So, you’re a fan (or a friend, or both) of a writer, and you’d like to help her. You already read her book–either a gifted copy or a purchased one (and a purchase is already a great gesture). But you really like the book and the person, and you’d love to help. Don’t fret. There are many other ways to support your favorite writer.
Those tips can be used for both indie (self-published) and traditionally-published writers. Their marketing budgets are minuscule. If you didn’t see an ad for her book on Entertainment Weekly, the writer certainly needs (and appreciates) your support.
This is a non-encompassing list of quick, zero-cost activities that can help:
Click:
- “Like” her author page on Amazon
- “Like” her books on Amazon (the “like” button besides the title)
- “Tag” her books on Amazon (this means going to her book page, scrolling down to the tags section, and checking the categories listed)
- “Like” her author page on Facebook
- Befriend and become a fan of the author on Goodreads (like books but don’t know about Goodreads? Sign up now!)
- Add her books to your TBR (to-read) list on Goodreads
Forward:
- On Facebook and Twitter: RT/share news about her books on Facebook; congratulate her; tell others if you liked the book; let your friends know about opportunities (free or discounted books, giveaways)
- On Goodreads: discuss the book, recommend it, suggest it to your reader’s group as book of the month, share the events and giveaways.
- On Email: Sign up and forward her newsletter.
Don’t know exactly how to share? The prepared author should have pre-written tweets, facebook posts, emails, even press-releases! If she doesn’t have, ask for it: her job is writing after all : )
Review:
- Like to review books? Write a review and post to your blog or timeline. Post it also on Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes and Noble, iBook store. Don’t like to write? Just use the star-rating to give your opinion. Do not compromise! Write an honest review and don’t let your friendship or admiration sway your judgment. The author is used to critique groups and will gallantly handle constructive criticism. If your budget doesn’t allow for a purchase, request a copy for review from the author (no strings attached—ever).
Connect:
- Authors are gregarious—the hermit stereotype is just a myth. Mention a writer to a book cover designer, a designer to an editor, an editor to a reviewer, a reviewer to a reader, a reader to a writer. Introduce them to your online reading groups. Use #ff and #ww hashtags or just wing it. Social media is nothing but an everlasting cocktail party
- There’s also this new thing called offline world: standing in lines before and after school or sport activities are perfect occasions for cleverly letting others know that you’ve just “discovered” a new author! Let your neighbors and colleagues know how trendy you are.
That’s it! Just remember to do it naturally. You’re not a salesperson (well, unless you are); you’re a supporter. It’s not about advertisement; it’s about word-of-mouth. It’s not a sales pitch; it’s you sharing your opinion. Next time you’re chatting, instead of mentioning how much you liked The Avengers movie, just give the spot to your favorite book (the Avengers franchise will not suffer). It should be organic, water-coolly—nothing artificial ever goes viral.
Most important of all: enjoy it. Don’t let it become a chore, or soon you’ll resent the very person you’re trying to help. If it doesn’t feel natural to you, it’s fine. Remember, you already did the most helpful thing for the author: you read the book!
I hope it helps. Well, that’s a lot of theory. Maybe a workbook would be helpful. If you need practice, you can always go to the Wicked Sense page and test your recently learned skills. Links and examples are provided
Can you think of any other cost-effective and fast ways to help a writer? I’m certain I missed some. Please share!
Note: this is the new, self-hosted fabiobueno.com website! Links to the old site still work.
However, due to wordpress quirks, you’ll need to sign up for the this site if you’d like to receive updates. Thanks for understanding. On the top right you’ll find two sign up boxes:
- One to receive new posts directly in your inbox;
- One to receive a non-spammy newsletter about WICKED SENSE, the Singularity Series, other books by me, and fun stuff about YA fiction. Very low traffic for this one.
I recommend signing up for both so you don’t miss out : )
Absolutely love this Fabio. I am always looking for ways to support my fav authors, especially my Indie folks and this outlines a couple points I hadn’t thought of. Wonderful to have a go to list all put together. Fabulous!
