This is me… thinking, thinking, thinking.
I’m thinking towards launching my next book. It’ll be a few months yet, but I’m in that stage where I’m watching what other writers are doing and taking notes on ideas I like. Things like the really unique Pinterest page, the prize package everyone is drooling over, the unique character blog post… We writers are always thinking about how to reach our readers.
That got me thinking about a street team, about readers who are avid fans and want to do whatever they can, whether easy or challenging, to help their favorite author or book succeed. So I asked some writers for things that their readers did that they loved.
While a few of these ideas take time and maybe a little money, most are free and take a few minutes. Why don’t we start with those?
Free and Fast:
- Review the book — Yes, you may H A T E doing reviews. I know readers who avoid writing letters and emails and hate writing reviews. That is a thing; I get it. But you don’t have to do a book report. In fact, it’s better if you don’t. If you loved the book, just say so. “I loved this! Stayed up past my bedtime.” See how short that was? And there was even a fragment in there! But it’s okay. Really. That’s all it needs to be. One of my favorite negative reviews for Kept is, “Too long.” See? It can really be that short, but you’ll give the book reviews and stars and that’s H U G E for the book and the author. Write a review where you bought it, and then copy and paste it on GoodReads or any other reading site.
- Add to Listopias — This can definitely raise people’s awareness of a book or author. Not only is it easy, it’s fun too because I always end up adding to my TBR list when I’m putting a book on a GoodReads list. And there are sooo many different lists a book can fit on. Most anticipated, best cover, best historical, most romantic, best read of the year… So fun!
- Ask your library to buy it — This is one of favorites! Honestly. Even if you’ve bought a copy of the book, ask your library to buy their own copy. If you live in an urban or suburban area, chances are that your library will buy what you want. When we lived in the Chicago area, I didn’t have money for new books. So every other month or so, I would submit a list of books to my library — and they bought every single one. And then the book was in the library for other readers to discover. Win, win.
- Write to the author — Writers work alone. You readers read our books away from us. So we really have no idea, unless you tell us, how the book is impacting people. If the story is working. Or not. (No, actually, we tend to hear if it’s not working!) If you like a book, tell the author. Or just send them a quick note of encouragement. Very few authors will ignore that. I’ve had fun conversations with readers who just wanted to talk about the book and dive into that world a little more. You might just write a quick note to a reader and — 18 emails later –come out with a friend.
Isn’t sharing a picture of what you read more fun than sharing what you ate?
Word of Mouth (or Mostly Free with Some Time Involved):
- Social Media — Oh goodness, we could camp here all day, which is kinda sad, honestly. But this is how we communicate today, especially with people we don’t see all the time.
- Reader groups — These are all over Facebook, and I’m sure they’re on other social media sites too. Join one or two or eighteen that you like and get involved. Mention your favorite authors or books when it fits. Start conversations about those books. Basically, spread the word. Free, easy, and only takes a lot of time if you end up getting sidetracked and watching dog videos, right?
- Follow your favorites — Share their book posts. Comment on their posts. All of that helps their posts and books get more attention, which helps the author sell more, which helps ensure that the author can actually keep writing instead of having to get a secretarial job or something. We writers are sad when we can’t sell enough to keep us writing.
- Pin the book on Pinterest — There are a lot of people who have boards full of nothing but book covers they love or books they love. Start your own! People will see those books.
- Take pictures of yourself with the book — Maybe even in the bookstore? Or in a fun locale? Get creative with it. Share it on FB or Twitter or Instagram, tag the author, and join in the comments. Who knows? You might meet a fellow reader.
- Keep talking about your favorite books and authors, even if it’s been awhile since they’ve released a book. Just because a book is old doesn’t mean it’s not worth referring, right?
- Make memes of the book — Do you like to mess around with images? Find some royalty-free photos and play away! Or just use a colored background and pop your favorite quote or book moment on there. Then share it. That gets the word out and is such an encouragement to the author.
Tell people you see in person — Yep. Just talk about the book. You never know who’s looking for a good book to read.
Here’s my last list. Don’t let me lose you here!
Some Time and Money:
- Buy the book — Sometimes money is that tight and you just can’t. I have been there; I remember that. But if you can’t, then request that your library buy it. The author still gets the sale (which is crucial) and more people can stumble upon them. Win, win, win! If you can afford to buy books, please don’t buy them all on sale. Save the sales for authors who are maybe a risk for you. Or for when you have the print but want the ebook too so you can get the Audible version cheaper. (Did you know that was a thing?) Writing a book can take a whole year of an author’s life, and if people will only read them when they’re free or $.99… They won’t be writing very long.
- Book club it! — If you’re in a book club, recommend the book to your leader or the other members. And check with the author to see if they might Skype with the group. Most authors would love to do that.
- Blog — Start a book review blog. You can even do this for free using free blogging sites. Or you can set up your own site and do it that way. Whichever way you do it, it’ll be a labor of love that will bless you and the writers you meet.
- YouTube the books you read — I recently heard of some women who have YouTube channels about the Christian fiction books they’ve read. Video is huge right now on social media, so if this is your thing, it could be really fun. Anyone game to try that out?
