Wednesday, June 03, 2009

Thursday Thirteen #40 . . . 13 Ways Of Showing An Author Support . . .

Do you have a friend, relative or loved one who has succeeded in making the grand leap from writing to publishing? Nowadays, most everyone does. Well, if you've ever wondered how you might be of assistance to the "author" in your life, the following list may give you a few ideas . . .

1) Buy, borrow or steal a copy of the book

2) Read the book

Okay, now that we have the obvious out of the way, let's explore a few others.

3) Mention the book (That's right, talk it up, not only in normal, everyday conversations, but also on cyber hangouts, like Twitter and Facebook)

4) Review the book (particularly if you read and liked it. A few great places to post reviews on the internet are Amazon and Barnes & Noble. But reviews in print publcations--like magazines, newspapers, journals and newsletters--work just as well and sometimes even better)

5) Rate the book (If you're not up to writing a review, there are a number of web-based sites where you can assign books a specific number of stars or post one word reviews, like--"Great!" "Hilarious." "Moving," etc--and leave it at that. A couple of my favorite places for doing such are Goodreads and weread.

6) Post a blog write-up or interview (Mention the book or post an interview with the author on your blog)

7) Show-up (Even if you've already snagged a signed copy of the book, attend a reading or show up at a signing, just to say "hello" or lend a bit of moral support)

8) Take a friend or two (If you do plan on attending a signing or reading, why not get a friend or two to tag along? The more, the merrier)

9) Ask your favorite bookseller and/or library branch to carry the title (Requests help drive demand for the book. Many libraries will allow users to make requests on-line)

10) Pre-order the book (Why wait? Be among the first to own a copy. If your bookseller believes there is interest, he'll make sure plenty of copies are kept in stock)

11) Make the book a gift item (Spread the word. Exposure is half the battle)

12) Write a note (Send and/or give the author in your life a note in which you express your thoughts about the book or praise his/her efforts. A few words of encouragement go a long way.

13) Share what you know (If you hear about an event, book festival, new bookstore, a contest, etc., that might interest or benefit the author in your life, don't hesitate to pass the info along)

So, how many of these have you done? If you have additional ideas or suggestions, please feel free to share in the comments!

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Thursday 13 Participants

15 comments:

Janet said...

I always talk up books I like on my blog :-) Great list!

Unknown said...

I'm loving this list. My most treasured reviews are the ones by readers who took the time to send me an email. Sure makes an authors day I tell you. Great list!

Happy T13!

Susan Helene Gottfried said...

I love to talk books. Heck, I've even got a second blog now that's all about helping us authors get the word out. When you start doing promo, I'll be glad to help you out.

It's all about connecting books and authors with willing readers.

Heather said...

An excellent list! I always try to support author friends in any way I can. I did #1 Saturday with friend Toni Blake's new release, ONE RECKLESS SUMMER, am in the process of reading it now, and plan to feature it on my blog Friday. Heh...looks like I just did another one of those items here. ;)

http://wordtrix.blogspot.com/

Chris said...

i love books! aside from buying them.. now, i can blog about them! :D

Alice Audrey said...

Good list. I hope some day I'll be encouraging others to do some of this.

Malcolm said...

These are some excellent tips. If I can think of any others, I'll let you know.

Hootin Anni said...

I've pre ordered a few books by my favorite author already. And I'm waiting for the next one to come out in publication.

My Thirteen is posted...a message to all cats/dogs AND their owners. All in fun! Happy day wishes to you....

Carleen said...

I always give my favorite books as gifts to others. :) Happy TT to ya!

I am Harriet said...

Excellent list!

http://iamharriet.blogspot.com/2009/06/lovin-thursday.html

bettye griffin said...

Yes! Yes! Yes!

Carmen said...

Authors LOVE those things. I LOVE those things. When someone mentions my book, I get all twitterpated!

I have 2 13s this week

1. http://thelistbook.blogspot.com/
2. http://photostorybooks.blogspot.com/

Joy Wizziwa said...

This was a really great list...and I can speak from experience having found out about lots of great books due to folks doing exactly what your list says. ;)

Americanising Desi said...

wow, this made me truly AWE :D
Happy TT

http://2short2sweet.blogspot.com/2009/06/yes-to-power-13.html

storyteller's other blog said...

Wonderful reminders of the simple things we can do to support the authors we enjoy.
Hugs and blessings,