Let’s face it—writing a book is tough. It’s wrought with brain block, time constraints, and sometimes a really bad case of imposter syndrome. But reaching readers? That’s a whole different challenge.
I know I’d love to buy every single new release I see, but the reality is, that’s just not possible. Sometimes budget’s tight. Sometimes my TBR pile is already taller than my nightstand. The good news? There are plenty of ways to help an author out that don’t cost a dime.
If you’ve ever found a book you adored, or an author whose words moved you, here are three simple things you can do to support the author—without pulling out your wallet or punching in that credit card info.
1. Ask your library to order it.
Libraries are an incredible way for readers to discover new authors. Did you know you can actually request that your library order a book? It’s true! Many libraries have systems in place to consider patron requests. All you have to do is ask. My library has a super easy online form—and, I can even request to be notified and put on the wait list for it.
Not only does this get the book into your local community, but it also boosts the author’s credibility. Libraries track how often a book is checked out, and those numbers can help authors secure future deals. So, if you find a book you’re excited about—especially one from a new or emerging author—ask your library to stock it. It’s a win for you, your community, and the writer.
2. Recommend it in online reader groups.
We all know the power of word-of-mouth. If you’re part of a Facebook group for inspirational cozy mysteries, a Reddit thread for sci-fi biblical allegory fans, or any other book-loving community, consider giving a shout-out to that great read you found with a new author. Even just a simple mention—“I read this and loved it!”—can spark someone else’s interest.
Authors, especially those just starting out, thrive on these personal recommendations. Your voice can help them reach readers they’d never find on their own. These sites are often full of tried and true author recommendations, but it’s extra powerful to recommend new authors because it’s incredibly hard to be seen in the marketplace. And you never know—your suggestion could help create buzz about a book and author no one else had even heard of.
3. Leave a glowing review
It’s no secret that reviews are gold in the book world. They help potential readers decide whether to give a book a chance, and they boost the book’s visibility in search results on sites like Amazon and Goodreads. But here’s the thing: most readers never leave a review. Crazy, right? Don’t keep that great read all to yourself! If you take five minutes to write even a short one—“I loved this! Couldn’t put it down!”—you’re giving the author a huge gift.
And don’t stress about being fancy. Simply be honest. Your words, no matter how straight-forward, matter more than you think.
So, here’s your mission—and I hope you’ll accept it: the next time you read a book by a new-to-industry author—a debut, a small press, someone with maybe a few novels under the belt, or an indie—try one (or all!) of these steps. Help that author get noticed, sell a few more copies, and gain the confidence to keep going.
Your support can help keep a writer’s dream alive and boost confidence to keep at it, even when it’s really, really hard.
Authors love finding new ways to connect with readers and that doesn’t need to translate to rapid-fire releases. If your subscriber opt-in (aka “freebie”) has grown stale, here are five fun ways you can still connect and share with your readers.
What’s the last book you loved that you’re telling everyone about? Share it in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s captured your heart!
