Share the Love and Pay it Forward
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I owe a HUGE debt of gratitude to my fellow Sisters in Crime authors who are so generous with their time and advice. This is an incredible gift (especially when I first started my writing journey). They offered great advice on anything from where to get a great headshot to which book events were best for mystery authors.
Here are some thoughts on how you can give or receive help from other authors.
If you read someone’s book, leave a review. It doesn’t have to be a dissertation. You can just say something brief like, “I liked this book.” Review numbers do matter in marketing.
Recommend your favorite author to your library. Many take book suggestions and add new books to their collection.
Like, share, or comment on authors’ social media posts. This helps with marketing and search results.
If you’re an author, look for other authors or bloggers who will let you be a guest in their newsletter or on their blog. This spreads your information to a whole new group of readers.
I have a blog, Pens, Paws, and Claws, and I do #WriterWednesday author interviews about writers and their pets. If you’re interested in a slot, message me.
Buy a book for yourself or as a gift. One of my author friends goes to book signings, and she gives the signed book away on her site. There’s a sale involved and some social media publicity. When I buy a book, I usually take a picture of it and post it on social media and tag the author and/or the book store. Indie bookstores need your love and support too!
Tell your friends and family about books and authors you like. Word of mouth recommendations are great.
Recommend an author’s book to your book club. Many authors will visit or Skype if you ask. I love talking to book groups.
Start a “what are you reading today” post on Facebook or Twitter. Tag the author. You’ll be surprised how many people will comment. You’ll get good recommendations, and a lot of social media action.
What else would you add to my list? Happy reading (and don’t forget to leave a review).
