Where would we be without the support of our readers? It humbles me that some of our readers not only read our books but go extra mile by writing reviews, spreading the word, creating beautiful memes for our books, and simply encouraging us. It truly means a lot to us, and my heartfelt thanks to all of you.
I heard different names for the core group of author’s supporters: street team, launch team, ARC team, or even dream team. Frankly, I feel I need to do a much better job with my street team, but I do love them to pieces, and I hope they know it. Many of readers on the team became good cyber friends, and I’m grateful when I can pray for them, wish them Happy Birthday, and give them ARCs to read before anybody else has a chance to read my new book.
And yes, this is going to be one more post (this should be it, honest!) where I’m going to ask for your input. I want to learn how to give back to my team in a better and more meaningful way.
Are you on any author’s street team? Why do you enjoy being on their team? Are there any things that you dislike? As an author, how can I make members of my team feel appreciated, besides the things I’m doing already?
I usually request people to be on my team who already read (and hopefully liked!) my books. But this is such a great community of readers here on Inspy Romance that if you’d like to be on my street team, I’ll be happy to have you! If you’re on Facebook and would like to join my street team, here’s the link to my group. (If you’re not on Facebook, I’ll be happy to email you ARCs via email). I’m sure you saw
that one coming, right?
Speaking of memes created by street team members, I love this meme done by Marylin Furumasu for my book, Love Me (her website is www.mfliteraryworks.com). I think it captivates the theme of friendship between three childhood friends and new beginnings beautifully.
Giveaway! You probably saw that one coming, too, didn’t you? :) One randomly chosen commenter to this post will receive $5 Amazon gift card. The giveaway is open to people with www.amazon.com account until 6 p.m. CST August 11th, 2019. I look forward to your comments!
Alexa Verde writes uplifting, diverse books about faith, love, and hope. She has had 200 short stories, articles, and poems published in the five languages that she speaks. After traveling the world and living in both hemispheres, she calls a small town in south Texas home. The latter is an inspiration for the fictional setting of her series Rios Azules Christmas and Secrets of Rios Azules. Alexa has a bachelor's degree in Spanish and a master's in Russian. She's worn the hats of reporter, teacher, translator, model (even one day counts!), caretaker, and secretary, but thinks that the writer's hat suits her the best.
Hi Alexa, I am not on any street teams, nor am I on Facebook- but I do enjoy writing reviews and telling friends, family and students about great authors and their books.
Blessings:)
Hey there! As a member of your street team I must disagree with you…you do a wonderful job of making us feel special and wanted!
I have no preferences over how an author manages her street team, I belong together a few, and am honored to be a part of the authors team! It is a privilege to be asked, and I am humbled when an author does so☺️!
Hi Alexa! I am honored to be on your street team and your uplifting comments always make me, the reader & reviewer, feel appreciated.
I am on about 5 street teams with a variety of authors, who write a variety of genre. Each author has her unique style. One cozy mystery author, lists the first name of her teams in the front of her books, gifts us a final copy, and surprises us with a gift card at Christmas. She is extremely generous, because God has blessed her richly. Another author includes a reader’s review from her previous published books and sends us an autographed copy of the recent book we reviewed. One author includes one person as a character in her book. Another author has us write a praise paragraph.
As an avid reader and a retiree, I enjoy interacting with authors. Finding out the writing and publish process and writing reviews. Being a beta reader keeps my mind active. As stated, I feel appreciated be each authors’ unique style of writing and response to their beta readers. Best wishes. Looking forward to reading responses. Enjoy your day.
I am on a few street teams and enjoy the privilege of reading books early. I love sharing the good news about an author’s book with others who enjoy great books. One author gave USBs with her name on one side and a picture of her latest book on the other.
I just feel honored to be able to read an advanced copy and be a little part of a team. I am encouraged by the inspiration that I receive from you and your books. I think you do a great job making us feel appreciated. I love to read and if I can help by leaving a review to encourage others to read them too, that is a bonus.
Hi, Alexa! As a member of your team, I already feel you do a lot for us!! I love reading your books, and then sharing how great they are with other people!! I’m on a couple of others, and feel that all of them show their appreciation by the way they interact with us on their pages, and throw a few surprises out there once in awhile, too!! Just like you do!!
