The Power of Supporting Indie Authors: Free Ways to Make a Big Difference

How do I support my Indie Author?

Calling all bookworms, friends and family! The literary landscape thrives on the vibrant energy of indie authors. These wordsmiths pour their hearts into crafting captivating stories, yet they often face an uphill battle without the marketing muscle of big publishing houses. But fear not, fellow reader! Here's how YOU can become a champion for indie authors, completely FREE!

Become a Social Butterfly:

• Hashtag Hero: Share your indie author love on social media! Post about the book, tag the author, and include relevant hashtags, including the book title and keywords (#indieauthor #supportindie #mustread). This online buzz can attract a whole new audience.
• Word-of-Mouth Magic: Nothing beats a personal recommendation! Gush about your favorite indie read to friends, family, and colleagues. Positive word-of-mouth can be a game-changer for indie authors.
• Review Revolution: Unleash your inner critic (in a good way)! Leave thoughtful reviews on platforms like Amazon, Goodreads, and the author's website. Honest feedback helps readers choose their next great read and boosts the book's online visibility.  You can always ask if you can get a free digital copy for review! Bonus tip: Keep your review concise and engaging; highlight what you loved about the book!
• Help Others Find It: Searching for the book title and relevant keywords on search engines, and online retailers helps train their algorithms to recommend the book to interested readers.  Make sure to click on the book, too! This increases visibility and gets the book into the hands of readers!  ***UPDATE:  I've been told this doesn't help and may actually hurt your book's rating if you click without buying. 
• Request the Book: Many libraries allow patrons to request titles for purchase. Find the appropriate form or online portal at your library and submit a request for the indie book you loved. This demonstrates reader interest and can encourage the library to add the book to their collection.  Talk to librarians about the book, and maybe suggest it for library book clubs!

Connect with the Creative Force:

• Social Media Stalking (the Good Kind): Many indie authors are social media rockstars! Follow them online, like and comment on their posts, and join discussions. This interaction shows your appreciation and fosters a connection with the author. Pro tip: Ask insightful questions to spark conversation!
• Question Time: Curious about the author's inspiration or the writing process? Don't be shy! Ask respectful questions on social media or the author's website. This demonstrates your interest and encourages the author to connect with their readers.
• Community Clubhouse: Many indie authors have online communities like forums or newsletters. Sign up to stay updated on new releases, participate in discussions with other fans, and connect with the author's world!

Content Consumption Champion:

• Freebie Fanatic: Many indie authors offer free treasures like blog posts, short stories, or book excerpts. Download and devour this free content to show your support and get a taste of the author's writing style.
• Newsletter Ninja: Subscribe to the author's newsletter! This keeps you informed about upcoming releases, promotions, and special events. You'll be among the first to know about new work and exclusive content.
• Virtual Event Enthusiast: Some indie authors host free online events like Q&A sessions, book readings, or live chats. Attending these events shows your support and allows you to interact with the author in real-time.

Remember, every share, like, review, and comment is a powerful tool to amplify the voices of these passionate storytellers. So unleash your inner champion and support indie authors for FREE!

Christine Tellach