18 Ways to Support an Author (Besides Buying Their Book)

If you are an avid reader, then there are authors in your life. Lots of them. You may not know them personally, but you know the genius of their words.

As an author, my friends and family often ask how they can support me in my writing journey.

I mean, everyone knows that you can support an author by buying their books. That’s a no-brainer.

But what if their book isn’t yet published? What if books aren’t in your current budget? What if the author already enjoys fame and fortune and you simply want to show some appreciation for their incredible work?

Easy.

Here are 18 ways to support an author without spending a penny.

1. Follow them on social media

Authors are constantly looking to grow their readership, and social media is one of the primary channels for doing so.

2. Engage with them on social media

Go beyond liking or following and share, comment on, and retweet their content.

3. Sign up for their email list

Bonus for this good deed: you’ll often be the first to hear about giveaways and new book launches.

4. Read their blog

If they have a blog, check it out. The more eyes, the better.

5. Engage with their blog

Comment on posts and share your favorites with your friends. There’s nothing worse than writing a blog that feels like an echo chamber.

6. Thoughtfully review their books

Book reviews influence buying decisions, for better or for worse. If you enjoyed a book, leave a review on Amazon, Goodreads or Barnes and Noble.

7. Spotlight them on your blog

Offer to interview your favorite author on your blog. This is especially helpful for debut or self-published authors.

8. Review their book on your blog

Do you review books on your blog? Go ahead and slot their book(s) in.

9. Add their book(s) to your Goodreads lists

Let your fellow bookworms know the author’s book is on your ‘to read’ or ‘currently reading’ list.

10. Name-drop in conversation

If people ask about your new favorite books or authors, don’t hesitate to mention them.

11. Do the book club bump

Recommend your new favorite books and authors to your book club.

12. Go straight to the source

If you’re friend or a fan, why not drop the author an email or social post with compliments? It will absolutely make their day.

13. Don’t forget the library

You know, home of all the books? Check out their book from the local library.

14. Plug the book locally

If your hometown library or bookstore isn’t already carrying the book, suggest it to them.

15. Take a selfless selfie

Share a photo of you with the book or the book against an exciting backdrop on social media and tag the author.

16. Show up when it matters

If the author lives nearby or is stopping in your area on a book tour, check out their release party or book signing and bring a couple of friends with you.

17. Get that book noticed

Read your hard copy in public (at the coffee shop, on the bus, at the airport), where other nosy readers will take note.

18. Pay it forward

Lend or gift your copy of the book to a friend who will enjoy it and ask that they do the same.

Authors truly appreciate any effort you make to help spread the word and support them.

You may even make a new friend or pen pal in the process.

Do you have good author karma? How else can we support authors? Let us know in the comments!