I have been on Street Teams; enjoyed it. I am an avid reader and love to review for you great authors……I appreciate you so much. Blessings~~
I am taking a break though for few weeks due to health issues.
Wemble, that’s a great support you provide to authors, and it’s greatly appreciated!
Paula, awwww, you’re so sweet! Thank you for all your support! You’re a dream come true for authors!
Rebate, I’m honored and super grateful to have you on my team! And thank you so much for your thoughtful and informative comment. I already see a lot of ideas I’d love to utilize.
Hello, Sally! As an author, I want to thank you for everything you do to support authors. And a very interesting idea about USBs! Thank you very much for sharing.
Lorel, awwww, I’m so glad you draw inspiration from my books! And thank you for all you do to help authors and for all your support!
Trudy, you just made my day! Thank you so much for your kind words. Soooo grateful for your support!
Jackie Smith, and we appreciate you right back! So sorry about your health issues. Praying for you.
I’ve ended up on several street teams because I love to read, and I love to get to read favorite authors’ books early on and help promote them. There are also some street teams I’ve tried to get on because the author’s Kindle books are priced higher than I like to pay :-)
I’m on several author teams. When I started, all the authors sent out paperback books; however, now most have started sending e-books. While I will continue to review for them, I do not like this. I do not like e-books and this is the only time I read them.
I find it harder to do a review on an e-book since I don’t have the book beside me to look up things. It also takes me longer to read an e-book.
I reviewed for Laurie Larsen and she sent out charms. Other authors I review for do not do anything. I think that is wonderful that you want to do something for your team. I’m sure they appreciate it.
Thank you, Margaret Nelson! Both good reasons to be on street teams. I appreciate you commenting!
Hello, Laura! Thank you very much for your valuable input. So sorry about switching to ebooks. I can understand the reasons why you prefer print books to ebooks. And thank you for sharing about Laurie Larsen’s gifts. That was an interesting idea!
Alexa, now that I read the comments and my coffee has kicked in, I remember some other appreciation gifts. For a Christmas series, I received several Christmas ornaments. Several authors made homemade gifts – an angel ribbon bookmark and a keychain. They keychain I use daily! Items fitting for their book or series. Some were special drawings, which made people interact for a chance to receive the item. Hope the ideas help.
I thought so too when I received it. But then I thought, I can use this!
Alexa, I own quite a lot of your books, but, haven’t read any of them! I am on a lot of street teams and have Kindle Unlimited! Therefore, I don’t have time to read the books I buy!
I am on numerous street teams, and I absolutely love being on each and every one! It is always a thrill to get advanced copies of books from my favorite authors! I love to encourage authors and I truly believe that reviewing and promoting Christian fiction books is a part of God’s purpose for my life! I feel honored just to be part of an author’s street team and it truly does not matter to me how an author chooses to run their team. I have never for a moment felt unappreciated by any of the authors whose street teams I’m on, in fact quite the contrary, I feel that I have truly become online friends with those authors, I love it when I get to chat with them and it never fails to make my day whenever I see that they liked or commented on any of my reviews or social media posts! ?
Hi Alexa, nice to chat with you :)
I’m a part of several ARC teams and I wish I had more time to do more LOL
I love to help authors in any way I can … help with the names for the characters ;) or finding typos and little mishaps, review the stories and suggest some changes. Like, with one particular author – she always listens to her team and several times she changed or added to the end of the story to make it better based on our recommendations.
It’s just nice to know that you listen <3
Blessings!!! BTW, I love the new series with Autumn!
I have been on several street teams. I will only join the ones that off a paperback copy as my Kindle doesn’t work correctly and I don’t want to read on my laptop. It’s a bummer more are doing ebooks as well as giving more ebooks than print copies. I understand with the cost ebooks are a better option for them, but for me, it’s a bummer.
I follow many authors but there are tons i have not read their books. With a limited income I don’t really have a budget for purchasing books, So, I have gotten on street teams of new to me authors and tried out their writing that way. I’ve always been blessed to love their writing and gotten to know them and their books more.
As for things they do. I’ve only experienced rafflecopter giveaways exclusively for the members but when they have huge numbers the odds are against you, so not my favorite but I’m just pleased to receive a paperback (usually autographed!)
Great post, Alexa! And great responses from wonderful readers, too!
