How Readers Can Participate in Release Day Preparation

Hello, my favorite readers! I know many of us just finished taking down our Christmas decorations and don’t even want to think about pulling them out again in ten months, but yes, I’m going to talk about December today. The good news is that no trees or tinsel are involved.

December 5, 2022 is the scheduled release day for Take My Hand, the first book in my new romantic suspense series. In case you missed this book announcement, you can read about the story here.

Today, I want to share with you some pre-release projects I have in the works and ways that you can participate.

#1: A New Free Story

That’s right! I’ve written a “suspense short” that I’m working to make available on my website by the end of May, possibly the beginning of June. If you receive my newsletter, you’ll be the first to learn about it. If you don’t receive my newsletter, why not join in? It’s super easy. Just follow the prompts here. Right now, you’ll receive my current free story just for signing up, and I’ll make sure you also are the first to receive the new one once it’s available.

So what’s this new short story about? I’m calling it “Bricks and Bones,” and it’s set in Beech Mountain, the location for my next novel. This little short is more of a “who dunnit” mystery with a Wizard of Oz theme (since Beech Mountain is home to the Land of Oz theme park). My heroine is Tori Bones, a twenty-something whose career has fallen apart and left her working three part-time jobs. Her latest Oz costume party gig put more Ben Franklins in her bag than she bargained for, and now, she’s tracking down who put the money there, who stole it, and who it really belongs to. Her pun-loving boyfriend, a semi-pro downhill biker, joins in the adventure to help her catch the thieves.

Again, sign up for my newsletter to be the first to receive this little suspense short. I look forward to sharing a preview of the cover with you once it’s ready.

#2: Street Team Applications

This spring, I’ll also re-open my street team to new members. What’s a “street team”? It’s a group of avid readers who take part in the book reveal and release. Members receive an advance copy of the book, plus other perks, and receive communications from the author about ways to help spread the word. My street team is called Kristen’s Book Crew, and I’m working on the page application now.

Becoming a member doesn’t require any special requirements, just a love for reading and a desire to tell others about the story. Once again, join my newsletter for the best way to stay in the know.

#3: Cover Reveal, Guest Appearances, and More

One blog post can’t begin to cover all the work that goes into a release. Some of the highlights include planning a cover reveal, scheduling guest blog posts, guest appearances, organizing giveaways, and more.

What can you do today to participate and help cheer me on?

• Join my monthly newsletter (as we’ve discussed).
• Share your favorite blogs or podcasts that you follow for new releases in the comments. I’d love to know where you go to “stay in the know.”
• If you happen to host a book blog or podcast or know someone does, let me know. I’d love your recommendation.
• Read and review my current books. I’ll keep you posted of giveaways and sales!
• Read my newsletter. (Haha, I couldn’t resist!)

Truly, I’m so grateful that you’re here and on this journey with me, and I promise not to flood you with updates. I will also continue to share about some of my favorite authors on the blog through interviews so you can learn about other books you might enjoy. And I’ll keep hosting those giveaways too and sharing some inspirational posts to encourage you along the way.

~ Kristen