Readers often ask me how they can help their favorite authors. I love to get that question because it is so very easy to help your favorite authors. Today I want to share a few of those with you.
1) If you read a book and like it, then please post reviews. Don’t give spoiler details, but let other readers know why you liked it. Did you connect with the characters? Love the plot? Get engaged with the setting? Was there a spiritual thread that has stuck with you after you reached “the end?” Then write a quick review and post it any number of places. My favorites are: Amazon, Goodreads, Christianbook.com, and Barnes & Noble. You don’t need to stop there. It usually takes me 4 or 5 minutes to copy a review to those places, and it helps authors!
2) Tell your friends about the book. Word of mouth is still one large way that readers discover new-to-them authors . If you loved a book, then be sure to tell friends and family that are readers about it. You can use social media tools like twitter, facebook, Google+, etc. But also tell them in person. It’s very natural to talk about what you’ve been reading.
3) Give books as gifts. Not everybody is a reader, but many people love to get books as gifts. Especially if the book is tied to genres or places that they enjoy. For example, do you know someone who loves WWII? Then there are a dozen new Christian novels out that showcase different parts of that war. Books like Shadowed by Grace, The Butterfly and the Violin, Chateau of Secrets, and Saving Amelie. Know someone who loves to travel? Then look for books like A Wedding Transpires on Mackinac Island and they can travel without leaving home.
4) Ask you local and church libraries to purchase a book. Many readers utilize their libraries, and this is a great way to get a book into more readers’ hands. It’s super easy. All you have to do is ask your local library (school, church, public) to add your favorite book to its collection. Many libraries will add books if they know their patrons are interested. And many have made it very easy to request books. If your local library has a website you can start by checking for an online request form.
This is a great way to help your favorite authors. When my books are in a library, more readers have a risk free way to try my books and see if they like them. It also make it possible for readers to discover my books who wouldn’t otherwise run across Christian fiction.
Other ways you can help are to let other people know about this opportunity by posting it to Facebook, twitter, pinning the image on Pinterest, Instagram, etc. I’ve added lots of ways to enter. And I’ve got lots of goodies to give away. The more the word spreads, the more goodies I’ll add to the pile.
How do you help spread the word about Christian fiction? Do you use any of the ways I’ve mentioned?
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These are great ideas, Cara. Thanks for getting the word out.
I love that these are so easy to do…
Thank you for this post. Your ideas were spot on. I have been posting reviews for a while now. It’s nice when the sight where you left a review let’s you know someone tells them your review helped them decide to buy a book.
Thank you for posting reviews, Shirley! That’s a huge help to authors!
I’m new to the review thing but I think it’s awesome! I love reading and reviewing and I love to order books from my library.
Rachel, thanks for doing that! It’s a great way (both reviews and library requests) to help authors. And help readers discover the authors you love.
I have actually done all of the aforementioned techniques and I also have two blogs that I share my reviews on. I also do reviews for websites like NetGallery and Bewitching Book Tours. I love find books in the mail box also it be in my e-mail or snail mail. I love sites that I can also download books for free too. I’m also ways looking for new authors to read, review & connect with. There is nothing like finding a having a new book in my hands.
In Kind Regards,
Tricia
p.s. if you ever need need a book reviewed – I’m your girl. 😉
Tricia, thanks! That’s great to know. Sounds like you are a review queen.
Great practical suggestions, Cara. Thanks! I love readers. They’re so generous in the ways they support Christian fiction authors. Their help makes all the difference.
It absolutely does, Becky. So very grateful for them!
Lately I’ve really tried to be more intentional about writing a review for the books I read. Since I don’t consider myself much of a writer, it is hard! But I know it helps authors, so I do try. I write the review on Goodreads, then copy and paste the same review to Amazon and Christianbook.com. It makes it much easier when I can just write once, then copy and paste. I also have recommended books for our monthly book club. I also share free ebook offers on our book club Facebook page. I like giving (and receiving!) books as gifts too. We love our Christian fiction authors so we should do all we can to support you. Thanks for writing the books we love to read.
Recommending books for a book club is another GREAT way to help authors. And I am all about the cut and paste! Thanks for the support, Pam!
I use word of mouth a lot! Or Goodreads! They have a setting for after you read a book you recommend it to people! I use that quite often 🙂
What a great idea. I always skip that piece — I post the review instead.
I often do book reviews on Amazon. I also enter contest on the different blog sites. When ever I do this I will share on Facebook that I’ve entered by hitting share on the Rafflecopter form and also make a comment as to why I would like to win this book.
That’s great, Shirley! Thanks. All of these efforts really help authors get the word out about their books.
Thank you for such great ideas. I go into my local book store and ask if they carry the book.
That’s great! Thank you!
Great suggestions……..I just started leaving reviews……I love buying books and giving them as gifts or donating to a half way house or our local library. I also post on social media about my books! Hoping to always interest others.
Donating to a halfway house is a great idea. Another great place is senior centers or assisted living facilities.
I post reviews on Amazon,Barnes & Noble and on Goodreads! I also give books as gifts!
Books, books, wonderful books! 🙂
I love giving books as gifts or sharing mine, and I’ve started reviewing books too. Goodreads makes it easy, and I’m starting to blog about books too.
Feel free to keep me in mind if you need any ARCs reviewed!
sclauche@gmail.com