Light bulb moment. We’re new at this so others may have known these things in advance of publishing, but we didn’t. So please bear with us as we share what we should have been doing – and didn’t always do – to support our favorite authors. We now know better and will do better.

Okay, wait. We want to be clear that we don’t advocate spamming your friends and family; however, if you really enjoyed a recent read, there are several cost-free gifts you might consider for that favorite author on your list. These gifts can mean the world to an author and only take a teeny bit of effort. Teeny, really.

Share your comments via bookstore sites.

Depending on where you buy your books, you can help other readers find your favorite authors books by providing quick feedback.

  • On Amazon, you can do a few things. For example, if you read and liked a particular title (such as Desperate Housedogs LOL), you could search for the listing and then:

There are 4 things you can do for the paperback and/or Kindle versions.

  1. Click on the “Like” button just below the title. This is different from a Facebook “Like.”
  2. Scroll to the bottom and click on the tags.
  3. Mark “Helpful” a review post that you agree with.
  4. If you read the book and enjoyed it, post a short (even 1 or 2 sentences) review on either the paperback or Kindle version about specifically what you liked about the book. (One review goes both places; the tags and ‘Like’ deals do not).
  • On Barnes and Noble, you can provide similar feedback. Again, for example if you read and liked a title (like say Desperate Housedogs), you could search for the listing and then:

There are 3 things you can do for the paperback and/or Nook versions.

  1. You can add to your “Favorites” or indicate you are reading your favorite author’s book.
  2. Click that you found a good review “Helpful.”
  3. And again, if you read the book and liked it, post a short (even 1 or 2 sentences) review on either the paperback or Nook version about specifically what you liked about the book.
  • If you shop your local Indie store (and we do!) and you’re a member of Indie Bound for independent book stores, add your favorite authors’ books to your “Wish List” or your book lists on the Indie Bound website at http://www.indiebound.org/

You can also link to your friends on Indie Bound and tell your friends about the books. A great opportunity to spread the word about a read you enjoyed!

Spread the news via Social Media

Tell your friends about your favorite authors’ books. Again, we’re not suggesting spamming your friends. However, if you sincerely enjoyed a book your friends might also (or their friends or relatives might) and so spread the word.

  • Share with friends and family via Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, blogs, or word-of-mouth.

Twitter: A sample Tweet might be (This one is more than 140 characters, but Twitter will shorten the link for you):

New fun read! Desperate Housedogs #book #mystery

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/sparkle-abbey 

or

Like dogs? Like mysteries? You might like this book: Desperate Housedogs #book #mystery http://www.amazon.com/Desperate-Housedogs-Sparkle-Abbey/dp/1611940508/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1

If you’re currently reading the book, you can always tag it on Twitter as your #FridayReads.

Facebook: A sample Facebook post could be something as simple as: Check out my friend Sparkle Abbey’s brand new debut mystery, Desperate Housedogs, at your favorite bookstore or visit their website at www.sparkleabbey.com

Goodreads: If you’re a member of Goodreads, check out your favorite author’s Author Profile and click on “Become a Fan.” If you’ve read the book, you can also rate the book and add a review. Much like Amazon, you can also “Like” positive reviews

Blogs: Another great help is to visit book review sites or book-related blogs and comment if you have the time. For instance, we’ve been featured on Dru’s Book Musings, The Mystery Gazette, Killer Fiction, Adventures in Writing, Mondays with Mike, and Cozy Chicks. If you don’t know where to find your favorite authors, check their website or Google for where they’re “appearing” and engage in the discussions.

 

And seriously, the greatest gift for an author…


Tell them

Write the author a letter or email telling them how much you liked their book. Writing (fiction especially) is a solitary pursuit, but ultimately we all write for…well, readers. You can’t imagine how much someone taking the time to comment means to us.

Whether you do one thing or all of the above, showing your support and sharing your love of books with others truly makes a difference, and we thank you.

Happy Holidays!
Wishing you and yours all things merry and bright this holiday season. And sending a huge thank-you to all the book lovers out there. What an incredible year 2011 has been and we’re looking forward to all 2012 has in store!
Mary Lee & Anita
aka Sparkle Abbey
www.sparkleabbey.com