Like you, I appreciate my street team so much! It means a huge amount that they not only enjoy my books, but are willing to help, and every member of my team is a huge blessing to me. :)
I wish we could send out paperback copies, but unfortunately for indie authors who don’t get author copies from the publisher, the cost would be impossible. :(
I’m not on any street teams. I tend to shy away from social media. Too intrusive. Happy to write reviews and talk up books to friends and family though.
I’m on a few street teams. I like it bcz I get to know the authors of the books I like to read and help them spread the word when they release a new book!
I agree. A very useful gift and sign of appreciation. :)
Rebate, yes, it does help! Thank you so much for the ideas!
Linda, I’m super glad you bought a lot of my books! That’s a great support for the author, so many thanks for doing it! And thank you for being on authors’ street teams!
Caitlyn, you’re amazing! This is so kind of you to support Christian authors, and you sound like the best supporter an author could wish for!
Natalya, first of all, thank you so much for all great help you provided to us! You’be been awesome!!! We’re very grateful for the input! It’s always great to chat with you, too!
Hello, Sabrina! I’m glad you discovered new to you authors via street teams and loved their writing. Sorry about more authors offering ebooks rather print books to their street team members (I’ll admit I’m one of them), and I understand your reasons for preferring print books. Thank you so much for your input!
Thank you for your kind words, Autumn! I’m glad you liked the post. As for paperbacks, that explains it well.
Mary Preston, talking up books and writing reviews is a great support for authors already! Thank you so much for doing it!
Cindi, glad you like being on street teams, and thank you for supporting authors! I appreciate your input.
I’ve been on a couple of street teams and am happy with a book. I think it’s very enjoyable to try to promote books – especially lesser known authors. I think a pen has been my favorite “gift” from an author.
I am late commenting. I am on a couple of street teams but both are quiet presently. I have been on a few for a single release book where we did a few things to create awareness for the book and one we created awareness of an issue as well.
One of the authors had drawings for her books and also some gifts. Being Australian most authors are unable to send the gifts here. I won one of this authors books but requested either a redraw a library or somewhere where the book would be helpful as it dealt with women’s issues like mental abuse, and body images etc. While it could be a trigger for some it may have also been a help.
Others I am happy just having the ebook to read as I mainly read ebooks as I find them so much easier to read.
I guess the think I would dislike most is when a street team has a chance to win something special I can’t win as mostly it is not sent overseas. When the author has bought or is going to buy something it would be nice in this instance if a gift voucher to amazon could be substituted. But I don’t join street teams to win or receive gifts. I want to join to help an author. I have been asked to join some but am not reading as much right now.
Hello, Ellie! So glad you enjoy promoting books. Good idea about gifting pens. I’ve done it before and I might do it again. Thank you so much for sharing!
Ausjenny, thank you very much for a lot of useful information! So sorry that most gifts cannot be sent overseas. It does feel unfair. And thank you so much for helping authors promote their books!
I haven’t read any of your books yet, but I’ve seen snippets and they sound good. Thanks for the chance to win.
Alexa for me I don’t do it to get something (besides the book to read) I do it to support the author. I don’t mind not having something sent but I do know people who do join teams mostly for items they may receive. I have had a couple of authors on a time I am in actually send me something which was totally unexpected.
I love being on street teams because I feel closer to the book and the author and it makes me feel proud if I can help an author with their book. I also like how the author like you, Alexa make me feel special!
That’s very admirable of you to want to support authors, and I’m sure they value it very much. And so sweet of authors to send you something!
Hello, Taylor! Glad you liked snippets of my books, and thank you for commenting. Best wishes in the giveaway!
Hello, Lori! Thank you very much for your input. You’re such a wonderful supporter of Christian authors, and we do appreciate it!
I enjoy being on street teams and helping promote books I believe in.
Thank you for your input, Lelia (Lucy)! It’s very kind of you to support authors.
I’m on several street teams. I really enjoy it. I try and post reviews, I miss a few, but get most in.
