What’s the Dollar Store have to do with launching a book?
Isn’t that where books go when they die?
I write kids’ books. Okay, I have written one picture book. I am an indie-author (sounds much hipper than self-published). So, other than myself, no one is making the rounds to promote my little gem. After spending a pretty penny to bring my book to life, I didn’t have a lot to spend on its launch. So, what’s a gal to do?
Go shopping!
Let’s back up a little. Location, location, location-right? I had to choose a venue for the party. I reached out to our local animal shelter, and they graciously lent me their banquet room. The Animal Rescue League of Iowa recently underwent a major remodel. It now feels more like a community center than a shelter. It was an ideal spot for the event. I donated a portion of my proceeds to the ARL, which came out to $456.00 that night.
Now, on with the shopping. I knew I wanted to serve cookies at the event. I also wanted to give out some swag. But how?
Ta-Da, The Dollar Store.
Do you know you can get a package of 16 chocolate chip cookies for $1? Do you know a child who does not like cookies, or a parent who doesn’t like free?
Me-winning!
I was also able to score 6-packs of bottled water for a buck! Napkins? Yes, please. Another buck. Fancy, silver serving trays? I got those too (I don’t think anyone suspected they were plastic).
Cha-ching!
What about the swag? Even at $1 each, I could not afford to give out unlimited freebies. So, I advertised that I was giving out free fairy wings OR bunny ears to the first 50 kids (my book is about fairies and dust bunnies). Guess what I found at the Dollar Store? Yep, strap-on fairy wings and headbands with bunny ears.
Score!
The party was a huge success, and one family went home with more than a book-they adopted a pet that night!
Can’t find that in The Dollar Store!
![539284_2760626228489_1224200914_n[2]](https://michelleeastmanbooks.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/539284_2760626228489_1224200914_n2.jpg?w=350&resize=350%2C262#038;h=262 "539284_2760626228489_1224200914_n[2]")
Michelle Eastman Books 
Lauri Fortino
There are so many great things at the dollar store. It’s easy to forget that unless you go there often. Thanks for the reminder. And so glad your party went well. It sounded awesome!
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Michelle R. Eastman
Thank you!
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Cat Michaels
Kudos to you for your creative way to launch on a budget and inspiring other cash-strappd scribblers. All the best with your book.
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Michelle R. Eastman
Thanks, Cat. I am getting ready to dive into production of book #2. So, I’ll be stocking up for that party next year!
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buskeralley
Great ideas! I’ve bought book launch decorations at dollar stores, but never thought to buy bottled water and snacks there. Genius.
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Michelle R. Eastman
My mind was on freeebies and decorations, but I decided to check out their cookie selection (after adding up what it was going to cost per dozen via our local grocery chain). The bottled water was another surprise to me. Another thing I did not know is that you can order items via the Dollar Store website for in-store delivery (no shipping cost). I used that service for the 50 sets of fairy wings I needed. I hope all of your events are wonderful!
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Corrina
Yay to dollar land, we have pound land here….always great for kids parties. You can easily do things on a budget, always helps if you have a creative mind. Will be sure to go down the same road if I ever have a book launch 🙂 Good luck with book 2
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Michelle R. Eastman
Thanks Corina! I LOVE that your dollar store is called Pound Land! I’ve often thought someone could film a documentary where they could set up household and survive for a year, living only on dollar store items! Kind of like the guy who lived on nothing but McDonald’s…
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