I hope it’s helpful, Natalie! Thanks for sharing the post on FB
Love these tips, Fabio!
Share them with your friends, Myndi! SHRILUGH deserves the spotlight
Ooooh, fantastic list! I am bookmarking this under my “useful tips” folder to link to later.
I hope they’re useful, Lena! I’m going to copy and paste the post into an email for my friends
Perfect! Solid suggestions, and as your title proclaims: Quick and Easy! All in one convenient place and ready to share
Thanks, Barbara! I’ve had friends asking how they could help. They inspired this post
First off, since I’ve mostly been reading in Google Reader…Love the new look!
Fabulous list!
Raelyn, I’m glad you like the new website. I did it myself. Not bad–for a writer
Wow, Fabio, you really nailed all the bases in this post. Well, done, my friend!
Thanks, Lynn. There might be other ways; just couldn’t think of any…
Great list, Fabio. Smart way to remind us all.
We do what we can to help, right?
Great ideas, Fabio! I’ve done some of these for one of my favorite authors. I should go do it for others.
Thanks! If you think of other ways, please let us know!
This is an awesome, straight-to-point list that anyone can implement. Thank you for sharing the tips with the world, Fabio!
I thought you would appreciate a list like this, Angela! I hope everyone finds it useful.
Great tips, Fabio! I will be referring to this post often in the next few weeks.
Hi, Martina! Please do. Your favorite authors will thank you profusely
Your new site looks great, Fabio! Love the how-you-can-help list. I can’t think of anything to add!
Hi, Jen! I designed and customized the site myself. Those rusty computer skills came in handy. Glad you liked the site and the list!
Pingback: Vive la différence! #1 | Jodi Lea Stewart's Blog
Great list, Fabio! And I love the new site (other than the small font size). Looking forward to more.
Hi, Jennifer! Glad you liked the site. I’ll look into the small font issue
Hi Fabio! I have to agree. You did a fabulous job on your site. It isn’t easy putting one of these together. You did a lot of work. It’s beautiful.
This was a very timely post with so many of our WANA friends releasing books right now. You gave us some very helpful advice Fabio so that we can support the author, especially if that author is self-published.
I am embarrassed to say that I am not on Goodreads. It’s just one more thing that I need to familiarize myself with. But I think what you mention gives us the tools to have good manners with one another. We need to take more time to be considerate to the author by liking there pages, tweeting and sharing on facebook. I’ve got to tweet more often. I’m a little shy on Twitter in regards to conversations. Always something to work on.
By the way Fabio, what is #ww? I know what #ff is. But not #ww. Help!
Thank you for this post and I wish you all the best of success with you upcoming release!
Karen, I’ve got all these bits of advice from different sources, and I thought we should have it in one place
#WW is Writer Wednesday on twitter. A hashtag to promote authors.
Goodreads is dream website for readers. I love it. It could be faster, but that’s a minor issue. And it’s addictive. You’re going to love it too
Thanks for your support!
Oh, I forgot. Your comment luv widget doesn’t seem to be working. Just one of those new website glitches.
Thanks for letting me know! I’ll work on that.
Great post! I’m sharing it right now!
Thanks! I hope it’s useful
Pingback: WICKED SENSE – Book Release! - Fabio Bueno, Author
Love this breakdown of tips as a reader and an author. Some are so easy that I can’t figure out why people don’t bother with it. I’m all about reviewing and liking an author I adore, knowing every effort is a vote for literacy.
Thanks for reading and writing,
Sarah Butland
I thought it’d be handy to have everything in one place
Thanks for stopping by, Sarah!
Loved the tips Fabio. Now, I knew exactly what to do!
Thank you for the information.
My pleasure, Suma!
Pingback: Book Review: Noble Intentions Season One « Karen Rought – The Midnight Novelist