Name: Tammy - But First, Let's Read (@butfirstletsread)
Place in the Book Community: Bookstagrammer, Blogger & Reviewer
Favorite genre: Any type of romance
I recently had the privilege of meeting Tammy (AKA But First, Let’s Read) when she asked if I would like to take part in her FAST FACTS feature on Instagram which introduces new authors to her followers. As a very new author, I was overwhelmed by her kindness in reaching out to me.
As a self-proclaimed book addict, Tammy loves reading and reviewing new books. She helps authors get the word out about their upcoming work through her blog and social media platforms. More than that, she creates a community of readers and writers on a personal level.
You can read more about Tammy in our interview below.
Jennifer Franz Griffith: How did you get started as a blogger/book reviewer?
Tammy: I've been an avid reader for years and was already leaving reviews and following a lot of my favorite authors and book groups on social media. I shared a lot of book-related posts on my personal Facebook and Instagram pages, but in the spring of 2020, I decided to start my own bookish accounts. Shortly after that, I started my blog/website. As soon as I told my kids what I was doing, my then 9-year old started talking about 1000's of Instagram followers and I told him that I'd be lucky to ever reach 500. Now, I have over 6000 and I still can't believe it!
Example of an ARC review that can be found on Instagram @butfirstletsread
JFG: How do you decide what books to review or promote?
Tammy: I have several "favorite" authors that I review and promote, and I do belong to a few ARC Teams and Street Teams. I also work with several PR agencies and will promote a variety of their books even if they are ones that I may not personally read. If I sign up to promote and a blurb sounds really good to me, I'll sign up to review (I enjoy discovering new authors and have found some of my favorites that way.) I also have a KU subscription, so if I see a book being raved about in a book group or on social media, I'll add it to my list. My TBR list is considerably out-of-hand and I add to it almost every day!
JFG: Do you have a favorite book or author?
Tammy: I have several favorite authors and books. If I was forced to pick a favorite book, I'd still have to name a few: Road to Nowhere/Ends Here by Author M. Robinson and The Ravenhood Trilogy by Author Kate Stewart. I just can't choose!
Example of a book promo for a cover reveal on Instagram @butfirstletsread
JFG: Do you prefer books in a series or one-off?
Tammy: I prefer one-offs or stand-alones within a series. I'm not a huge fan of cliffhangers and sometimes I'm just afraid to commit to a long series.
JFG: What do you do to help the book community grow?
Example of her FAST FACTS feature to introduce new authors to the community on Instagram @butfirstletsread.
Tammy: I post A LOT of author promos and reviews on my Bookstagram, Facebook and Twitter pages in addition to my blog. I also share my favorite authors and books on TikTok now, and I'll occasionally post on YouTube. I host a daily feature on my IG/FB called 'Fast Facts - Get to Know the Author' to introduce my followers to some of my favorite (and some new-to-me authors).
JFG: Anything else you would like to share?
Tammy: I have made so many friends in the book community...authors, readers and fellow bloggers and bookstagrammers too. It really is an amazing, supportive community, and I am so honored to be a part of it. I feel like I've finally found my tribe!
You can follow But First, Let’s Read on any of these platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/butfirstletsread/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/butfirstletsread/
Blog/Website: https://butfirstletsread.wixsite.com/website
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ButFirstLetsRe1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@butfirstletsread?lang=en
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/63551258-tammy--