The absolute best way to help authors is by buying their books and reviewing them, but what if you’ve already done that? Or have no room in your current book budget? Here’s some quick things you can do that help more than you know. (Don’t bother doing these for A-list authors. These tips are meant for indie or lesser-known authors who could really use and will appreciate the boost.)
On Amazon:
1) Follow the author’s Amazon page.
2) Rate their positive reviews as helpful.
3) Rate their negative reviews as unhelpful (but don’t get into a flame war with any reviewers–it only calls more attention to the bad review.)
On Goodreads:
1) Mark the author’s books as “to read,” even if you’ve already read them. This improves the author’s visibility.
2) Like the author’s positive reviews. This will bump them higher than the negative reviews. But again, don’t engage with the negative reviewers.
3) Follow the author.
4) Ask the author a question. Most authors love to engage with their readers!
5) Add the author to a list. For instance, “Favorite horror authors” should include more than Stephen King or Dean Koontz.
On Facebook:
1) Like (or love) the author’s posts. Did you know that well-liked posts get seen by more people? It’s true. Just by clicking “like,” you are helping your author friend!
2) Add a comment to a post that resonates with you. This also helps the page get seen, and encourages other people to comment. An active page is more interesting, and your author friends won’t feel like they’re shouting into a void.
3) Share posts you enjoy with your own comments so more people will find the author.
On Twitter:
1) Tweet about the books you enjoy with a photo of the cover. For bonus points, add a link to the author’s website or the Amazon listing for the book. Don’t Tweet AT the author, or no one but the author and their followers will see it (unless you put a . before the @).
On Instagram:
1) Share the covers of books you love with a blurb about why you loved it, or simply “This book rocks!” with a link back to the author.
That’s it! Pretty easy, huh? There are dozens of ways to support the authors you love that take less time than ordering a fancy coffee, and cost nothing.
Got any to add to the list? Please share this post. Let’s get the word out!
Simple and easy! Those little things help.
Agreed, Alex. So much.
Great round up. I think a lot of people do want to support indie authors, they just don’t know how to
Debbie
Now they do! 😀
I am only on Amazon and Goodreads. On Amazon, I often say ‘not helpful’ to folks who just want to complain, about anything, including the package something came in. On Goodreads, I only give negative reviews for books by those A-list authors who always hit the best seller lists no matter how awful the book and for other best selling books that I truly do not like – Girl on a Train being one. If I don’t like one of the indie books, I mark it read and keep my mouth shut. I would hate to have someone rate my blog posts.
Ugh, I have to agree with you about GOAT. Way overhyped! Disappointing. Didn’t mind the movie as much, though.
I designed this list so people could pick and choose, using the outlets they’re already on to promote authors. No need to do all the things!
All very good things to do to promote authors. I like the feature at the end of books on my Kindle. The form to review (which will go up on Amazon and Goodreads) pops up. You can write a quick review while the story is fresh in your mind and you won’t forget.I believe in supporting authors. I know how hard it is to write a story. That’s why I rarely (if ever) give below 4 stars. If the book doesn’t appeal to me, it probably will appeal to someone else. No crushing someone’s (author) dreams for me.
That’s a great policy to have, Diane. I don’t think some people know how much negative reviews can hurt an indie author’s livelihood. At, least I hope they don’t know. If they do, there’s a lot of nasty people out there!
Some very useful information, especially the liking positive reviews. I was not aware of that. Thanks for sharing.
You’re very welcome, Dave! I’m glad you found it useful.
Yes to all these things. Sharing posts and tweets is a great way to support anyone in their art or small business.
Agreed, Mary. But it’s amazing how much good just liking a review can do as well.
All great ideas! (So not biased being an author myself, right? LOL)
Not at all. I’m sure you’re a reader too. 🙂
WONDERFUL tips J.H. Thank you … will share on my limited social media –
You’re very welcome, Susan! Thanks so much for sharing. Good luck with the Challenge!
Great ideas! I’m going to bookmark this.
C is for Church Committee: Intelligence Abuses by the CIA
Thanks so much, Tamara! Good luck with the Challenge.
Great post! I’m going to share this with my admittedly small collection of FB and Twitter followers 🙂
Everyone has to start somewhere, Rebecca. 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
And you can also post their book’s image with links on Pinterest.
Good addition! Pinterest can be great for connecting books and readers.
“You’re so bossy. Always telling people what to do and stuff.”
I saw that quote on a post someone else made. It has nothing to do with you at all. This is a great list of things. Also, I don’t think we are Instagram buds. Are you an Instagramer?
Sadly, no, because I don’t have a cell phone. But I managed to figure out that tip regardless!
I hope that quote was a joke. Otherwise, yikes! 😛
I try to review and help along all books I’ve read and want to read whether indie or otherwise. You have a good list.
For sure, Sheena-kay. While reviews help small-press and indie authors the most, they’re always welcome. And they help readers find good books too. It’s a win-win!
I sometimes do these for my CPs, and it’s very good advice for fans of authors. Thanks!
Awesome, Lexa. I hope it catches on.
What a handy and useful list!
Thanks, Vello, and welcome to my blog! Hope to see you back here again.
Great tips. I also saw you mention something on Facebook about a Thunderclap campaign. I tried to join one before (to promote the IWSG anthology), but was put-off by the fact that it asked me to share friends’ information. But, I guess that is how it works, huh? I’ll have a look at it again…
Liesbet @ Roaming About – A Life Less Ordinary
I’ve joined six of them now, and didn’t notice any ill effects. It sounds scarier than it is, I think. My bf, who’s pretty paranoid, researched it thoroughly before giving it the OK. In any case, if you decide to do it, you can always revoke access right afterwards. It goes live on May 16th.