I know, I know, it’s been a while since I’ve posted a bookish question! Sorry about that ๐
It’s a brave new world out there for authors – social media, email, website, reader contact – so much has happened since they only way you used to be able to contact an author was to write by snail mail to the author’s publisher! Authors are required more and more to do their own marketing, push their story, as the publishing dollar does not go far these days.
One phenomena I’ve noticed is the use of ‘street teams’ – an author invites, and then selects a group of bloggers and/or readers, to become part of team to help them spread the word about their latest novel. I think it is innovative, fun, and for those of us who adore our authors and know the time and effort they put into their stories, it is a great way to help out. There are often perks that only the street team is privy to, or they receive excerpts and the like early, before they are shared with the world.
What are your thoughts on ‘street teams’?
Have you been a part of one? Would you like to be? What benefits should there be? What have you enjoyed doing on a street team?
November 18, 2013 at 9:04 pm
This is a completely new one to me. I’ve never heard of street teams, until today. I’m so incredibly naive in so many ways – I have loved having the book for the price of a willingly-provided review. What else could a girl want? I’m sure someone will enlighten me!!
November 18, 2013 at 11:22 pm
I was on the “street team” for Lisa Wingate’s The Prayer Box. It was dubbed the Sisterhood of the Traveling Book. Lots of fun. Got a chance to connect with other readers and a first look at the book. I think these efforts are very creative and certainly create a lot of buzz for the book and the author. I’d like to see more of these and of course would be interested in participating.
November 19, 2013 at 12:19 am
I think street teams are fantastic! I was able to be on Jody Hedlund’s Rebellious Heart team and it was a lot of fun. Especially since she’s one of my absolute favs! That makes it so easy to talk about nonstop ๐ I also teamed up for Melissa Tagg’s debut. That was fun because I was able to connect and help out a new author!
November 19, 2013 at 1:05 am
I think street teams are awesome and fun.
November 19, 2013 at 2:56 am
As a writer (not yet published), the idea of asking people to help promote me is rather intimidating! I want them to be able to say no if they’re not that interested and not have it be awkward :), but then what to do as thanks for their support?
November 19, 2013 at 7:43 am
I’m not familiar with all the “street teams” that are out there, however the ones I was/am grateful to be a part of were fantastic! The authors were willing to help out with questions and made sure the review books arrived; it’s a great way for authors to get help in promoting their novels and get the word out. If the book is something I liked well enough, I also love giving a copy away which is one more small way of helping to promote these new books and/or authors. Overall, the stream team is a great idea. ๐
November 19, 2013 at 9:18 am
Great topic Rel. Something dear to my heart as a reader.
It’s a great way for readers to invest in their fave authors in more ways than buying their book & reviewing it. I’ve been in a couple that have continued well beyond the book launch. What has surprised me with one particular group is how it;s become a virtual community where we share what’s going on each other’s lives and requests for prayer are a weekly occurrence. I’m convinced many prayers have been answered as a result of the commitment by the group. And some members have become lifelong friends.
Yes, it’s fun getting up close and personal with an author. In my mind this is the most valuable perk, access. Some have provided ebook versions of their books which has been lovely to receive and insider scoops that a reader may not typically get visibility of.
November 19, 2013 at 9:38 am
I’ve never been on a street team. Would love to know how it works and maybe participate on a team.
November 19, 2013 at 4:18 pm
I had never heard of a street team till a couple of months ago. I thought it was a neat idea. Instead of being out there to rate the book, you’re there to influence it. I like how the street team is geared to the people who are fans of the author to help get word out and be influencers. I tend to read a new author when I see another person has read many title by that author and keep raving. It’s a good publicity tool and a good way to read a new book by a fav author early. ๐
November 26, 2013 at 1:12 pm
My first book releases in February, and it’s hard to find a street team for a new author. I had more requests than I thought I would but would like more.
I think it’s easier and more fun for authors who have several books—they can offer more to the street team in return for promoting the book.
I’ve been on a few, and I think it’s fun.
December 7, 2013 at 8:05 am
I’m curious about them too.