Help a Writer Out

Mary Sutton / @mary_sutton73

Now that I’ve become an author-publisher (I like that term better than “independent” or “indie” because, well, that word is fuzzy and slightly loaded), I’ve had a number of friends tell me, “If there’s anything I can do for you, let me know.”

This is very kind. And supportive. But it got me thinking, how do you support an author you enjoy? No matter what kind of publishing? Here’s a brief list of my ideas (beyond the obvious – buy the book).

1. Spread the word

Back in the day, news of a good book spread by word of mouth. You walked into a bookstore and asked, “What’s good or new?” and the clerk told you. You got a note or phone call from a family member or friend. You talked books at the office water cooler.

Guess what? Not much has changed.

Yes, it’s harder to get those “hand-sell” bookstore opportunities, especially when so many books are sold in box stories like Wal-Mart, Costco, Sam’s Club (and, dare I say it, Barnes & Noble, where you can’t be guaranteed that the young thing walking the floor actually knows anything about what he/she is selling).

But we still talk to people. May not be on the phone, or face-to-face. But all that time you spend on Facebook/Twitter/Pinterest/Instagram/Google+/Goodreads? Yeah, that’s talking to people. And if you work from your home, well, social media might be your premiere way of talking to people.

So if you read a good book, feel free to give it a shout-out on your platform of choice. Send a text to your mom. Mention it to your brother in your monthly phone call when he asks, “So, what’s up?”

Word of mouth, people. Word. Of. Mouth.

2. Leave a review

Okay, we’re all a little jaded by reviews. So much drama, so much scandal (authors buying reviews is just tacky).

Doesn’t mean it doesn’t work.

A review, posted at Amazon/B&N/Goodreads/iTunes/whatever, is another form of “word of mouth.” It’s just digital word of mouth. And all the lovely algorithms that vendors use prioritize books with lots of reviews.

It’s really easy, too. Just click the stars. Honestly. Do it.

Want to go further? Leave a few words (Amazon requires at least 20; I think anyone can do that). What people often tell me is, “Oh, but I can’t write.” Listen. You aren’t writing for the New York Times book review. It’s a casual reader review. Need a starter? Feel free to filch this text:

I really enjoyed this book. The characters felt like friends and I could almost feel/smell the setting. The protagonist’s struggle was familiar. I figured out “whodunit” but not until the very end. A satisfying read.

Honestly, that’s all you have to write. Modify for genre as appropriate. Author-publishers are often associated with “please leave me a review,” but reviews help traditionally published authors, too. Why? They help people find books.

Oh, and a word about stars. I kinda hate them, but hey, we’re stuck with it. Don’t feel that you’re letting me down if you don’t leave a five-star review. Honestly, I’m happy with three stars because, to me, it means I gave you a couple hours of enjoyment. Four is thrilling. Five is, well, wow. Because five is the epitome, the cream of the crop. Let me tell you how many books I’ve give five stars to in the last five years.

Five.

So yeah, don’t feel bad about that three-star review. It’s all good.

3. Donate a copy to your library

This is a new one on me, but I’ve heard people say it works. Libraries are great places. I have fond memories of my local library and many bike trips taken laden down with books (heavens, I just flashed on the summer I couldn’t get enough Mrs. Piggle-wiggle. Anybody else remember her?). And they are chronically strapped for cash.

So, if you read a particularly good book, check with your library. If they don’t have it, consider donating a copy. I can almost guarantee they won’t turn you down. And you’ll do two things. You’ll support a cherished institution and you’ll support an author. Win-win.

So there you go. Three easy-peasy ways to show an author some love. We’ll love you for it. Trust me.

Oh yeah, and don’t forget to buy the book!

Got any other ideas? Tell me in the comments!

Photo courtesy of Virginia Hill; used under Creative Commons license