There’s nothing like bookish swag. When an author sends a printed Advance Reader Copy (ARC) or a book that I’ve won, sometimes they tuck little extras in with it. It’s often swag, like a bookmark or some other item. And sometimes, the author or sender gets creative with the package by giving it a pretty wrapper, bow, or even an attractive mailer. But coming up with new swag ideas that are fun, flat, and frugal isn’t easy.
Fun and frugal make sense for obvious reasons. But flat? Why? I remember writing to pen pals back when I was much (much!) younger. Getting a letter always made my day. We would write letters using fun stationery, and include pictures or cards, and we’d add doodles or use elaborate handwriting. What was the one thing we never sent? Items. Why? Because it was too expensive. Things haven’t become any cheaper since those days of pen pal writing (which I know dates me, but there was something special about getting real mail that someone wrote by hand. I text and DM, but it’s not as special. Anyway…)
So what are the rules and regulations concerning postage? Currently, a first-class stamp costs $0.73. For each additional ounce, it costs an extra $0.28. There are quite a few guidelines for parcels. An envelope is considered a parcel if it’s thicker than ¼” and weighs more than 3.5 ounces. If the contents are too inflexible to go through the machine, the package is considered a parcel. And last, if it’s non-rectangular, rigid, or lumpy, it’s considered a parcel.
Shipping parcels internationally is prohibitively expensive. A simple, under-one-ounce letter going to New Zealand costs $1.25—not terrible, but the heavier it gets, the more costly it becomes. And a letter will cost more or less depending on the country it’s heading to.
So now that USPS requirements are out of the way, it’s easy to see why flat swag is the easiest route to take to reward readers. It ships internationally without too much cost, it works for giveaways, preorder gifts, newsletter thank-yous, and Patreon perks, and readers appreciate it.
What flat swag ideas could you come up with to put in those envelopes to say thanks or delight readers? Once you’ve tucked in a bookmark or two, it’s difficult to create unique ideas that are under ¼” thick.
Here are 20 ideas that are flat, lightweight, easily mailable (fits in a standard envelope) *, and inexpensive.
*It’s possible to purchase big 5”x7” envelopes. I used them for my last launch team and since they’re bigger, everything fit inside neatly.
Bookishly Themed: Stickers/Bookmarks/Cards
- Stickers: art, quotes, or genre-themed designs (vinyl or paper); series-themed packs
- Bookmarks: printed with book covers, links, quotes, or series art (i.e., “collect all 5 bookmarks!”)
- Temporary tattoos: runes, symbols, logos, or insignias from your fictional world
- Mini Button Pins (w/ cardboard backing): still fits in padded envelope if thin
- Custom Stationery/Notepaper: themed around a faction, planet, or society
- Author Signature Plates: printed stickers readers can use to “autograph” their copy
- Quote Cards: high-impact quotes from the book with stylized backgrounds
World Building: Maps/Character Cards/Lore
- Character cards: like trading cards with stats, art and bios
- Exclusive Short Story Cards: QR code or URL linked to a digital-only bonus scene
- World Map Prints: folded or postcard-sized fantasy/sci-fi maps
- Die-cut Shapes: flat cutouts of spaceships, family pets, magical objects
- Foil Seals or Stamps: “official” guild seals, royal emblems, or rebel insignias
Interactive Elements: Quests/Recipes/Coloring pages
- Recipe Cards: “in-world” recipes (e.g., Elven Tea Bread, Space Pirate Ration Bars, etc.)
- Printable Coloring Pages: best when digitally delivered but can be printed and mailed
- Puzzle Clues/Secret Messages: interactive swag tied to promo game or campaign
- TBR Cards: cards with genre-themed reading prompts or challenges
Collectibles/Keepsakes: Mini Art Prints/Postcards/ID Badges
- Mini Calendars: small themed calendars with release dates and character art
- Mini Art Prints (4×6 or smaller): postcard-size character or world illustrations
- Postcards: with in-world messages, book quotes, or location artwork
- Access Passes/Badges: “Official” ID for readers—Space Cadet, Magic Initiate, etc
- BONUS IDEA—Coupons/Gift cards: if you sell merch or books on your website or have an Etsy shop
This isn’t an exhaustive list of flat swag ideas, but you don’t have to attempt the complete list. With my last release, I had an ARC review team I wanted to thank. I created a recipe card, added some wolf stickers and temporary tattoos from Amazon, and added a bookmark with an in-world tagline. To finish, I included a small card that said “thanks!” with a pretty seal on it. (Lesson I learned: The thickness of the wax seal matters. If it’s too thick, it exceeds the ¼” thickness limit. It also adds weight. It’s good to know for next time…)
Here are some bonus tips when creating your flat swag for readers:
- Bundle sparingly: include 2-3 items per envelope max to stay under weight limits (yes, I exceeded that—oops!—but stayed under the limit for most of the envelopes)
- Work with small printers: try Sticker Mule, Vistaprint, Moo, or local printers
- Use reusable designs: generic maps or lore pieces can work across multiple books
- Weigh your envelope: do a trial run with a digital postal scale or take a filled sample envelope to the post office and have them weigh it for you
- Add a personal touch: handwritten notes, wax seals, or themed stamps
- Go digital too: offer digital swag for international readers (PDF, printable art, or exclusive stories)
Have fun with the possibilities and consider unconventional ideas. One sticker or card or even a handwritten “thanks!” could create a special connection between the reader, the story, and you.
