When I had researched who to gather for a launch team, many sources have listed ideas of whom to ask. But they’d suggested people one would know personally, such as friends and family.
However, I disagree with this. One, people you know aren’t necessarily in your target audience. Two, they’ll all give you positive feedback because they praise what you do, and don’t want to hurt your feelings. And three, probably the most important reason, getting reviews from those you know goes against Amazon’s review guidelines as well as other retail site’s rules, presumably.
Regardless of what a lot of websites have said, I would avoid getting those I know on my books’ launch teams. And I believe any author should.
Instead, they should list the launch teams on their websites. Perhaps, they could promote them on social media, to their mailing list, or any other site that will allow it.
I have considered doing a launch team for my future books, including the later installment of my current book series, “Alyssa McCarthy’s Magical Missions.” But I don’t know if it’s a good idea.
Other authors have done it, and would offer rewards if launch team participants did what they asked. The requirements included things like, reading the books, spreading the word through any method, and leaving honest reviews. But offering prizes or rewards to those who review your books is against Amazon’s terms and services.
That is why I am making the opportunities to review my book(s) optional for my giveaway. Those who want to win just need to comment on the blog posts. The page for the giveaway even states that reviewing my stories and/or signing up for my mailing list will NOT increase anyone’s chances of winning.
Anyway, if I ever do a launch team, I will only ask or accept those I don’t know personally. And maybe I won’t give a reward… except maybe a private message thanking those who reviewed - if that doesn’t break Amazon’s rules.