I like it when writers at least acknowledge their street team at times. Some don’t, so I stop being on those. I enjoy getting to know you all on a personal level. I appreciate the prayers and I pray for you too. I even get to have input in books sometimes. I also like the free reads. I’m not able to buy books, so being an ARC reader helps feed my reading habit. BTW I’m not on your personal ARC team, but I’d love to be. I don’t do Facebook but I’m on Goodreads and Amazon. I read for Autumn
I have been on several street teams and loved them all. I do that to support authors and getting freebie eBooks is great for me. I had an accident at 21 years of age so continuing to read is a great relaxation for me. As I age, however, eyesight is becoming an issue so eBooks are a wonderful relief as I can no longer read the small print of paperbacks. I enjoyed read/review until recently when I had over a month of allergy ailments and put me way behind on ARCs. I did contact individual authors, explained the delays, and requested to be released so others can help. I will miss the ARCs but health is more important. I continue to support authors by reviewing when I can, posting on Social Media, reading newsletters and sharing when I can. Wish I could do more! Thank you for the opportunity!
I have been on a number of ‘street teams’ over the last few years and I feel privileged to be chosen. I love helping authors promote their books. A friend asked me about it the other day and after I answered she said, that sounds like quite a ministry. I’d never thought about it like that before but it is a ministry to the authors. I like it when the authors send us reminders about sharing things, etc. so I don’t forget to do so. Occasionally I will make up a pix w/ a quote but it’s a lot easier if there is just one to share! :) I enjoy hearing about how the author got the idea about her/his book and I enjoy when they do FB launch parties, etc. altho sometimes I miss the live and have to go back later to view. Reading is a passion of mine and I enjoy sharing that with my friends and social media acquaintances.
Hi Alexa. I’m not on any street team because of my inability to write reviews. My country doesn’t enable me to do so on amazon currently. Still, when I read a book I enjoy, I recommend it to friends and I make sure that I email the author to let them know that I enjoyed their book and that they have inspired me by their story. Like now, I happen to be reading your book, Color of danger. Imagine the joy I felt to know that the second book in that series has been made free! I’m loving the book so much such that I struggle to let it go and sleep. So expect my email soon!
I just wanted to clarify something. I don’t even need public acknowledgment but a private word of thanks is appreciated. I have an eye for catching mistakes and I found over 80 in an ARC copy by an author and shared them with her. There wasn’t much appreciation. Needless to say, I don’t read her books anymore. She isn’t on this group. You are great authors and you make me feel appreciated. Thanks!
I used to be on many, many street (ARC) teams. I had to cut it back to just a few now because that was all I was doing was ARC books. Now I keep it to about 6 authors. I love being on these ARC teams and have really gotten to know a couple of the authors. Most of these authors I can message them or email them if I find significant errors and they will be appreciative. I have just recently binge read a couple series for one author and they kind of crossover with each other. I found a significant inconsistency from the end of one book to the other so I messages her and we had a 15 minute conversation about the two different but connected series. The authors also let me know who much they appreciate me being on their ARC teams (either when we are messaging or they let the group know in general) often.
Kim, thank you so much for what you do for authors! And I know Autumn has you in very high regard. I’d so love to have you on my ARC team. I could email you ARCs. I’ll ask Autumn to help connect with you. Thank you so much!!!
Cheryl Arcemont, so sorry to hear about the health issues. Praying for you. Thank you so much for all support you’ve given authors and are continuing to give, and I pray things will get better for you. Best wishes in the giveaway!
Anne, thank you very much for your input and very informative comment. I agree that it is a ministry, and that’s so kind of you to support authors and even make memes to share.
Teresa, thank you for commenting! Finding errors in ARCs is a huge help to authors, and we appreciate that help very much. Thank you for doing that for authors, and I’m glad they let you know how appreciative they are.
I used to be on an author’s team, but opted out through simply not having enough time. Now I’m frustrated by Amazon’s new policy of not allowing reviews from people who haven’t spent $$$ (I think it’s $50 but might be $25) during the preceding 12 months. As someone on a limited income, that lets me out, so… frustrating. It’s a shame because I do have more time for reading these days, but such is life , I guess.
I am on several teams. I love being able to get advance copies of books from the authors I like. I enjoy hearing about the authors and their lives outside of their books. I read a lot (just ARC/team books I’ve read over 250 since the first of March plus those I follow their series whether I advance read or not) I always try to leave a positive review. If I find one that has more than 2 typo (usually homonyms or awkward sentences. Commas are not my thing) I contact the author . If I don’t like or have a hard time with a book I contact the author before posting a review. Even then I try to find the positive things and just mention the book wasn’t for me.