Phew, that’s a lot. I know. There are very few readers out there who can or even want to do all these things. But did one or two catch your eye? Did you find yourself thinking, I can do that. If so, I hope you’ll bless back the authors who have blessed you with their writing. And it can very certainly help that author to keep writing more great books that’ll keep you up way past your bedtime!
Now it’s time to turn the tables. What do you think writers can do to help you as the reader? I’m really curious to hear what you readers have to say to that!
Sally Bradley writes big-city fiction with real issues and real hope. A Chicagoan since age five, Sally has been fascinated by all things Chicago (except for crime, politics, and traffic) for almost as long. She now lives in the Kansas City area with her family, but they get back to Chicago for important things -- like good pizza and a White Sox game. A freelance-fiction editor and former president of her writing chapter, Sally has won a handful of awards for Kept and another work-in-progress. Visit her online at sallybradley.com or on Facebook.
One other thing is street teams. I am on a couple. One where we have a closed FB page and the author will often give an ARC of the book and we put reviews up on places like Goodreads, amazon, a blog etc. We also will tweet about the book and share on our personal FB page. It also helps to get to know an author. Some do it via email.
If an author has an author page or group it only works if they are active and interact with the readers. Loree Lough is a perfect example and has several other authors in her group. She has readers who are the admins now which frees her up.
Hi Sally! Thanks for an informative blog. As a reader, I purchase ebooks and write reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. I discuss books with my friends and have made recommendations and donated books to the library. Books that grip me because of the theme or subject matter, I also write the author, interact on her Facebook page. I am on several street teams, belong to about 8 Facebook reading groups, and this January I am involved with 3 online book clubs through Facebook. I am a retired English and German teacher with grown children, so I have time to read and interactive with authors.
What writers can do? Writers can keep readers informed through an emails, blogs like Inspy Romance, and social media. Be yourself, share who you are. Make your bio on Amazon, your website, Goodreads and on your book unique, inclusive, and not preachy. As a reader & traveler – one pet peeve is when an author makes no mention of where they live – what country, region, or state. This does not have to be specific. How do I, the reader, know to trust your setting in your book? (As a Midwesterner I was drawn by your bio.) I also enjoy a writer that stretches herself by writing different genres or branching out to new concepts, all the while keeping their readers informed. In 2014 authors collaborated together in boxed sets, in 2017 authors collaborated in producing series with a common motif or setting, now in 2018 several of my favorite authors started online book clubs. I appreciate the diligence of authors to write a well crafted, well edited story, produce their story, promote their book, and interact to some degree with their readers and other authors. Best wishes and Happy Writing / Promoting.
hi, these are wonderful ideas. Thanks for this great list. Will be keeping it handy. I know I like to do several, usually depending on the author. I just found a new author to me and wow, I will be doing a lot of these things for her, because not only do I stay up late because I am so engrossed in her book, but it stays with me long afterwards. And then I have learned practical things for life in her book. wow. yes a new favorite for me.
Hi Sally,
I have been on many launch teams for many different authors and I just want to say you all are doing fantastic! Many are doing all the things like what Ausjenny said in her comment. It might be helpful for an author to have a virtual assistant if doing these things is too much for them. We, readers, love to be in the “know.” It makes us feel like we’re helping you and that we’re a little bit special. hehe!
Excellent post! I try to do as many of these as possible, especially pre-ordering books from my favorite authors. I follow each new author (that I’m interesting in reading) on all their websites, and share their posts when I can. I also have tried to read their blog posts on their websites, and hit the like button/share buttons. I have too many emails to do that all the time, but when I can, I do it. I sometimes buy the books for our church library, so I can share them.
I always leave reviews. I want to help out authors as much as possible because I want to keep reading their books. I want to be an encouragement to them and for others who are thinking about buying the book. The only reason I wouldn’t leave a review is if I didn’t finish the book.
I love it when an author has a pinterest board. That is the first thing I do, is look up what the characters look like. I am visual like that. I want to know what they look like as I’m reading about their life. Because, if it is a good book I tend to get sucked up in the book with these fictional people. lol!
I leave reviews on Amazon when I have time. I haven’t figured out Goodreads yet. I have requested books at the library. I enjoy this blog and interacting with authors and readers. I am thankful writers write!! I am especially thankful for clean, inspirational romance. I love to read especially books with a Christian worldview that are G rated. Thank you!!
I am not very good at making memes so I like it when in a street team or an author shares a meme we can share. I like to leave reviews because I know it helps an author tremendously! These are all wonderful ideas for us readers, thank you!
I am on many street/ influencer teams and these tips are great. I would add that you can post your whole review on some of those Facebook groups that you belong to. You may need to request permission. But the ones I belong to let me do that. If you are on a team, be careful to add a disclaimer to your review.( that you received the book for free but we’re not asked for a favorable review, etc. ) The authors could be fined if you don’t. Then you can copy and paste your review to CBD, Barnes and Noble, etc.
