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Wednesday, January 21, 2015

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!

27 comments:

  1. One thing I've seen suggested and have done in the past is to request my public library order a copy of the book to add to circulation--and my library will often order that book. I know I have found several new favorites by browsing in the library, so it does work!

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  2. Love these ideas. I have been wanting to start a blog but with homeschooling there is very little time to do much else. The library idea is a good one that Lynda suggested. I try to share many things on my facebook page about the authors that I read.

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  3. Donna Haynes RobertsonJanuary 21, 2015 at 10:22 AM

    I always do the bookstore thing, turning the book face out, so that others will see and discover what great writing looks like!

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  4. i think you covered it, i post about the books of yours i read and review tell library to order some, i hope i get to be on your street team

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  5. I have done several of these suggestions. Recently two of my friends have become interested in a book due to the review I posted on-line.

    psalm103and138[at]gmail[dot]com

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  6. Dawn said...My idea is to have a book club host one of your books. (Posting this for her because she couldn't.)

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  7. I like to post what books I've read and enjoyed on FB or on my blog.

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  9. Hi Nancy...all these are great suggestions. Have you ever had book signings at Christian bookstores? I would love to meet you if you ever did. I do get Christian books at my local library. I'm glad they carry books by my favorite author's. I have also thought about starting my own blog. Thank you for the giveaway. I would love to win your latest book.

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    1. Yes, I've done a lot of signings. None since moving to Missouri. I'll do some again at some point. I enjoy meeting people. I'd like to meet you too, Rebecca.

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  10. I post about my favorite authors books on Facebook. Post reviews of their books to Amazon, Goodreads and other sites. I meet new authors in a Facebook group and read and review their books. I have met some fantastic authors in this group. Joanninmh@embarqmail.com

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  11. I do all of these including asking my library to order copies. I also rate and review on goodreads so my friends on there will see what I am reading and check it out.

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  12. Guess my first comment didn't post so will say again..I was on a street team a year ago or so and we did a lot of what is suggested already. We also got t shirts to wear around and send out postcards and/or bookmarks to our friends. It was a lot of fun

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  13. | talk about favorite books and authors with others who like to read. Once I mentioned a favorite local Christian suspense author to our local head librarian, who then invited the author to talk at our library, and advertized. Meeting this author from Greenville, SC was amazing!
    Janice at pjrcmoore@windstream.net
    PS I can't wait to read this book!

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  14. After I read a book I enjoy I often either share it with someone or tell them that this is an author that they should check out. I also occasionally write reviews when I have internet after I am finished reading a book :)
    jking23(at)kent(dot)edu

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  15. I have joined Christian book groups on Facebook. People are always asking for recommendations of books and authors. It gives you the opportunity to chat up your favorite.

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  16. I tell all my friends through social media, and they in turn tell their friends.
    Also when a friend is asking for recommendations, always recommend my favorite authors.

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  17. So many great comments and ideas! Thanks, everyone. :)

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  18. Great list! At the end of the day, our writing success all comes down to our readers. :)

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  19. That's a great and comprehensive list! I like the idea of using Pinterest to highlight book reviews I've written or author's contests that they are running. The more an author or book cover is seen, the better!

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  20. Hi Nancy. I share about the books on my FB and ask people to check it out. I also talk to my family and friends about books I like. And, Sometimes I send emails to my daughters. I got the Librarian at church to buy a book too. Maxie
    > mac262(at)me(dot)com <

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  21. ..I use Pinterest, FB, Christian fiction groups on FB, goodreads, Twitter, blog on bookfun.org, and word of mouth! Of course I post reviews on all the sites that are pertinent. Soulz Insprations on FB is also a great place to promote a book and author! Ewe_r_merritt at yahoo dot com

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  22. Word of mouth, ask library to order, Facebook post & review on Amazon, Goodreads, etc!

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