After reading all these comments I feel inadequate. I’m a young thinking older woman. I love getting books early and can’t wait to start reading them. I don’t read paperback books anymore, with ebooks I can enlarge the print if I need to and having the backlighting makes reading easier. When I look at the pages in a paperback the page looks so dim to me. I do pick up typos and anything that puzzles me and send an email to the author. One thing I really like about being an advance reader and getting emails is feeling a connection to the author. I think of them as friends and feel as if I know them. I read a lot of books but I have a few authors that I actually love just from getting to know them thru sharing on FB and emails. Please share this with Autumn.
Alexa,
I’ve been on street teams in the past – Debbie Kitteridge, Tim Tebow and a number of romance authors. Even if I’m not on a street team, I write a review on my blog and post it on Amazon, GoodReads, etc. I’m not always on time posting, because I’m so busy but I do get it posted!
Thanks!
I’m not on any street teams but I do love to support the authors and there great books. I love reading Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance & Mysteries. Thanks for this amazing chance. Have a great weekend ahead.
I am on a few street teams. I enjoy your romantic books so much, Alexa. Thank you for the free Kindle book “Taste of Danger”. I love it when an author writes a clean romantic story. I do not like it when a lot of sexual content or foul language is included in a novel. I like to encourage authors by writing reviews and I recently joined Interviews and Reviews to do just that.
Hi Alexa,
First off – Thanks so much for the honor of having my graphic in your post! I love making them and your books are so easy to get quotes from, the images just jump out at me!
As you know, I’m on many launch teams and love all of them. It has been a real honor and I count it a privilege to be a part of these teams.
There are some authors who I will JUMP every time they put out a call for members to read one of their books. Lately, I’ve had to really watch my schedule and I now have a spreadsheet I keep track of all of them.
Today I was asked for a list of the authors I’ve been on their launch teams for in the last 6 months. I couldn’t believe how many there were once I wrote them down. Of course, this is my summer break time so I have more time to read.
However, I will still be on ANY of your launch teams if you want me to no matter when the books release! You’re one of my “Jump to” authors!
As for your comment about not giving to us as readers . . . I have to agree with Paula! Your writing and willingness for us to be a part of the process are more than enough!
Totally agree, Alexa. Paula is awesome, as are so many other readers in our teams. We are blessed.❤
So appreciate you, Renate ❤
Thank you for sharing your talents with the many readers who greatly appreciate everything y’all do! It seems a magical system going on – y’all appreciate us supporting at the same time we appreciate your support by writing wonderful cozy mysteries that we can read and take a brief trip from reality for awhile!
We so appreciate you, Marylin ❤
Until just now, I had never heard the terminology “Street Team”. I had to Google search the term in order to see what the definition was for it. LOL
I now understand that it is to promote someone’s book. I have done something like that once for a dear friend who wrote a book that provided tips to assist women to become the wives God has designed them to be.
I am on a street team for several authors. I really enjoy reading the ARC copies and looking for typos or things that just do not match up. The authors I read for are very friendly and appreciative. I do like to read and review for authors and I would enjoy being on your street team. I do not have Facebook but promote authors on Pinterest and write reviews on Goodreads and Amazon.
Thank you
I have just joined your review team and am looking forward to reading more books. I enjoy reading your stories. They are well written and the characters are very fleshed out. I
Thank you for sharing your wonderful talent.
Cheryl Arcemont, thank you so much for your kind words! I’d call it circle of love and gratitude – you appreciate authors’ books and authors appreciate and grateful for all the support you’re giving them!
So sorry to hear it, Elizabeth! I can imagine how frustrating it is, for readers on limited income like you and for authors who could have more reviews for their books. If I may suggest, if it’s possible for you to post reviews on Goodreads, BookBub, and spread the word on social media, I’m sure some authors would be happy to gift ARCs. Really hope your life will get better, and thank you very much for commenting.
Margie Harris, wowzers on 250 books since the first of March! That’s amazing! And thank you very much for helping authors. So kind of you to leave positive reviews and let authors know about typos. Thank you very much for sharing!
