by Edie Melson @EdieMelson
Today's post is a little bit different.
I'm not coming to you as an expert, but as someone who's just a few steps ahead (or possibly behind) you.
You see, I'm in the process of putting together my first ever street team for my upcoming book, While My Child is Away.
Instead of waiting until I was done, I thought I'd invite you along for the journey.
What is a Street Team?
I've had to rely heavily on my more experienced writing buddies, DiAnn Mills and Lynette Eason, as well as the marketing group at Worthy Inspired, to learn what exactly a street team is.
A street team—also called a launch team, dream team, tribe, posse, road crew, etc—is a group of readers passionate about your book. These are people who believe in what you've written and see the value of sharing it with others. They agree to post reviews, mention it on GoodReads, share about it on social media, and of course talk about it in person.
How do I Find These People?
We find them anywhere readers hang out—online and in person. They can be reviewers, bookstore managers, readers and/or friends. Social media is a good way to spread the word that you're looking for a team. The key is to find people who aren't just excited, but will also be willing to truly help. The key is to get the ball rolling and people on the street team will recruit new members.
What's in it for Them?
An author's street team is a big priority. They always receive advance copies of the book (ebook or soft cover). In addition they get postcards, bookmarks, and other extras. They also get the inside scoop on a book and author they love.
In return, we as authors have a strong commitment to the people on this team. We pray for them regularly, stay in close touch and value their advice. They also get to make suggestions for promotions, blog posts, giveaways, and contests. Their input is valued and rewarded.
How do We Communicate?
That's up to you. You can set up a Yahoo Group, secret FaceBook page, or even a regular Google Hangout. The most important thing is the fact that it's regular communication. Many of those on your street team will be there for multiple books.
That was General, Now onto Specific
As I mentioned, I'm in the process of setting up a street team. Mine is going to be specific to the type of books I write—prayer books. The marketing director helped me brainstorm what I'd like to do with my team.
I'm creating a Prayer Street Team... And I'm inviting any of you who are interested to be part of it.
Worthy is going to provide advance copies of While My Child is Away to my team. Then, for the six weeks before the book launches, we'll be meeting online once a week to discuss the book and pray for our kids. Imagine being a part of a group of twenty or so believers praying regularly for one another's kids. It gives me chills just thinking about what God can do through that!
In addition I'll be sharing memes, quotes, tweets and other things for this team to have and share. If someone is part of a book club, prayer group, or any other group, I'll be happy to provide extra books for giveaways and Skype in to meet with that group. There'll be more details for those who email me.
So what do you say? What questions or suggestions do have in regard to Street Teams? Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments section below.
And would you like to join my Prayer Street Team or do you know someone else who might? If so, email me directly ediegmelson (at) gmail (dot) com.
Don't forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie
TWEETABLES
Street Teams for Book Launches - the what and why from @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Join the #Prayer Street Team for WHILE MY CHILD IS AWAY & meet with others to pray for our kids (Click to Tweet)
Today's post is a little bit different. I'm not coming to you as an expert, but as someone who's just a few steps ahead (or possibly behind) you.
You see, I'm in the process of putting together my first ever street team for my upcoming book, While My Child is Away.
Instead of waiting until I was done, I thought I'd invite you along for the journey.
What is a Street Team?
I've had to rely heavily on my more experienced writing buddies, DiAnn Mills and Lynette Eason, as well as the marketing group at Worthy Inspired, to learn what exactly a street team is.
A street team—also called a launch team, dream team, tribe, posse, road crew, etc—is a group of readers passionate about your book. These are people who believe in what you've written and see the value of sharing it with others. They agree to post reviews, mention it on GoodReads, share about it on social media, and of course talk about it in person.
How do I Find These People?
We find them anywhere readers hang out—online and in person. They can be reviewers, bookstore managers, readers and/or friends. Social media is a good way to spread the word that you're looking for a team. The key is to find people who aren't just excited, but will also be willing to truly help. The key is to get the ball rolling and people on the street team will recruit new members.
 |
| What's in it for them? |
An author's street team is a big priority. They always receive advance copies of the book (ebook or soft cover). In addition they get postcards, bookmarks, and other extras. They also get the inside scoop on a book and author they love.
