Most of my posts are aimed at writers and what they can do to help improve their writing and their marketing. 

However, today I want to talk about supporting other authors.  After all, we can’t expect people to support and encourage us if we don’t do the same.

Some of these may be obvious, but you’ll be surprised how many writers and author’s I’ve spoken to who don’t do any of these!

Buy Their Books

This is a pretty obvious one, a writer’s product is their book so giving them cash in order to own that product is always the best way to support an Indie author (or any author).

By purchasing the book, you are showing your support for their work.  While most authors won’t make a living from their writing, it means a lot to them that people are willing to spend hard-earned cash on something they created.

Yes, authors often share their books for free (and I discussed that here) however, don’t just aim for collecting only free books.  Especially when so many books are cheap these days.

Read Their Books

Buying them is great, but try to actually read them.  I actually have a stack of books from Indie authors I am currently working through.

It’s hard going as many only came out in ebook and I often struggle to read on a screen for long periods of time.

But I want to support these authors and I want them to know their work is read.  It’s often why writers give books away for free, they WANT their story heard.  So do that for them.

Yes we all have an enormous TBR pile, but take some time to choose a new book every month or few months and read an Indie Author’s Book.

Write a Clear Honest Review

Not every writer is a fan of “honest reviews” which is why sock-puppets became a thing and why Amazon got rid of its Anonymous option for reviews.

But the truth is, an honest review is important.  Good writers will appreciate your honesty, bad writers might not.  *shrug* That’s their issue.

Honest reviews should be clear and concise.  If you don’t like something state why you don’t like it.

If it’s a personal preference, then let people know.  If you love something, state why you love it.  Just saying “Boring book” or “great book” tells the other readers nothing.

While they can be useful, because any review helps – I personally suggest writing a little more than that.

Reviews are important, because not only does it give people confidence to buy the book if others have read and reviewed it, but also it affects where the book ranks on places like Amazon.  So reviews really ARE important.

Recommend the Book to Others

If you enjoyed the book and you have friends, family or colleagues that have interest in the same books as you, recommend these books when you can.

However, if your friends and family are NOT into the same thing, then don’t recommend it.  Don’t have them wasting their time on a book that they probably won’t enjoy.

You can tell them about the book and see if they’d be interested, but be honest about the details and genre of the book

Just like writers need to know their audience and reach out to them, those who recommend the books should do so stating clearly what the book is about, the genre and who would like it.

Get them in your Library

There are three ways to do this, you can request them at the library and they might add it to their stock or you could let the author know and they (MIGHT) supply a copy or two for free to the library directly.  Alternatively, you could buy two copies and supply the second to your library.

Many authors are happy to donate copies to libraries.  They will usually do this to their local library but if you feel your library would benefit, you can always ask them.

Obviously, is the author is inundated with such requests they might not do it for everyone, but it’s always a possibility.

Use your Social Media

Everything from BookTube to Bookstagram, people love to share books on social media.  So use this to help promote and support your favourite authors.

Photos of you reading the book, posing with the book or just have a picture of a stack of your fave Indie books all help.

We are visual creatures and photos have a stronger effect on us than just words (says the writer! lol).

You can always Tag in the author or add their name and the book title to your hashtags allowing others who are following them to find you.

You can also use social media to connect with other fans of the author.

Reach out to the Author

Write a fan letter or email.  Be genuine, tell them why you loved their book.  Writers love hearing from their fans.  However…

DON’T ask for free stuff.

DON’T tell them how beautiful they are (seriously, this can come off as creepy)

DON’T expect them to reply.  Not every author has the time to reply to emails, some just aren’t good at it, others can take a while.

The point of the reach out is to say something positive, and show your support and encouragement to the author.  If you are just expecting some reciprocity for doing that, then don’t bother.

Connect with them on their Platforms

Whether it’s their official author website, blog or their social media, reach out to them.  Follow their blog or Twitter or Instagram.  Subscribe to their YouTube or Newsletter.

Show that you value their content.  Many authors ask questions of their readers for feedback and to help them develop their platform.  So help them when they do a survey or ask a question.

If you’re a Blogger

If you’re a blogger, consider reaching out to them and offering them a space on your blog to do a guest post or an author interview or a book review?

Exposure is so important for Indie Authors, especially at the very beginning.  They have to find places and people who will support them to get their name out there.

Giving them the option of being featured on your blog is great exposure for them as well as for your blog.

Join their Street Team

When an Indie author is about to launch a book, they often create a Street Team of people who help them promote their work.

This team is for fans and enthusiasts of the book who get the word out.

If you like an Indie Author, consider joining their street team.  Many will have sign ups on their Facebook page or their Website.

Be a Beta Reader

If the Indie Author puts up a request for beta readers, consider putting yourself forward.  Beta readers are important for authors, especially Indie authors.

Many people seem to shy away from being a beta reader, worried hey will offend the writer or they will not be very good.

Most authors will give you instructions on what they are looking for.  If they don’t, ask what they want you to consider.

Remember, constructive criticism can really help an author as they develop their book.  So if you are given the chance, and have the time, be a beta reader.

Gift their Book

If you really enjoyed an Indie author’s book, consider buying a copy to give as a gift to someone.  Either a friend or family, or maybe even in a giveaway.

This way, you could create a whole new fan for the author.  As mentioned earlier, always be clear about what the book is about, the genre, the audience so that only people who would most likely enjoy it will enter.

 

How do you support Indie Authors?

Happy writing

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