So I find myself as a cheerleader for my
author friends — I simply do whatever little things I can that help in any
way to foster their success.
So today is my...Hump Day Help ...an author out
post!
Anyone can
support an author’s book(s) by doing different things to help the book sell and
get noticed.
I’m a new author, so I want
to do everything in my power to help sell my books and get them noticed, but I
also realize that I can’t be selfish AND successful. That goes against
everything I believe.
So, in no particular order, here are my top
6 things – for all my fans, friends and family— some big, some small — that you
can do to support a author/friend when their book comes out:
1. Buy their book. (Buy NEW, not used.)
An obvious point, I’m sure, but it’s very important
nonetheless. Consider pre-ordering the book if it isn’t out yet. Publishers pay attention to pre-orders to help
get a sense of what titles are getting buzz and attention. Impressive
pre-orders help the author.
2. Buy their book for others as a gift.
Think of which friends and relatives would
enjoy the book/novel. Buy it for them as either a birthday gift or holiday
gift. You get to support your author friends and give cool gifts at the same
time! Get copies signed if possible to make gifts special. Even people who
don’t read many novels will still take note if a gifted book is personalized
and autographed.
3. Leave a review on Amazon or BN.com
or Goodreads or all.
Reviews are still very important. On some
level, that silly rating does affect me and my decision — and my guess is that
it affects you, too. So it’s crucial that, when you read a book and enjoy it,
you leave a review on Amazon or BN.com or Goodreads or all.
Most e-Readers let you leave an instant review on the last page of the book, so
you don’t even have to do any extra work! You’re there, the book is over and
you loved it – so before you move an inch, select your star rating, type in why you loved it and press
send! It really is so very easy and those first 10-20 reviews matter greatly. Those reviews can set a book on the right
path. (Note: If you’re feeling really
adventurous, you can click over leave the same review on all sites to save time
without ever leaving your reading spot. ;-)
4. “Like” the author’s Facebook Fan
page.
Getting your personal friends to “Like”
another friend’s page is an easy favor to ask, as it requires no money.
5. Spread news of the book through your
social media channels.
When the author mentions it on Facebook,
share the news with your social circles and include a small note about what the
book is and why they should buy it like this: “Wow! This new book by my friend
(or use their name) is a great gift for those singles or couples that have lost
their way in the bedroom. Close the door-turn the lights down-romantic stuff
for all to enjoy!”
6. If you have media contacts or know
people of influence, arrange a connection.
This is one of the best things you can do
and probably the biggest way you can truly influence the life of the book and
the success of the author. It’s a positive domino effect that springs to life
the monstrous success that most writers dream of – perfect example? E.L. James
and the Fifty Shades of Grey Trilogy!
So, if you’re married to the cousin of a
local news personality or radio host, it’s exactly that kind of connection that serves as a great introduction
between author and host. If you know a book reviewer at a newspaper in a large
city, say so. If your old college buddy now runs the biggest reading club in
all of Texas, try and help your author friend’s book be a future choice in that
club.
Basically, it’s just about showing gratitude for the
private entertaining moments that the book created in your imagination. It’s that simple. Just help them and
support the publishing industry. Good karma will befall you, and the hope is
that others will help you in return as you follow your dreams.
XOXO
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