10 Ways to Support Your Author Friend
(that's me) & most are absolutely FREE
Hello, friends! It’s July and—I can’t believe I’m saying this—the month that my debut YA novel is being published. In fact, it’s only one week away from hitting your e-reader or shipping to your home. So, in honor of my first book birthday, I’ve worked on a list of ways you can support an author friend that (mostly) cost absolutely nothing but a moment of your time, passion, and authenticity.
Read carefully. There’s something in it for you at the end.
This is where I inhale, hike up my high-waisted mom jeans, and humbly ask that you consider showing me some love by doing any one of these things on the list below. I’ll love you forever. (I already do, but this will cement our love in the sidewalk to my heart.)
10. Tell your friend something concrete that you enjoyed about their book.
Their book doesn’t even have to be your cup of tea, but I’ll bet there’s something you appreciate about it once you’ve read it. Even if you don’t want to read it, encourage them on their journey. Try:
I could really hear your voice come through in your writing.
I admire how you took charge of your art and made it happen.
I loved the scene where [insert an emotional moment from the book]. It made me [insert the strong feelings you had].
9. Leave a review.
Whether it’s on the big-conglomerate-who-must-not-be-named, Goodreads, StoryGraph, or any other book review site, leaving an honest review helps other readers discover the book.
I can’t speak for every author, but personally, I’m not going to see your review. I’m not on any site but StoryGraph, and even there I don’t have any friends. If you read I Am Not and hate it, all I ask is that you leave a concrete reason for it, so other readers can use that information to make their own assessment. Examples:
The main character was really moody.
I loved the writing style and voice, even though YA isn’t my usual preferred genre.
I wanted to love this book in its entirety, and I did, up until the very end.
8. Add it to your digital “to-read” shelf.
If you use Goodreads or StoryGraph (or another online reading tracker), add the book to your virtual TBR pile. Shelf adds impact the algorithm, boosting reach.
7. Follow & subscribe.
You’re here, so you probably already follow me on Instagram or subscribe to this newsletter, but that’s generally where authors put out the latest news on new books. If you’re not already an email subscriber, I’ll make it easy for you:
6. Network on their behalf.
Happen to a know a bookstagrammer? A podcaster who talks about books? A small business owner who carries stuff from local creators? Talk up your friend’s book to them and see if they’re interested in reading, sharing, interviewing, or carrying their book.
I’ve got a press kit that can help with this.
5. Nominate the book for an award.
This idea is a little out there, but if you come across book award nominations, it doesn’t hurt to throw your friend’s hat in the ring. If the author is local to your area, or the setting of the book is specific to your region, it might draw interest for local awards, and awards increase attention.
4. Attend their events.
If your friend is having a book launch or author signing, show up! Can you imagine pouring literal years and tears into a whole book and no one shows up to celebrate? Be the reason they feel loved and supported when they do the incredibly vulnerable act of sharing their work with the world.
If you’re local, I’ll be having a little party myself! Save the date for Saturday, August 22 and reach out to let me know you’re interested. I’ll get you the details.
3. Share, share, share.
On social media, face-to-face, or by forwarding this email, wherever you talk about the book, that’s at least one new person who hadn’t heard of it before, now having it on their radar. How many times have you checked out a book because of a friend’s recommendation? If you’re like me, it’s a lot.
2. Request a copy at your library.
If your library chooses to purchase a copy of your friend’s book, that’s another purchase that you didn’t even have to fork out money for. Plus it exposes readers to a new author. All it requires is a few minutes of time online with some key information.
If you’re interested in getting a copy of I Am Not in circulation at your library, you can get all the information you need in this document.
1. Buy a copy.
I did say almost every item on this list cost nothing, but buying a copy of your friend’s book really does mean the world to them. You don’t even have to read it. It can sit on your shelf, you can give it as a gift,1 or you can donate it to a Little Free Library or school. Gifting a copy introduces your author friend to new readers!
Finally, if you buy a copy of I Am Not or request your library buy a copy, I’d love to send you a bookmark! Just fill out this quick form and I’ll send you a bookmark in the mail!2
Last week I shared the first lines from the book on Instagram, and it wouldn’t be fair not to share it here:
I read the letters on the day they were written. Extracting their delicate folds from the smooth, green bottle left on the open window sill is a process that makes my heart pound like thunder over the open ocean. If I pull the tweezers too quickly, I rip the note apart. If the tweezer grip is too loose, the scrap falls back to the bottom of the bottle. Gently, but with a firm grasp, I rock the tool back and forth to ease this precious slip of paper through the narrow passage. Once it’s free, I use my fingers to find the corner and open it up, smoothing the warped and weathered piece across my thigh.
Tell me: Are you dying to know what the note said?
May you continue to enjoy new books this season.3
Love, Heidi
I Am Not makes a great gift for teen readers. The back cover says “ages 12 and up,” but I would say 14 and up without hesitation, 12–13 depending on the kid. And I unashamedly read YA for fun, as an adult, so don’t count this out for a grown-up reader gift, either.
They haven’t arrived yet, so I don’t have a photo, but there are two options. Both have a different quote on one side, then one has a playlist for the novel and one has a menu from Seaside Creperie, where Wren works.
Maybe even mine!
I'm so excited for this book! Can't wait!!