WRITING WEDNESDAY

WHAT IS A "STREET TEAM?"

Many authors have something called a "street team." My team is referred to as my "inner circle." So what is a street team, and what do they do to help their author? Here are some ideas, but I know there are more. Do you have any suggestions besides these? Leave your comment, along with something you think would help to promote an author and her work. Someone will win a signed copy of my new release, Deadly Echoes! 

Nancy Mehl

As part of a “Street Team,” or an “Inner Circle,” how can you spread the word about your author in a way that will make a difference? Here are some suggestions:

1.      Talk about her and her books on social media. You can use Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and any other online outlet at your disposal. It’s especially important to talk about new releases, ebook sales, and promotions sponsored for or by your author. Don’t forget to mention interviews and award nominations. These promotional opportunities give your author “street cred!”

2.      Is there a group talking about their favorite authors? Mention your author! Other readers will see your post and may add her to their TBR pile.

3.      Many organizations run contests to recognize favorite authors. For example, The Inspy Awards recognize favorite books by readers. Nominate your author and then encourage others (especially those in your street team) to vote for your author’s book. Other readers will see the nomination and think, “Oh, I loved that book. I forgot all about it!” Your nomination will encourage them to vote. And tell people in your social media circle that you voted for your author’s book. It’s a great way to spread the word. Even if she doesn’t win, many people will see your author’s book and could end up buying it.

4.      REVIEWS! Review your author’s books everywhere you can. The best places are: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com. Of course, only review the book if you really love it. J

5.      Create a blog if you don’t already have one. Use it to spread the word. Add a link to your author’s website. You can talk about other authors too. Sharing what you read with other readers can be fun! *One way to drive traffic to your site is to do giveaways. Host a contest! Authors will probably be willing to give you some books to give as prizes – as long as you have a fairly large readership.

6.      Your author probably gives you free copies of her book, but remember that she doesn’t make any money from her gift. Buy her books and give them as presents. Your author probably has bookplates. Ask her to send you some so you can put them in front of the books you buy. Readers love signed books as gifts, and you will probably give your author a brand new fan!

7.      When you’re in a bookstore, find your author’s book and turn it face out. This makes the book more noticeable to buyers browsing the aisles.

8.      This may sound odd, but reading your author’s book in public while you’re waiting for the doctor – or before getting on a plane – will get your author noticed. Readers are always looking for good books. 

9.      Be sure you “Like” the author’s fan page, and encourage others to do so. Post something on your Facebook page – and supply a link. That makes it fast and easy for your friends to link up to your author.

10.  If you know a popular book reviewer, or someone with a blog that has a lot of traffic, ask them if they would consider highlighting your author. In the end, using your contacts to brag on your author is the best way to increase the author’s readership. And if you love your author’s books, you will be sharing a wonderful gift with your friends and family. So…SPREAD THE WORD!