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Monday, August 13, 2018

What's a Street Team??

First, I want to thank you all for the positive comments and vibes from my last "woe-is-me" post. On the financial front, we are moving on up--actually, downsizing to save mucho money and afford the latest college addition. Plus I'm ready to go back to work at my own pace. Things are working out, as they usually do! I also found some fabulous writing prompts that inspired some new stories! (Like the new IWSG Anthology Contest - Check it out!)

And I came up with a new outlook on life...

Life is like a favorite t-shirt--It starts out bright and clean but eventually gets worn out and stained. It also gets more comfortable and refreshed with every wash!

Next, I wanted to talk about "Street Teams" - What the heck are they? Have you heard of them? Do you have one? Does it work?

Well, I researched it and here's what I found:
  • Street Teams have been around forever--they started out as marketing for new artists - Probably because they're cheap, relatively easy, and effective (article 1)
  • A Street Team is a group of people actively going out and talking to your potential audience to help sell your product. They create BUZZ - How awesome is that?!
Authors could always use some help with marketing. It's a hard job to do on your own. So here are some thoughts and advice I compiled for creating and managing a Street Team: (article 2)
  • RECRUIT! Doesn't hurt to ask. So ask. You have fans. You have followers. Create a form and offer it to them. Many will be happy to give your new book a shout out or tweet at the very least! Hopefully, you'll get some regular reviewers. Mentioning it on Goodreads is also a good place to recruit (article 3)
  • PREP - Put together a rap sheet that includes expectations, volunteer duties, and room for suggestions. Let your Street Team pick and choose the best way they can help. Your Street Team will mostly be called upon to help with new releases, but can also be there for between-release-events as needed.
  • INCENTIVES - your Street Team deserves a little something for their hard work. Give them a special name, too. And maybe offer a bonus trinket for recruiting more members to join in the fun!
  • A SPECIAL PLACE - You need a way to communicate with your Street Team. Now, you can do a group email or even a group message, but for a broader method of notification and fast feedback, a Facebook Page might be more efficient. (article 4)
I know many people (like me) don't like to solicit help. But a Street Team is a voluntary group who shares your passion and love for your work. They want to promote and help you succeed. Then they are guaranteed that more of your books will be published!

I hope this was helpful. I'm going to start recruiting a Street Team soon for my next release: WINDY HOLLOW - which has a release date - January 19, 2019! Let me know if you'd like to read and review an ARC.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on Street Teams - Do you have one?

Thirdly, here are the results of my latest survey - interesting info on WRITERS CAREER GOALS:






Of those who have an agent, no one was sure if she was helping them, yet...

Do you have tips for making a living from writing?
  • Diversify - be a speaker as well as a writer.
  • Know how to market yourself well!
  • Write a lot of books!
  • No. Though I've found when I pursue something, it eludes me. When I stop chasing it, it comes to me. Like a cat.
  • Not really. It's a personal thing with me.
  • Nope
  • Nope, just learning, watching and listening while taking notes and practicing.
  • I wish I knew how to make money from writing!


Finally, the best for last. My SHOUT OUT OF THE WEEK:


I'm so lucky to know this sweet woman in person! Liz and I live close enough to do book events together, at least one a year, sometimes more. We both raised boys, so we have lots to commiserate and relate with each other about--and we both have loads of advice, stories, and some recipes to share on our joint venture website: The Really Real Housewives of America. She's supportive, loves her family, and always sees the bright side!

Originally from Ohio, Elizabeth was moved to West Virginia and so was dubbed "Grit" as a child. She grew up in a tiny town with no red lights and no fast food where everyone knows everybody--oh the gossip! Thankfully she escaped to Marshall University then began a family of her own. (I'd say writing is her escape!) Liz is a daydreamer, a football mom, and an author of Women's Fiction & Romance.

"I have boys, books, and a dirty house. It's all good."



By the way, since I'm in the process of moving, my posts will be a little scattered. But you know how life goes!

Got any advice or more info on Street Teams? Or how to make a living as a writer? Do tell!

9 comments:

  1. Best of luck with the move, and downsizing in general! Glad to hear things are working out. And writing prompts are always fun--very cool how they inspired some new stories for you!

    And I know what you mean about soliciting help. I always feel self-conscious about that. You've offered lots of great advice for this!

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  2. Elizabeth rocks!
    Yes, good luck with the changes. Hopefully that t-shirt will grow even more comfortable.
    I don't have an official street team, but I've had a lot of people help me before.

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  3. Hi Tara - certainly could be an excellent idea to follow. I'm sure the changes will be good ... and yes if there helping, others will too - good luck with all your happenings - cheers Hilary

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  4. I wish I had a street team! I'm envious of bloggers who always have 20-50 people signed up for cover reveals, release day parties, and book blog tours.

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  5. I like "Life is like a favorite t-shirt" much better than that line from Forrest Gump comparing life to a box of chocolates.

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  6. Glad things are looking up! I'm always terrified of talking to people about my book, especially asking them to tell other people. I suppose that's one of those things I'll need to get over.

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  7. So your survey revealed that we really suck at selling our books? XDXDXD

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  8. If it someone who you enjoying reading being part of an ARC is fun for the reader and you are actually excited about reviewing, so I think those type of reviews can be priceless. An ARC team that joins by their choice I think offers the author more opportunity to get those type of reviews.

    I belong officially to 4 but review for several other I enjoy but don't have ARC team. I don't so much for the big names because they make you jump through hoops and go through their publisher to be part of the team and then it is very limited on ARC's, but I would love to be part of Nalini Singh and Nora Roberts.

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  9. You're the sweetheart!! Do you realize, when I was a newbie blogger, I had a generic, ugly header and you emailed me and helped me spif it up? You're just the nicest, most bestest writer friend to have. Hugs and love to you!! See you in October!

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