Powerful Ways Readers Help Authors - Lisa E Betz

Do you know that most authors struggle to sell even 500 copies of their books? Do you know everyday readers like you can make a big difference to (not-so-famous) authors? Read on to find out simple ways readers help authors find success.

These days, thousands of books are published every day. Unless a writer is already famous, it’s hard to be noticed in all the noise and competition. The good news is that not-so-famous authors don’t need to become famous to succeed. All they need is a core group of committed fans willing to spread the word.

Are you the kind of reader who intentionally supports your favorite not-so-famous authors?

I hope so.

If you’re not sure where to start, read on for several simple ways you can make a big difference to authors and help them share their stories with more people.

Readers help authors by leaving reviews

In these days of information overload, star-ratings and product reviews are one of the most powerful tools we readers use to find new books to read. It follows, then, that when an author has fans who leave rave reviews, it will help. A lot!

Leave 4- or 5-star rating for every book you enjoy. Especially if that book is by a not-so-famous author. The more reviews a book has, the more proof it has that it’s a worthwhile read. Amazon is the most important site, but Book Bub and Goodreads are also big. Also consider leaving a star-rating in other retailers or reader sites you regularly use.  

Write a brief review. Star ratings are important, but a review is even better. Reviews don’t have to be long or clever. Simply write a sentence or three about why you enjoyed the book, or mention an aspect of the book you particularly admired.

Another helpful way to review a book is to compare it to a more well-known one. For example, “If you enjoy popular author X or Y, you’ll love this book.”  Or “If you love mysteries with a sense of humor, you’ll love this book.”

Readers help authors by sharing book recommendations

Word-of-mouth is another powerful way to share books you love with others. Consumers put more trust in a friend’s recommendation than a salesy ad.

• Recommend books to friends.
• Talk about books you enjoy on your social media accounts. Post photos of the book or start a conversation by mentioning a theme or character you find interesting.
• Recommend books to your favorite book blogger, bookstagrammer, or booktuber. If you follow book reviewers and think a book is a good fit for them, why not tell them about it? Some reviewers have a form for that very purpose.
• Ask your local library to consider adding the book to their collection.
• If you know a brick-and-mortar bookseller, tell them about your favorite books and encourage them to offer the books in their store.

Readers help authors by following and supporting them

• Add the author’s books to your “Want to Read” list on Goodreads, or similar book-review-and-recommendation sites. (If you want a list of alternatives to Goodreads, such as StoryGraph or Libib, read this post.)
• Like or follow authors on their social media accounts
• Even better, interact with them by leaving comments
• Follow authors on Amazon, Book Bub, Goodreads, or other sites.
• Sign up for your favorite authors’ newsletters.  

More ways to support authors

• Be intentional about trying new authors. Libraries and the many sites that offer ebook sales are low-cost, low-risk ways to sample new authors. (And if you read the first third of the book and you don’t like it, I give you permission to quit. Really.)
• When authors offer a free-ebook promotion, get the free download even if you don’t have time to read it now.
• Consider supporting a Kickstarter-type campaign to help an author get a book published.
• Purchase copies of books you love to give as gifts.

One special way you can support me

My newest Livia Aemilia Mystery is releasing in October. You can help it succeed.

Join my Launch Team. When a new book is released, authors want to get as much excitement and traction as possible in the first few months. A launch team is a group of readers who help spread the word, read and review the book, and more. In return, launch team members get early access to the book, a chance to win prizes, and other perks.

 If you think you might be interested in joining my launch team, you can learn more about what that entails on this page.  

One last thought

Many of these suggestions apply to other types of mostly-unknown artists as well as mostly-unknown small businesses. They need our support, too.