A HUSH AT MIDNIGHT – BUILDING AN ADVANCE READER TEAM

A HUSH AT MIDNIGHT – BUILDING AN ADVANCE READER TEAM

Guest post by Author Marlene M. Bell

One area most vital to the success of an independent author is building their advance reader team. Readers who receive an advance copy of the new book prior to its release to the public online and in bookstores. The idea is something I had no clue about when I began publishing books. In a sense, the author becomes the replacement for a traditional publishing house, taking on the same responsibilities that a publisher handles after obtaining a contract from a publisher. The publisher is key in publicity on new books for the most part with less burden on the author, from what I understand. The traditionally-published author still works on publicity, but not in the same capacity as an indie writer does.

I often wondered how traditionally-published authors’ books received so many early reviews—some landing on platforms prior to the book’s release. Advance Readers and a press release to media are instrumental in getting the word out on new book releases. It wasn’t until I had published a couple of books that I realized how to work on the advance team and why a team was necessary.

It takes several independent books published and good reviews in order to gain a reader following. People who like a certain writing style and love to tell others about books are an indie author’s best friend.

The Facebook platform and book groups bring in most of my reader leads, and from there, I’ve moved into Instagram, book blog tours, and a much larger following on X, formerly Twitter. My author website, marlenembell.com has a signup area built in for those who would like to join my advance team for each book launch. I prefer to send out signed paperback copies prior to the book release as a thank you gesture to my early readers and give them something special other than eBooks.

Gaining book momentum is difficult for independent authors with so many books published every day. They number in the thousands. However, I’ve found as the number of books published grows in an author’s repertoire of work, so does the reader audience. In my case, I have a romantic suspense series with four books in it so far, a children’s book based on a true story with our bottle lamb, and my new release is a standalone mystery unrelated to the Annalisse series. A HUSH AT MIDNIGHT was needed to break some of the habits I’d fallen into by writing familiar characters. I’ve attempted to create something for many readers in different genres.

Building a loyal following begins with early notification for each new book and making your readers feel special through giveaways. I do many giveaways to gain followers and promote each new book. Readers love to spread the word about books they’ve read. An advance team is a must for every author during a time when so many reading choices are available to the public.

**Thanks so much for allowing me to talk to your readers! I hope they will check out A Hush at Midnight the next time they’d like to read a twisty mystery with interesting characters. A mystery that’s hard to uncover who the villain might be!

You can get A Hush at Midnight at Amazon. and Book Bub.

This tour is hosting a tour-wide giveaway of 3 books. Everyone can join in the fun by posting the entry form on their blog! The grand prize winner will also receive Wildflowers Across America by former First Lady, Ladybird Johnson, a bag of wildflower seed, and a $50 Amazon Gift Card.

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4221b3a8366/?

About the Author

Marlene M. Bell has never met a sheep she didn’t like. As a personal touch for her readers, they often find these wooly creatures visiting her international romantic mysteries and children’s books as characters or subject matter.

Marlene is an accomplished artist and photographer who takes pride in entertaining fans on multiple levels with her creativity. Marlene’s award-winning Annalisse series boasts Best Mystery honors for all installments including these: IP Best Regional Australia/New Zealand, Global Award Best Mystery, and Chanticleer’s International Mystery and Mayhem shortlist for Copper Waters, the fourth mystery in the series. Her children’s picture book, Mia and Nattie: One Great Team!, written primarily for younger kids, is based on true events from the Bell’s East Texas sheep ranch. The simple text and illustrations are a touching tribute of belonging and unconditional love between a little girl and her lamb.

You can follow the author at:

Website: https://www.marlenembell.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marlenembell

X/Twitter: @ewephoric