Chasing a dream is hard, as many of you know. Whether an artist, musician, writer, or other kind of creative, we dream of doing what we love for a career – but that can’t happen without help and support. While it’s unsurprisingly self-serving, I want to give you some solid ways you can help an indie author this Christmas – and far beyond.
It also goes without saying that some of these things can be applied to others, too, even if they need a little tweak to work. You have no idea how much even the smallest bit of support helps, which is why I’m going to share some ways you can help indie authors for free, too.
The best ways to support an indie author
Yes, everything helps, but here are the most important things you can do to help an indie author.
1. Buy their books
This is obvious, right? Buying their books (or music, art, products for other creatives) is the surest way to support them. They get paid for doing what they love, and, believe it or not, they’d appreciate you doing this more than any other gift you could give them. It’s a validation thing, too, that what they’ve done has worth and value.
For me, I want you to sign up to my newsletter and get a free ebook, but you can buy it, too. Most importantly, I want you to buy my debut novel, Reality Check – even the ebook. Actually, ebooks tend to be more profitable for indie authors, so keep that in mind (although, I love seeing people holding and reading the paperback).
You don’t have to keep whatever you buy – gift it to someone you think will like it if it’s not your thing. The impact on an indie compared to massive organisation is massive. To the big brand, you’re a number, a little bump in a chart. To the indie, you’re a valued customer helping them start their journey.
2. Leave honest book reviews
Whether or not book reviews affect rankings is irrelevant. What reviews do, honest reviews, is tell others what you thought. This will show that people have read the book and help people thinking about it know if its for them. Avoid spoilers but be specific. