Idea number one: Books on tape.
My idea is to have a special ‘Deluxe’ version of the book released, including a set of 13 tapes, or a CD with 13 tracks, (which although being more common and current, wouldn’t be as related to the book) with a recording of someone reading the books.
The idea of having a set of books on tape comes from the whole premise of the book. The book is written in a format where the main character, Clay, is listening to this set of 7 tapes left for him by Hannah, who had committed suicide earlier in that school year. When you're reading, all of Hannah's words are in italics. 'I hope you're ready, because I'm about to tell you the story of my life. More specifically, why my life ended. and if you're listening to these tapes, you're one of the reasons why.' (Asher.7) If we had the option of being able to listen to the narrator(s) voice(s) then it adds a whole new depth to the story.
I do believe that this would target a new audience for this book, because some people who don’t like to sit down and ‘read’ would have an alternative. Instead of reading the book from paper, they could experience it a different way; by listening to it.
This would work because obsessive readers are always looking for a different way to do the thing they love. This would also target people who loved the book, and wanted to hear the writer’s interpretation of Hannah’s voice and compare it to their own idea, or people who loved the book and want to experience the book in a whole new way.
(This is a picture of what books on tape typically look like. of course, all of these are Disney books (which I love, by the way) meant for little kids, but at least this gives you an idea of what the books on tape could be like.)
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Idea number two: Hardcover Maps
The second idea for marketing this book would be to include Hannah’s map on the inside of the book jacket for the hardcover copy.
The reason behind including Hannah’s map is that when Hannah gives this certain selection of people her tapes, they also get a map that she has made for them marking key locations in her life.
'I almost forgot. If you're on my list, you should've received a map. ... A few weeks ago, just days before Hannah took the pills, someone slipped an envelope though the vent of my locker. The outside of the envelope said: SAVE THIS--YOU'LL NEED IT in red felt-tip marker.' (Asher.11)
The reason that it would be printed on the inside of the hardcover book jacket is because avid readers love hidden bonuses. They want the super-exciting bonus version with all of the extras. This would also promote hardcover book sales, generating more money because hardback books are always more expensive than paperbacks.
'I almost forgot. If you're on my list, you should've received a map. ... A few weeks ago, just days before Hannah took the pills, someone slipped an envelope though the vent of my locker. The outside of the envelope said: SAVE THIS--YOU'LL NEED IT in red felt-tip marker.' (Asher.11)
The reason that it would be printed on the inside of the hardcover book jacket is because avid readers love hidden bonuses. They want the super-exciting bonus version with all of the extras. This would also promote hardcover book sales, generating more money because hardback books are always more expensive than paperbacks.
New readers would be intrigued by a map on the inside of the book jacket because it makes them believe that there’s a reason for the map to be there, and it’s their job to figure it out through reading.
This targets the people who love finding little Easter-eggs. Easter eggs, of course, meaning little hidden surprises. People who discover the ‘cool’ version will tell their reader-friends that the hardcover version of the book is better than the paperback, OR, it helps people follow along better.
(after I came up with this idea I found out that it already exists in the exact way I described. I promise I didn't know that!)
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Idea number three: Celebrity endorsement.
Idea number three: Celebrity endorsement.
Now, of course, this is going to be the most difficult of the three ideas to attain, primarily because of our inability to control a celebrity’s opinion. Otherwise, the title of this idea is very self-explanatory. The book could be endorsed by a reading-loving celebrity who poses as a role-model for teens and young adults, and they could promote the book.
Although this idea isn’t located anywhere specifically in the book, it could pose as kind of a ‘between-the-lines’ message. 'I think I've made myself very clear, but no one's stepping forward to stop me.' (Asher. 280) In this quote, we see that if someone had made a move to stop Hannah, her suicide could have been prevented. Having a well-known and well liked celebrity speak out against teen suicide would promote awareness and possibly prevent Hannah. This would connect because not only would the celebrity be promoting the book itself, they’re also attempting to end teen suicide. Anyone who has or has not read the book would understand a celebrity endorsement, because it’s not the type of thing you have to read the book to understand.
Celebrity endorsements target all fans of that celebrity. It nets the book’s attention because celebrities are wildly publicized, and you can imagine there’s some reporter out there that would be asking all about it.
(These people are so modest! Just kidding. This isn't my best example of a celebrity endorsement, but it gives a clearer idea of the picture in my head. Of course, in my head, Jane Lynch is holding Th1rteen R3asons Why and is promoting an end to teen suicide, but this is the best I could come up with.)
(These people are so modest! Just kidding. This isn't my best example of a celebrity endorsement, but it gives a clearer idea of the picture in my head. Of course, in my head, Jane Lynch is holding Th1rteen R3asons Why and is promoting an end to teen suicide, but this is the best I could come up with.)