In return, we as authors have a strong commitment to the people on this team. We pray for them regularly, stay in close touch and value their advice. They also get to make suggestions for promotions, blog posts, giveaways, and contests. Their input is valued and rewarded.
How do We Communicate?
That's up to you. You can set up a Yahoo Group, secret FaceBook page, or even a regular Google Hangout. The most important thing is the fact that it's regular communication. Many of those on your street team will be there for multiple books.
That was General, Now onto Specific
As I mentioned, I'm in the process of setting up a street team. Mine is going to be specific to the type of books I write—prayer books. The marketing director helped me brainstorm what I'd like to do with my team.
I'm creating a Prayer Street Team... And I'm inviting any of you who are interested to be part of it.
 |
| While My Child is Away |
In addition I'll be sharing memes, quotes, tweets and other things for this team to have and share. If someone is part of a book club, prayer group, or any other group, I'll be happy to provide extra books for giveaways and Skype in to meet with that group. There'll be more details for those who email me.
So what do you say? What questions or suggestions do have in regard to Street Teams? Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments section below.
And would you like to join my Prayer Street Team or do you know someone else who might? If so, email me directly ediegmelson (at) gmail (dot) com.
Don't forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie
TWEETABLES
Street Teams for Book Launches - the what and why from @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Join the #Prayer Street Team for WHILE MY CHILD IS AWAY & meet with others to pray for our kids (Click to Tweet)
Edie, this is an intriguing concept, and I'll be eager to know how it works out for you. I'm interested because my first book (traditional publisher) is scheduled to be at the printer's by May 1. My book is in quite a different genre than your books--history, academic--but I see possibilities for using a Street Team to promote it, too. I hope you'll keep the readers of The Write Conversation updated on your progress so that I can grow along with you.
ReplyDeleteDennis, I'm excited by the possibilities. I will definitely keep everyone updated. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Blessings, E
DeleteEdie, My heart is prayer and my child is away right now. I would love to be considered as part of your Street Team. I also would love some cards to pass out for "While my Soldier Serves, I am praying for the military at the National Day of Prayer at our Capitol. my email is godsfruit@juno.com I would love to use one of your prayers from the book.
ReplyDeleteCherrilynn, you may use any of my prayers you'd like. I'll email you more information. Thanks so much! Blessings, E
DeleteThank you Edie.
DeleteI'm so glad you're posting about this! Learning from watching you :) I want to be on the Street Team for your novel!
ReplyDeleteLindsay, Thank you so much! Expect an email from me shortly, Blessings, E
DeleteEdie, I'll be watching closely. In the past I've used a team of "influencers," and publishers have sent copies of my novels to them when publication occurred. Sounds like these are pre-pub copies. Are these ARCs or regular books? Obviously, this requires arrangement ahead of time with the publisher. So much to do, so little knowledge, and everything keeps changing. Thanks for plowing ahead and letting us know.
ReplyDeleteRichard, these will be ARCs. Of course I'll also be sending the "real" book when it comes out. Thanks to the marketing team at Worthy for suggesting this idea - they really rock! Blessings, E
DeleteRichard, Many publishers provide NetGalley pre-pub copies, too, for reviewers who like reading on their Kindle. I've done several "street team" campaigns, and most of the reviewers I've worked with ask for ARCs.
DeletePerfect timing, Edie. I was just talking with a publisher yesterday about getting one up and going for one of our authors prior to his book release. How did you know? Hehe. Thanks for the very helpful information...as always!!!
ReplyDeleteSarah, I'm so glad to help. As far as the timing, as you know, that's all God! Blessings, E
DeleteSign me up. :)
ReplyDeleteAndy, thank you so much! Blessings, E
DeleteI would love to be part of your street team! Emailing you an introduction to me. :)
ReplyDeleteI got your email and I'll be replying soon. I'm setting up the secret FB group right now. Blessings, E
DeleteEdie, As a mama of an Airman who is currently away, I'd love to be a part of your street team. I've learned so much from you and consider it a great honor. I'll likely be putting together my own posse shortly for my YA novel.
ReplyDeleteBeckie, thank you so much! Blessings, E
DeleteSign me up. You know I'll do all I can to get your book in the hands of those who need it. I know my mom would have loved s book like this when I was in the Air Force. Thanks for the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Blessings, E
Delete