Writing a book takes many hours and dedication. Often it takes an author away from their loved ones. Most writers get paid much less than you might think; most of them write because they love to tell a story. The one or two dollars they make in royalties per book barely buys that next cup of coffee that fuels the next chapter.
It's not a get-rich-quick scheme...it's a labour of love, and a complete stranger can pull them into the depths of despair or lift them up with just one review. It can take months and sometimes even years to write a book. It takes even longer to design the cover artwork, edit the contents and then publish it. After that most authors have to give up even more of their precious spare time to market and promote their book(s). Please give something back in return!
Of course, the best support is actually to read the author's writings. And if you truly enjoyed the book, you’ll do the author a huge favour by taking your support one step further. Without a doubt, a reader’s word-of-mouth promotion still has an enormous influence.
But your support doesn’t necessarily require tremendous effort on your part such as writing a blog post. Some of the most effective ways to show your support only require a few minutes of your precious time.
I've put together a few short but sweet things readers have done for my writings, and I would encourage all avid readers to do in support of their favourite author(s):
1. Write a review and post it...
on your blog, Amazon, GoodReads, Barnes&Noble.com or other sites. Even if it's just two sentences. Author's thrive on feedback! You don't even have to invent a new review for each website, just copy and paste your original review....there's nothing wrong with that. On a side note: If you’re a writer, do not hesitate to use your author name when writing reviews. This can give your name extra exposure.
on your blog, Amazon, GoodReads, Barnes&Noble.com or other sites. Even if it's just two sentences. Author's thrive on feedback! You don't even have to invent a new review for each website, just copy and paste your original review....there's nothing wrong with that. On a side note: If you’re a writer, do not hesitate to use your author name when writing reviews. This can give your name extra exposure.
2. Tweet your praise about the book!
You might only have a restricted amount characters available, but if you really love a book, it doesn't take many words to convey your enthusiasm.
You might only have a restricted amount characters available, but if you really love a book, it doesn't take many words to convey your enthusiasm.
3. Post a comment about the book on Facebook...
or copy the one you just wrote on Twitter. Twitter streams seem to move on quickly, but on Facebook, news has the ability to stick around a tad bit longer.
or copy the one you just wrote on Twitter. Twitter streams seem to move on quickly, but on Facebook, news has the ability to stick around a tad bit longer.
4. Click the “Like” button...
on your favourite author's Amazon page, Facebook fan page, their website or blog. Every little bit helps!
on your favourite author's Amazon page, Facebook fan page, their website or blog. Every little bit helps!
5. Tell your local library or bookstore about the book...
and ask them to carry it. First, it would probably be prudent to check if they have the book already; many libraries and bookstores allow you to look it up online. If it's not in stock, you can personally request the book.
and ask them to carry it. First, it would probably be prudent to check if they have the book already; many libraries and bookstores allow you to look it up online. If it's not in stock, you can personally request the book.
6. After you finished reading your newest favourite book, pass it along,,,
to a friend or a family member, and ask them to pass it along when they’re done as well.
to a friend or a family member, and ask them to pass it along when they’re done as well.
7. Or better yet, purchase the book as a gift for friends and family...
for birthdays, anniversaries, Mother’s Day, or any special occasion. Books make great gifts!
for birthdays, anniversaries, Mother’s Day, or any special occasion. Books make great gifts!
8. Remember to pass on your love of the book!
Tell your friends and family members how much you liked the book and why. Word-of-mouth is still the best way to support an author! The more people hear about a certain book, the greater the chances that they'll pick up a copy of it.
Tell your friends and family members how much you liked the book and why. Word-of-mouth is still the best way to support an author! The more people hear about a certain book, the greater the chances that they'll pick up a copy of it.
I'd like to take this opportunity to send out a heartfelt Thank You to all those readers who have supported me in one way or another over the years! It means the world to me, and I appreciate every single effort you've made on my behalf!
What are some other ways readers can help support their favourite author(s)? Feel free to share your ideas in the comment section!
by A. Piper Burgi
by A. Piper Burgi
Piper is the author of several non-fiction books, and recently added three historical fiction novels to her ever-expanding collection of published writings, In the Shadow of Her Majesty , The Country Girl Empress., and A Life in the Shadow of the Crown. When she isn't busy typing away on her computer, she can be found chasing after her furry children or holding on tightly to a good cup of coffee. Follow her on LinkedIn, Facebook, Goodreads and Google+.
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