Virginia, my personal opinion is that you’re doing a wonderful job helping authors! I do tremendously appreciate all the support and encouragement you’ve given me, and I love your reviews. I really liked what you mentioned about a connection between readers and authors. This is what I strive for though I still need to learn to do it better. And I’ll be happy to share your comment with Autumn. Isn’t she wonderful?
Hello, Edwina! The main thing is that review gets posted. Thank you so much for supporting authors and writing reviews! And I appreciate your input.
Hello, Linda May! Thank you for supporting authors! Best wishes in the giveaway, and I hope you’ll have a great weekend, too.
Hi Marylin! You know we love you so much! I love your beautiful graphics, and you’re always so encouraging and supportive and knowledgeable. I’m sooooo grateful you’re on my team. You have no idea! Thank you so much for supporting authors. Lol, I’m thrilled to be one of your “Jump to” authors!
Susan Bates, I probably should’ve explained the terminology. Actually, you already helped us so much that I feel like you’re on “the team of my heart”! Thank you for commenting!
What Alexa said! <4
Thanks, Natayla! So blessed by your support!
Hello, Judy! Thank you so much for helping authors! I’d love to have you on my street team. Could you please email me to alexaverde7 at gmail dot com (dot and at should be substituted for . and @ and no spaces)? Thank you so much!
Awwww, you just made my day! Thank you so much for your kind words!
Kim, you are awesome! I hope you know how much I appreciate you!
I’ve emailed you Alexa’s email address.
What a great way to look at it, Anne. It truly is a ministry, not just to authors, but to other readers, as well!
Virginia, no need to feel inadequate! You’re a wonderful support and blessing, and I love your reviews, as well as getting to know you better.
LOL, so Alexa and I said almost the same thing. That’s because it’s true!
You’re so appreciated, Marylin!
What Alexa said! :)
Thabiso, recommending books to a friends and encouraging authors via email is a lot of help, too! Thank you for doing it. And thrilled to know you’re enjoying reading Color of Danger!
Thank you so much, Autumn!!!
Autumn, yes! That’s because it’s true!
I loved reading these comments! Dear readers, all the support you’re providing authors is amazing! Heartfelt thanks for all you do to help us.
I love being a part of a street team. I enjoy getting the first blush at new books and I enjoy being able to give feedback to authors and to also help to find typos and inconsistencies. I know how important street teams are to authors and I enjoy being given the opportunity to join a team.
Thank you so much for doing it, Nancy, and I’m so glad you love being a part of a street team! And you’re right, street teams are extremely important to authors! Thank you for sharing.
The term “street team” is new to me, but I post reviews on all of the books I read.
I love being on street teams, launch teams, and ARC reader teams. I love the energy and excitement in the launch teams around the book release dates and I really appreciate it when the authors or their assistants break down into steps what they would like the team members to do each week and/or each day around the release date and soon thereafter. Helps me stay on track and focused to spread the word about these great authors and books.
Hello, Gladys! Thank you for supporting authors by posting reviews on all the books you read. I appreciate you commenting on my post!
Thank you so much for supporting authors by being on their street teams and for this valuable input. That’s a great idea to break down into steps what they would like to do for the release day and after. I need to get way more organized, lol!
So overwhelmed and grateful for this wonderful response and wanted to say many thanks to all for your valuable input and supporting authors!
I am on several author’s street teams. I can’t think of any of them that make me feel more appreciated than you do.
Hi Alexa!
From the two street teams that I’m in, I’ve seen that the authors just love to shower their people with gifts (mainly through giveaways hosted only for the members of the group). Some will gift ebooks, other times it’s a $5 Amazon GC, other times it’ll be a paperback plus swag. Speaking of swag, that’s one thing one of them asked help with (what did we want to see more of, and then she went and ordered character cards, magnets, bookmarks, and even shirts).
Hope this helps! And thanks for the chance :)
PS: From what I’ve seen in your NL and on your FB posts, you do treat your readers well ;)
Lisa Stillman, you’re so sweet! I’m super grateful to have you on my team! Thank you so much!
Hi Priscila! Thank you very much for your kind words and your input! It’s an interesting idea about the swag, and the authors whose teams you’re part of must be super nice!
I’m on a few street teams and it looks like you do care a lot. Just look at the responses above that you have left on all the comments. Many do not respond at all. Keep up the great work.