Everyone likes to sell merchandise. Book publishers especially. But since it’s an ancillary business and small presses are strapped for time and manpower, it’s a business that’s often neglected. Also, how can you make a mug or t-shirt appealing enough so that people will want to buy them? These were just some of the issues we faced in our attempt to sell 2Leaf Press merchandise.
Booksellers and publishers do not expect to make a killing on merchandise, because they are in the business of making and selling books, but it’s nice to make some money from merchandise because it helps pay towards expenses. It’s the reason why we could not see ourselves giving up and walking away from this completely, so what to do?
Then one day, there was a light bulb idea. How about creating something interesting and powerful that reflects the true essence of 2Leaf Press? How about promoting our greatest asset, our writers, on the merchandise? This is how the READING IS GOOD FOR YOU campaign was born.
To start things off, 2Leaf Press poets, authors and translators Lynn Levin, Carole J. Garrison, Abiodun Oyewole, Carolyn L. Baker, Claire Millikin, Sean Frederick Forbes, and Jason N. Vasser-Elong, provided their quotes on the importance of reading, which appear on t-shirts and mugs. I even got in the act and contributed a quote to the cause. So kudos to all of them for becoming part of this 2LP laboratory and kicking the campaign off with some really creative and inspiring quotes. As poet Jason N. Vasser-Elong put it, “I get to walk down the street and see someone wearing my t-shirt!”
Besides the READING IS GOOD FOR YOU campaign, we also have t-shirts, a bag and a mug that features 2Leaf Press’ classic logo. We will be adding more poets and authors, and will be creating additional campaigns, including merchandise that connects readers to some of their favorite books as well. Please check out our merchandise on Zazzle to support the cause, and spread the word.
