So this is something a self-published or traditionally published author could do. Ideally, readers are deciding to pick your book on their own, and maybe they reach out to you as the author

Started to promote mid-June so we could get people in by mid-July. On the suggestion of someone in the group, I did set up a buddy-read on Story Graph.

https://app.thestorygraph.com/buddy_reads/06305a7c-248f-481c-9092-aa28be07452d

How many signed up – about 8 people. I thought that was good.

Conversations – I posted weekly questions, which people responded to. Usually, people didn’t answer every prompt, but it still got people interested. It was a little tough, though, because some people were a little behind, some people finished it ahead of schedule, and many people were trying to not give any spoilers. Which was great, but I think it hampered conversation.

What I liked – I loved that people were experiencing this world. I loved the chance to connect with readers.

What I would do differently next time- I think I would not be the organizer for a buddy read of my own book. I love this concept. I could see participating in a buddy read of a book written by someone else, but I think being the author and coordinating it – it felt a little weird. Like if people had a genuine issue with a character or plot point, they probably felt they couldn’t post about it. And that’s the issue with authors being in reader spaces. But I thought it would be fun, and if someone else is coordinating a buddy read of one of my books, I’d be happy to drop in for a final convo, and then they can still have their critical conversations without me there.

Goal: someone else or another book club wants to do a buddy read with my book, they host it, and I come in for an author Q&A at the end. Did feel weird that if readers really didn’t like something, they probably felt held back on what they could or couldn’t/shouldn’t express. Which I appreciate them sparing my feelings, but that’s not ideal.

Have you ever participated in a buddy read? As an author, how have you been able to get groups to select your book for a buddy read? Are you looking for your next buddy read or book club pick? I can get you some discounts on my books!

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