The blogger scheduled for today hasn’t posted so I am thrilled to take her place and have Amanda Lee stop by today!
The Stitching Hour
by Amanda Lee
The Cozy Cavalry
I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce you to—and invite you to become a part of—my street team, The Cozy Cavalry.
What, you might be asking, is a street team? Good question. I didn’t know myself until I attended a conference a few years ago and found that many romance authors had these reader groups called “street teams.” (The concept is growing among mystery writers too.) Basically, a street team is a group of readers who enjoys your books and helps spread the word. They ask their library to order your books, they share your social media posts, and they come out to say hello when you’re doing a book signing in their area.
One huge benefit to me as an author in having a street team is getting members to post reviews. For instance, I had a book released in January of 2015, and the book was getting no reviews. I sent an email to my street team asking if anyone would be willing to review the book. Those who were interested in reviewing the book received a pdf or ebook copy (their choice) in exchange for an honest review. I was taking a big chance there, but luckily for me, most of the reviewers enjoyed the book and left a nice review on Amazon and/or Goodreads.
I recently sent a survey out to the newsletter subscribers asking them to help me decide which new series to start on next. I gave them the synopsis of two new cozy series I’ve been considering writing, and I gave them a multiple choice answer. Would they be most likely to read book one; book two; both, with book one first; both, with book two first; neither; or other? Most of my respondents said they’d be likely to read both books but that they preferred the first book. So the next book I write—after the one I’m currently writing—will be that book chosen by the majority of the team members.
Another thing I like about the street team is getting to know readers on a more personal level. The Cozy Cavalry members follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest, and we often interact over posts (mostly Facebook, because that seems to be most people’s platform of choice). I love being able to bring a smile to a reader’s face, whether it’s from reading one of my books or from seeing something funny I’ve posted on Twitter or Facebook. I told my husband once that some of my best friends are people I’ve never met in person! (Yet. I keep hoping to meet more of them.)
In return, The Cozy Cavalry members have the opportunity to participate in exclusive giveaways, have chats, receive swag, and get sneak peeks of upcoming books. It’s a really fun way for authors and readers to interact. If you’d like to become a member of The Cozy Cavalry, please visit http://www.gayletrent.com/books/join-my-street-team/.
~Amanda
About This Author
Your Biography Information for your tour page and for use by the bloggers – Gayle Trent (and pseudonym Amanda Lee) writes the Daphne Martin Cake Decorating series and the Embroidery Mystery series. The cake decorating series features a heroine who is starting her life over in Southwest Virginia after a nasty divorce. The Embroidery Mystery series features a heroine who recently moved to the Oregon coast to open an embroidery specialty shop.
Author Links
https://www.facebook.com/GayleTrentandAmandaLee
https://twitter.com/GayleTrent
Purchase from Amazon
More Purchase Links:
Penguin Books A Million B&N
The Stitching Hour:
An Embroidery Mystery
Cozy Mystery
9th in Series
Publisher: NAL (November 3, 2015)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0451473844
E-Book ASIN: B00S75OKKQ
Synopsis:
In the latest mystery from the bestselling author of Wicked Stitch, the future of Marcy Singer’s embroidery shop is dangling by a thread…
Marcy’s shop, the Seven-Year Stitch, is one year old this October so it’s time to party in little Tallulah Falls, Oregon. Aside from the Halloween decorations and festive stitching kits and patterns, Marcy’s got all sorts of celebratory swag, including Seven-Year Stitch key rings and goodie bags.
Unfortunately, her new neighbors might spoil the revelry. An eccentric couple has opened a haunted house next door, and all that screaming will certainly scare off customers. But there’s even more to be frightened of after a local waitress is found dead on the sidewalk with mysterious markings on her neck—and one of Marcy’s key rings beneath her. With no time to hem and haw, Marcy must act fast if she hopes to restore the peace to Tallulah Falls…
Tour Participants
November 3 – Griperang’s Bookmarks – Review
November 4 – Laura’s Interests – Review
November 5 – Melina’s Book Blog – Review
November 6 – Tea and A Book – Review, Guest Post
November 6 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – Guest Post
November 7 – A Chick Who Reads – Review
November 8 – Shelley’s Book Case – Review, Guest Post
November 9 – fuonlyknew – Review
November 10 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too ! – Review
November 11 – readalot – Review
November 12 – View from the Birdhouse – Review
November 13 – Books Are Life – Vita Libri – Review
November 13 – Bubble Bath Books – Review
November 14 – WV Stitcher – Review, Guest Post
November 15 – Book Babble – Review
November 16 – Back Porchervations – Review
I love Gayle/Amanda’s books, and follow on social media sites. It fun to hear what an author goes through when deciding to write a new series.
Congratulations, to Amanda/Gayle on book #9. I only recently finished Wicked Stitch, so I’m ready for The Stitching Hour!
Sounds like a great read.
It’s a good time of year to read a ‘scary’ story. This sounds like fun.
Thanks for the giveaway! My mom loves this series so I’d love to surprise her with the latest!
Congratulations to Amanda/Gayle on book #9 … it sounds like a wonderful book.
A great post, I really enjoyed reading what street teams do. This is a great series and I can’t wait to read this one. Thanks for the chance to win.
Looking forward to the new book and thanks for the street team info!! Looks like a lot of fun.
So many great series by this author! And I love the idea of the street team.
Another new-to-me series to try. Thanks for a chance to win a copy.
A new author to me. The teaser looks most interesting and I have embroidered since my Mom taught me when I was 7. Over 50 years ago. I am really looking forward to reading this series.