Ausjenny, having readers who are great at being admins for an author… that’s a fantastic service! I bet that frees up Loree so much. Thanks for the suggestion!
Renate, love all of that! Thank you. There’s some great stuff in there, and I’ll have to sort through it again. And I do dislike it when an author is all mysterious about themselves. Even saying they live in the Midwest is too vague for me, right? I don’t live in Kansas City, but I live nearby and the area is big enough that I do think it’s safe enough to share that info.
I’d love to hear more about the online book clubs. Could you share a link to one or your experience in one? I’d love to hear how that works.
Very cool, Lori! I’d be curious to know who that author is; she sounds like one I need to read.
Yes, virtual assistants are awesome! I would love to be able to hire one full, so I better go sell more books, right? :)
Lelandandbecky, it sounds like you’re a blessing to a number of authors. Thank you for doing that!
Dana, I looove a good Pinterest board too, but, man, am I slow at making them. (Actually, I’m slow at everything; let’s be honest here!) And just so you know, you are fabulous at supporting authors. I’ve seen you do a lot and spread the word. Thank you for doing that!
Goodreads, to me, just looks messy so it feels hard to figure out. All I do on it is track the books I read and leave a review on them. That’s about it, but it is super fun to look back over what I’ve read. I’m starting to forget what I’ve read now–which I was sure would never happen. I won’t reread a book because I’ll remember right away that I’ve read, but if someone asks me what I’ve read lately, I’m all deer in the headlights, lol.
So an author making memes would be helpful, wouldn’t it? I do love making memes. I could spend all day doing that! :D
Paula, did you know that now Amazon is deleting reviews where you include that disclaimer? It’s getting to be a tricky thing to make it clear that the author gave you the book. I think I’ve heard some saying that they were not asked to leave a review, or something like that. I’m going to have to read up on this issue before my next book release. Silly Amazon!
Facebook On Line Book Clubs that started in January 2018. Valerie Comer Readin group discussing her Urban Farm Fresh Christian Romance Series. Caroline Lee’s Book Brigade with a monthly theme and two books by two different authors each month. A romance specific book club . Happily Ever After Stories Sweet Romance Reader Group.
I thought this post was really helpful! As a reader, I appreciate when I leave a blog comment and the author responds. I also appreciate if an author acknowledges something I’ve shared on social media.
Great post! Thanks for all the ideas.
I think Valerie has someone do it too. I am a virtual assistant to one author (one hour a week) and this is the type of work I would be able to do as I have health issues restricting me from working in a noisy environment.
One other thing make sure that there is a way to contact you. Some authors have a website but no way to contact the author. Readers like to send a note when they like a book but I have searched for a way to contact one or two and haven’t been able to find a way to let them know how much their book touched me.
Sally I think its how you put your disclaimer. If you put I was given this book for an honest review I think that’s the problem. I know there are places you can find what wording works.
You know, that seems so obvious, but it’s easy to overlook something like a contact button! It does happen. I think I have mine easy to find… Maybe I should check!
I’m so sorry about the health issues; I have an AI disease myself. We’ll have to share notes sometime.
Very cool! Thank you. Other than Valerie’s club, have you found any other Christian fiction clubs?
Thank you! That sounds right.
Yes, I try to acknowledge when people share something of mine. I’m so appreciative of that. Unfortunately sometimes things do slip through the cracks. I had a couple days after Thanksgiving when Facebook wouldn’t let me see my notifications! I hated that.
You’re very welcome, Margaret!
Great post, Sally! Thank you for doing this – I love how you pulled it all together.
And I love the readers who take time to review or otherwise reach out to authors. You have no idea how much a good review or an email from a reader saying how much they enjoyed our book or books means to us. It’s such a lift on those days when writing feels tough!
The only reason that I found the three mentioned is because I was already following the author or authors. I read a variety of literature and constantly try to broaden my horizons by exploring new authors and genre.
Awesome post, Sally. Thank you for taking the time to compile the info in a format that’s easy to digest. Thanks to the readers who chimed in and shared their thoughts, as well.
Autumn, sometimes I get those reviews right in the middle of discouragement or thinking about quitting. And yes, those are huuuuge lifts.
It was fun to put this together. I find that my brain doesn’t remember everything like it used to — just too much info all trying to stay in there now, lol. So I know I myself will be referring back to this list.
I don’t do Amazon because hubby is the main account holder and doesn’t want me changing it to my name. Ausjenny is correct. It is all about the wording. You can’t say you have received the book “ in exchange” for an honest review. You have to say you were not compensated and all opinions are your own. Lately authors and publishers will help with the wording . But it must be done for legal reasons. But don’t let that scare you! It’s fun to promote your favorite authors!
I have asked my library to buy a couple of books (including Kept :)) and they have shown up a few weeks later.
Great post–sharing! I’m very thankful to have readers who do so many of these things and more. I LOVE when they share reader pics because it gives me a little taste of them/their home and they are also often very creative! I believe I have the best readers in the world, but I think every author feels that way! :) Thanks for the post, Sally, and all the best with your upcoming release!