We can't all be Stephenie Meyer or Stephen King right out of the gate. Some of us need help and the most helpful people are readers! Here's a list of easy and (mostly) free things you can do to help your favorite authors.
10. Buy the book
Sounds easy enough but it really does help. Especially on websites like Amazon, the number of purchases pushes a title higher on their list which means it gets seen and recommended to more people who might not have found that book on their own.
9. Ask your local bookstore for the book
Whether it's a mom and pop establishment or the last remaining big chain bookstore, ask them to carry your favorite author's title. Yes, a lot of what determines whether or not a book is carried in a certain store has to do with a publisher. But there's no hurt in showing a bookstore that there is a demand for a title they may not carry.
8. Bump up helpful reviews
Online review sites can help or hurt authors and their book sales. If you see (or write) a glowing review, take a second to click 'yes' to the question 'was this review helpful'. Well written reviews being at the top of the list can attract new readers who are searching for a good book.
7. Follow an author's blog, Facebook, Twitter
We love page views on our blogs and 'likes' and retweets! All of these things make us happy and they have the potential to increase our exposure since your friends and followers can see your activity.
6. Share links on Facebook
So much of today's advertising is done via social networking. When you see a link to an author's blog or their amazon purchase link, you should share it on your own page. It only takes a second.
5. Hashtag your tweets
Any author would love to be trending! #TheLowNotes ? Um, yes please!
4. Pin a book cover from Amazon or Barnes & Noble to Pinterest
Some people are very drawn to cover art. Yes, these people actually judge a book by its cover! If you pin an authors book cover from a purchase link anyone who has a look will be directed to the best place to buy it!
3. Attend signings and Events
Take a nice Saturday or Sunday and go to a book signing. Meet a local or traveling author and show your support. If you know a local author make sure you attend their launch parties and other events. It's a great way to show support and to show the community that artistic events are worthwhile.
2. Review, review, review
Reviews are key. So many online buyers base their choices off of reviews. It only takes a little of your time to sit down and write about how you enjoyed the book. If you didn't enjoy it, you can still review but always keep Thumper in your head. If you can't say something nice...don't say anything at all.
1. Tell your mother, your brother, your sister and your friends!
Word of mouth has been and always will be the best form of advertisement. People trust the ones closest to them and a lot of time they have the same tastes. If you like a book, don't think twice about telling people that they might like it.
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