a merchandise line isn’t just about selling products; it’s about expanding your book’s world and offering your audience a tangible way to connect with your message. Nonfiction authors have a unique opportunity here! Whether you’ve written on mindfulness, business, or personal growth, designing merchandise can amplify your message beyond the pages.

Here’s how to design merchandise that’s flexible, impactful, and manageable, with tips on using on-demand platforms so you can keep it low-cost and high-value.

Step 1: Decide on Merchandise That Enhances Your Message

Think about items your audience would not only love but that directly relate to your book’s content. For example:

• Inspirational mugs and water bottles are ideal for books on motivation or mental health.
• Branded notebooks or journals are perfect for readers of self-help or productivity books.
• Posters and prints with key takeaways, inspiring quotes, or artwork related to your themes.
• Apparel with subtle designs, catchy phrases, or hashtags associated with your book.
• Tote bags, especially for readers who want to carry your book’s message with them.

Consider merchandise that reflects the experience of your book. What emotions are readers connecting with? Which quotes or themes resonate most? These can be great additions to your designs.

Step 2: Use On-Demand Platforms to Simplify Sales

Directly selling merchandise can be a challenge, especially when you’re focused on writing and promotion. Fortunately, on-demand platforms like Teespring, Redbubble, and Printful simplify the process of designing and selling your merchandise without the need to manage inventory or shipping.

Here’s how it works:

1. Upload Your Design: Create your merchandise design, upload it to the platform, and choose which items it should appear on.
2. Set Your Price: Most platforms allow you to set a markup price, which determines your profit.
3. Let Them Handle Production and Shipping: The platform manages production, packaging, and delivery whenever someone buys an item.
4. Promote: Share links to your merchandise on your website, social media, and in email newsletters, or add a QR code to your book!

Step 3: Create a Consistent Look

Think of merchandise as an extension of your book’s brand. Use similar colors, fonts, and themes so that it feels cohesive. This way, fans instantly connect the merchandise with your book, making it even more meaningful. No need to be a professional designer to achieve this! Sites like Canva offer easy-to-use design templates, or you can work with a designer to create eye-catching graphics.

Step 4: Make It Accessible and Limited Edition

Merchandise offers a chance to play with limited editions or seasonal items. You might launch a small line around your book’s anniversary, a milestone, or the release of a new edition. Offering time-limited items creates exclusivity, motivating readers to grab items while they’re available.

Step 5: Promote Creatively

Once your merchandise is ready, get the word out! Use social media, your website, and email newsletters to showcase your designs. You could also do a giveaway with an item from your merchandise line as a prize! Featuring your merchandise in online book clubs or webinars is a fun way to build excitement.

With the convenience of on-demand platforms, this challenge is perfect for any nonfiction author who wants to create something memorable for their readers. So, go ahead—design a line that captures the spirit of your work and brings your readers closer to your message. Who knows, your book merch might even create new fans along the way!

As always, happy writing!

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Did you miss the earlier challenges? Check:

Author Challenge #22: Build Your Author Reading List – Discover the Books That Will Shape Your Writing Journey.