Are there any swag ideas I missed? What are your favorites? Share them in the comments or tag me; I’d love to add your flat swag ideas to my list!
It’s finally here!
August was a banner month for reading. When I’m writing, I don’t have as much time for reading, but that wasn’t the case this month. While I usually share 3-4 reviews in my newsletter, I didn’t have room to cover all my recent reads. Here are ALL the reviews/recommendations! Enjoy!
Can you think of anything better than more Fantasy and Sci-Fi titles to put under your Christmas tree?
Ylva was raised by wolves. That is the story her clan tells of their Wolf Queen. The truth is far more miraculous. Her Gift, bestowed by the Light, enables her to see deep inside the hearts of men. Prince Rohan considers the Light mere superstition and only believes in what he can see with his own eyes. But a great evil is infecting the Four Realms. The battle between the Light and the Darkness is no longer bound to human hearts, and words Ylva and Rohan thought were just legend are being whispered again. The dragon is rising.
Tabitha Caplinger gets way too emotionally invested in the lives of fictional characters, whether it’s obsessing over a book or tv show, or getting lost creating her own worlds. Tabitha is the author of The Chronicle of the Three Trilogy, a Christian urban fantasy, and a lover of good stories and helping others live chosen. When she’s not writing book words, she’s reheating her coffee, binging a new show or teaching God’s Word to students. Tabitha, her husband and two beautifully sassy daughters desire to be Jesus with skin on for those around them. They live to love others…and for Marvel movies.
in, and Arvandus. Spending all that time with them made me imagine what else could happen to them. After finishing a story, I usually imagine different connecting points between characters and plot. Even my short story “Everwild” (which is in the anthology Mythical Doorways and is FREE, BTW…) is already a four-book series in my head. I have plenty of adventure and mayhem planned for half-fae Flint and full-fae Lila. I just can’t get all my projects written as quickly as I’d like.
Sometimes I’ll include the sixth sense, intuition (sparingly). You know that feeling of knowing when someone’s lying or when your hair rises on the back of your neck? This sense is great for creating tension.
to fists.
It’s a more intimate way of writing. The writer removes the narrator and settles into a comfy chair in the chosen character’s head. Although deep POV usually refers to third person, I’ve also found writing this way helpful in first person as well. It is limiting, though. You can’t know what the other characters are thinking because you’re firmly entrenched in your comfy chair. You can see reactions, but the other characters’ thoughts are hidden.
Avoid “distancing” words. She felt, noticed, realized, thought, looked at, etc. For example: Shari exited the shop. She noticed the dark sky. In seconds, she felt the heavy raindrops soak her clothes as she ran for her car. I’ll have to drive home carefully, she thought.
ome to #WritingWednesday. Last week we talked about a few ways to avoid boring writing. This week, I have a few more tips for you to keep your story interesting and your readers engaged!
4. “…and everyone lived happily ever after, forever and ever, with a big, red bow.” Hmm, maybe not. I NEED a happy ending. (I was very cross with Veronica Roth after reading the Divergent series. Just sayin’…) But that’s just me. You must decide how happy your ending’s going to be. Somewhat bittersweet? Tragic, like Romeo and Juliet? Or do we get the true HEA (Happily Ever After)? Even with an HEA, not every character is happy—not the villain and perhaps not some secondary characters. There may be unpleasant circumstances due to bad decisions. That’s okay. Just remember the expectations of your genre (romance readers expect an HEA or an HFN–Happy For Now). A spark of hope on the last page will satisfy your readers.
Welcome to this week’s #WritingWednesday post!
Have I lost you yet? Aside from my bad writing example, it’s boring! Nobody cares about Mary Sue or her coffee or what she’ll make for supper. Summarize and get to the point when she discovers her husband is having an affair or her dog tore up her neighbor’s prize-winning roses…