Previously, we shared how to support an author for free. You can review those articles here and here. This time we’ll offer some suggestions on how you can help support your favorite authors if you have a few extra dollars to spend. These are pretty simple and straight-forward, so this post will be pretty short.
The first suggestion seems like a no-brainer. If you want to support an author, then buy their books! E-books, paperbacks, hardbacks, whatever’s available and whatever you prefer. It all helps support the author and help them feel warm and fuzzy inside.
Do you have any bookworms in your life? Give books as gifts! A true reader is always on the prowl for their next great read…even if they already have a TBR stack that’s taller than they are! Don’t be discouraged from giving a book as a gift just because somebody already owns a ton of books. Trust me, a reader can never have too many books. If the recipient enjoys the story and finds a new favorite author, you might be amazed at how quickly a book can become a lasting, favorite present. The best part of this, is that gift-giving is a year-round need: birthdays, holidays, vacations, illness, graduation, baby showers (for kids books, obviously), wedding showers/receptions – you name it, and reading is almost certainly an acceptable gift/activity.
Lastly, One of our favorite things to do is to keep a look out for Little Free Libraries wherever we go. The construction is always unique, and they’re fun to spot when you just happen by one. If you’re the type of reader that doesn’t keep physical copies of books because of the amount of space they take up, then use these great little resources as a method for distribution. The beauty here is you never know who might stumble across your location, and the readership net widens exponentially. If you’re really feeling generous and have some free time, sprinkle copies of your favorite reads around your neighborhood, town, or city. (This is one of our favorite marketing tips for authors as well. Just don’t forget to sign it before you drop it off!)
There we have it. Just a few ways to support an author with minimal effort and funds. What other suggestions do you have?
Circle City Publishing 