Did you know that authors have launch teams?
Launch teams or Influencers are groups of readers who partner with an author around the release of a book. The readers agree to help promote, launch the book into the world, or influence others to want to read it. Usually when possible, the author tries to give members of the launch team each a free book (to make the promoting easier and more convenient).
I’ve been really blessed to have some EXCELLENT launch teams for previous book releases. I’m so grateful for all of the various ways readers have helped to promote my books!
And now it’s that time again, when I’m beginning to form a launch team for my first light house book, Love Unexpected (which releases Dec. 1).
I love being able to include as many people as possible onto the list that I send my publisher. However, I’ve learned over the years, that not everyone who signs up to be an Influencer fulfills their commitment to help promote. Some might even be signing up just so they can get a free book *gasp* but with little thought to actually helping. (Although this rarely happens with my awesome launch teams!) 😉
All that to say, if you’ve ever wondered if you’d qualify to be on an author’s launch team, here are a few things to consider:
1. Love the genre that author writes in. For example, Love Unexpected is a historical romance. More specifically, it’s a Christian romance. So if you don’t like historicals, romance, or inspirational books in any combination, then you likely won’t make a good influencer for my books.
In order to promote a book enthusiastically and honestly, it helps if the genre is one that you really enjoy. Obviously, not every book will resonate even when the book is from a favorite genre. But we can more genuinely promote the book if we’re confident that we can get behind it.
2. Be willing to talk about the book. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to help an author’s book become successful. Shyness isn’t allowed! 😉 The more people talk about and get excited about the book, the more others will become curious and want to discover it for themselves.
Word of mouth can come in many forms:
• Talking to real-life friends and/or relatives about the book
• Sharing about the book on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, or any other social media site
• Writing a book review and sharing the review on blogs or online bookstores
• Discussing the book at a book group, library, bookstore, or church
Whatever form the talking takes, the important thing is that a reader is sharing genuine enthusiasm that will in turn motivate others to want to check out the book or author for themselves.
3. Desire to share your enthusiasm for reading. This world can NEVER have too many readers! Reading is one of the healthiest uses of time (compared to watching TV!). We as avid readers need to be on a mission to constantly recruit new readers.
I always love when readers email and say something like, “I was in a slump with reading until I read your book and it renewed my love of reading.” It’s always a huge compliment to resurrect someone’s love of reading or to perhaps spark that life in the first place.
For those who love Christian fiction specifically, we need to be on a mission to change the prejudices against it. There are still too many people who think Christian fiction is sub-par or not worthy of their time. We have the power to change their views, especially when we share well-written, riveting stories with them.
My Summary: Readers don’t have to be on an official launch team in order to help promote. In fact, I’ve had many readers who shout out about my books simply from the goodness of their hearts and because they enjoyed the stories. Either way a reader helps, formally or informally, we authors appreciate every little bit you do!
So how about you? What gets you talking about a book? Have you ever thought about going on a mission to spread the love of reading?
P.S. If you meet the above 3 criteria and would like to join my launch team for my upcoming release, Love Unexpected, send me an email at jodyhedlund@jodyhedlund.com. I have a few influencer spots available and would love to consider anyone who’s interested in helping spread the word about the book!
Jody Hedlund
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Jody, great information gained through your own experience and quite accurate. Thanks for sharing it.
I love to read and Jodi you are one of my favorites! You really research the time period you are writing about and I’ve learned so much about history just by reading your books. Thank you so much for allowing me to be on your new team!
“Readers don’t have to be on an official launch team in order to help promote. In fact, I’ve had many readers who shout out about my books simply from the goodness of their hearts and because they enjoyed the stories. Either way a reader helps, formally or informally, we authors appreciate every little bit you do!” Yes, indeed!! I SO appreciate the readers who’ve offered me support. God bless you!
Becky I love your books too!
A friend and I were talking about books when she mentioned a self-published book her book club was considering. It sounded a lot like what I was writing. I bought it, and it’s great! I never would have known about it if my friend hadn’t told me.
That TOTALLY shows the power of word of mouth! Thank you for sharing that example, Terri! 🙂
I’m definitely on a Christian fiction mission!!!! I read only Christian fiction and review both on my blog and online stores. I agree with you — it’s so important to talk up inspirational fiction and sometimes the hardest people to convert are Christians! Christian fiction is definitely NOT sub-par. I think the writing is actually superior. Editing seems better too. Just sayin’. 🙂 Not to mention the soul-stirring stories!
One of the ways I share my love of Christian fiction is by reading it out and about. I travel an hour each way to work on the bus and I can’t tell you how many times people have commented on the gorgeous covers of the book I’m reading. I’ve converted a few commuters who are now checking out the genre at the public library.
That IS an awesome way to spread the word by reading while you’re out and about! Of course, nowadays with Kindles and Nooks, it’s become more difficult to “show off” those gorgeous Christian book covers! But it’s always great when we can do it! 🙂
I can’t wait to read your newest, Jody! I love Christian fiction and love reading promotions about a book on Amazon and on blogs (esp. Kav’s)!! I have been on your launch team previously, and will send an E mail in hopes of being on the next team!
Keep up the great writing.
Jody, your books are definite must-reads. I agree about reviews. I read them when I’m considering a book if it’s an author I haven’t read before. Can’t wait to read Love Unexpected. The cover is adorable. The little boy is sooooo cute! Linda
Jody, I read my first book by you recently and loved it. I love most Christian genre’s: Amish, historical, mystery, suspense, just warm feel-good stories. I had read reviews by your fans, listened to other Christian authors complement your books and I found one in a used book store and tried it. Your name was added to my favorite author’s list. Other authors that I’m on their team I leave reviews at Amazon, B&N, Deeper Shopping, Good Reads, Christian Books and BCN. Also, I’ve taken bookmarks to the Christian Book stores in town and to a couple of the local independent bookstores for other authors. I primarily read Christian fiction. I do have some friends that work outside Christian Fiction genre that I still read. Have to support my friends. I also do reviews for http://www.bookfun.org.
Forgot to add that most of the authors on this site I’ve read and loved each of their books that I read. A couple that I haven’t tried but will be now.
Jody, I love the cover of your new book and I’m looking forward to reading, sharing and reviewing it 🙂
I am a very avid reader, but my very close friends are not necessarily as drawn to reading as I am. However I recently started a book club with them and it is my mission to get them to love reading as much as I do. So far so good..their excitement is beginning to grow. Mission Christian Fiction…Go!
I need to love it! You have a great cover! That should help you too.