How to be a friend to an author (in 6 simple steps)
I do not like to ask for help. Ask anyone who knows me. (Yes, I know there’s therapy for this.) However, THE MINIATURIST’S ASSISTANT and I have entered that stage in the book-publishing process where I don’t have a choice.
So, to make it easy, I’m offering 6 Simple Steps to be a friend to an author. Especially an author with a book coming out.
Buying an author’s book ANY time is amazing. Pre-orders are particularly helpful because that data tells publisher and industry change-makers that readers are excited about this book and its author—and it can give the book a longer shelf-life (which, in turn, allows the author to right more books for you, the readers).
Social media (at least as things stand) is a necessary beast for authors. Again, an author’s number of “followers” is data which lets the decision-makers who publisher our books know that readers want to hear more from us. Follow authors anywhere you can, and share what we post!
We LOVE to see your gorgeous faces at book events. And we see way too few of them, because most book events are notoriously under-attended. Showing up when you can (as in everywhere else in life) matters.
Book clubs are the BEST! Book people talk—plus, they usually have wine and snacks. By suggesting our books to your clubs (book, history, church, or otherwise), you’re supporting authors in a big way. And we usually show up when invited!
Reviews can be a toss-up. But again: it’s a numbers’ game (or in this case, a number-of-stars game). Please remember that if you loved a book, to review it on Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes & Noble, LibraryThing, and other review outlets. If possible, be sure to give the book 5 stars. You don’t have to say much; just be sincere.
The book industry remains one of those rare places which is powered largely by word-of-mouth. Book people tell everyone about books they love. I always pick up a book if a friend has recommended it!
Please share this post so that it can be a resource for others. And, in advance of the book promotions that I’ll be engaging in for THE MINIATURIST’S ASSISTANT from now until it launches on May 15th, thank you, I love you, and I’m sorry.
