I’m in dire need of a street team filled with readers who love sizzling romance with heart and humor! Volunteer here…

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, this Indie publishing gig isn’t for the fainthearted. I knew it would be a lot of work, but…

I write the books.
I run them by my critique partner, clean them up and send them to my editor.
I engage a reputable graphic artist to create a professional cover.
When edits are ready, I revise the manuscript again and clean up.
Sometimes a second round of edits/revisions/cleanup is warranted.
I reformat the file so it will produce a clean electronic file.
I even convert the files to .mobi, ePub and PDF.
I upload the e-book files to five different sites, some with wider distribution.
I re-format the book for print distribution, enter all the pertinent data and upload to another site.
Once I’m assured I have a final page count, I order the print cover, then upload that file.
I order a proof book and inspect, make changes if needed. Repeat process if needed.
Easiest part: I approve final proof book. Now the print book is live!
And my work has just begun…

Now, I’m not complaining, just explaining why an author without the backing of a publishing house to shoulder some of the work (not that they do much/any publicity) needs a street team. I’m on overload trying to get six or more books out to my readers this year and keep up with this website, guest blogging, plus blogging here and on PetitFoursAndHotTamales.com.

Then comes the promotions work!

Believe me, there’s precious little time to write in all that, which doesn’t bode well for future releases. Hence, the need for a street team.

As I understand it, a street team is made up of volunteers willing to:
review the books, then tweet, Facebook, or blog them,
post covers on Pinterest,
add the author’s books and reviews to their individual Goodreads, Shelfari and Library Thing bookshelves and so forth.
In other words, they assist the author in spreading the word about her books through whatever social media they use.
If the author has print books available, they also venture into their local bookstores, tell the manager’s about the author’s books, request they stock them and distribute bookmarks supplied by the author.
Street Teams also “like” the author’s pages, “like,” comment and share the author’s blog and FB posts or tweets.
It’s not a requirement to do it all, just what the volunteer is comfortable with.

In exchange, the author supplies them with a private loop (Mine is on Yahoo!, the “Sassy Sizzlers”) or Facebook group (or both) for street team business, advance previews of new works, promotional materials, free books and swag just for them. As the author’s sales increase, swag might include specially designed t-shirts, hats, pens, GC’s, pins or book bags with the street team’s logo.

Interested? Fill out the form below to send me a private message and include the line “I’ll pimp you!” in the comment area. Thanks! I’ll be in touch soon with a grateful heart.