ARC Teams, Street Teams, and Influencers
Which One Do Authors Actually Need?
When you’re preparing for a book launch, it can feel like you need an entire marketing department just to keep up with the buzzwords: Build an ARC team. Recruit a street team. Work with influencers.
And while each of these is important, not every author needs all three. The trick is understanding what each one actually does, how they differ, and which best fits your goals, budget, and energy.
Here’s a breakdown of each to help you decide which one is best suited for you.
The Almighty ARC Team?
An ARC team (Advanced Reader Copy team) is your early-review squad — the people who read your book before release day and help build the first wave of credibility.
ARC readers are valuable as they help boost your book’s visibility online through sharing your book and talking about it in social places. However, ARC readers may need to be vetted and given clear instructions to ensure they follow through with leaving a review and spreading the word.
How it works:
You send free early copies of your book (digital or print) to a group of trusted readers. In return, they agree to post honest reviews on launch day — usually on Amazon, Goodreads, BookBub, or their blogs.
Why it matters:
Those early reviews act as social proof. When potential readers see that others are already enjoying your book, it builds instant trust.
Best for:
Authors who want to generate early buzz and strengthen their online presence before launch day.
Pros:
Builds credibility fast.
Kickstarts algorithms on launch platforms.
Encourages organic word-of-mouth promotion.
Cons:
Not every reader follows through (life happens).
Requires gentle reminders.
Smaller lists may result in slower review accumulation.
Tips:
Make it easy for readers to follow through — send direct links to your book’s review page and a short note reminding them how much early reviews help authors like you.
Research your ARC readers to see what their online presence is before they become ARC readers
Be sure to send ARC readers shoutouts on social media to help them feel valued
Knowing What a Street Team Is?
If your ARC team spreads the word with reviews, your street team spreads energy.
A street team is your group of super-fans — readers who love your work and want to help you promote it. They share teaser graphics, quotes, and release-day excitement. Some even help moderate giveaways, launch parties, or online events.
How it works:
You invite a select group of readers (often your newsletter subscribers or biggest supporters) to join. In exchange for their help, they get early access to news, behind-the-scenes content, or even exclusive swag.
Best for:
Authors with an established audience who want to turn loyal readers into active advocates.
Pros:
Creates community-driven excitement.
Increases visibility across social platforms.
Builds lasting connections with readers.
Cons:
Requires regular communication and updates.
Works best with a small, engaged audience to start.
Needs incentives to keep the momentum going.
Tip:
Create a private space for your team — a Facebook group, Discord, or dedicated email thread. Provide ready-to-share assets like teaser graphics and captions so helping you feels easy and fun.
What About Influencers?
Then there are influencers — bookish creators who can amplify your visibility to new audiences.
These are BookTokers, Bookstagrammers, YouTubers, or reviewers with established platforms who share your genre and reader base. When they feature your book, it reaches people you might never have connected with otherwise.
How it works:
You reach out to influencers who align with your book’s tone and readership. Some may post in exchange for a free copy; others may require payment depending on their following and format.
Best for:
Authors ready to expand beyond their existing audience or boost brand awareness fast.
Pros:
Expands reach into new communities.
Offers high engagement when matched well.
Adds professional polish to your promotion.
Cons:
Can cost money or a product.
Not all influencer audiences convert to sales.
Results can be unpredictable.
Tip:
Don’t chase follower counts. Choose influencers who genuinely read and enjoy your genre. Ten smaller, engaged creators who care about your story are worth far more than one large, disconnected account.
Take the time to research your influencer to ensure they are the right match. This should be done months before you reach out to submit your book for consideration.
After researching your influencer, interact with their content over a few months to help yourself become an active member of their audience, thereby increasing the chances of a partnership.
So… Which One Do You Actually Need?
Here’s the truth: you don’t need all three at once.
What you need depends on where you are in your author journey and what your immediate goal is.
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Simple formula:
Start small with an ARC team.
Add a street team once you’ve built reader loyalty.
Incorporate influencers when you’re ready to scale.
You don’t need to rush the process — let your marketing evolve as your readership does.
Combining Them Strategically
Some authors find success blending these groups:
ARC + Street Team: Reviewers also share graphics and help spread launch-day buzz.
Street Team + Influencers: Your fanbase generates organic excitement while influencers boost reach.
All Three: Perfect for experienced authors with multiple releases or a larger platform.
Just remember: quality over quantity. A small, enthusiastic team will always outperform a large, unengaged one.
You don’t need a massive launch team to make an impact — you just need the right people for your goals.
Whether it’s five ARC readers, ten loyal fans, or one influencer who loves your story, what matters most is authentic enthusiasm. Because the truth is, readers can tell when someone is shouting about a book they don’t care about — and they can feel it when someone truly believes in your story.
The most powerful marketing doesn’t come from the loudest voice. It comes from the most genuine supporters.