Over the last year, I’ve been approached by several readers who wanted to know if I had a street team. Honestly, I balked at the idea. The way I see it, my readers and I have a pretty cool deal going. I write books, they read them. A simple, mostly happy relationship.

Traditionally, a street team is a group of avid readers who volunteer to deliver bookmarks and other promotional materials to bookstores, libraries, book clubs, etc, to help support one of their favorite authors. That sounds a lot like readers working for the author, and I wasn’t interested in something like that. My readers don’t owe me anything.

But then I got to thinking. Anyone who likes my books is probably a little twisted. If there’s anything social media has done for us, it’s allow us to connect with people with similar interests–people  who live across the country and the world that maybe we never would have met otherwise. It’s pretty cool.  So I figured, why not use my street team as a sort of social club for my most loyal readers.

Enter Team Awesome.

Here’s how it works. My wonderful Street Team coordinator, Annie, has put together a nifty online form here. Fill it out and we’ll do the rest. If you’re chosen, you will receive a welcome packet in the mail with bookmarks, stickers, buttons and a welcome gifts. You’ll also receive instructions for joining the Team Awesome’s exclusive Facebook page.

As a member of Team Awesome, you’ll have access to exclusive giveaways, events, and news before everyone else. We’re also working on exclusive Team Awesome swag for members, i.e. tshirts, etc. But most importantly, you’ll have a community of other book lovers to hang out with online. I’d also love for Team Awesome to grow so members can meet up in person at conventions and other book events.

Disclaimers:

-Yes, we will be asking Street Team members to spread the word whenever I have some sort of awesome thing to promote, like a new book release. However, reviews, blog posts, tweets, etc. are not required to be a member. We will occasionally suggest ways you can help support my books, but it’s up to you whether you participate.

-No, we will not be able to accept everyone who applies. In order to keep the group manageable, we initially will be limiting the number. Occasionally  we’ll open membership again so if you kiss out on this round, don’t worry. There will be more chances.

-We’re starting out on a Facebook page to communicate with each other. I’m sorry if you don’t have Facebook, but that’s the easiest way to facilitate the most people at this time. Eventually, we may move to another platform, but fair warning that it’s the main way we’ll communicate for now. We will also have an email list for important announcements, but the bulk of the exchanges will happen at FB.

-Fair warning: The point of this group is to have fun. If you hate fun, don’t apply.

-Any questions regarding the team should be sent to [email protected].

Again, here’s the link to the form. Hope you’ll join us!

EDIT: Some additional questions have been asked.

Caroline asked: Is Team Awesome open for international readers? Yes!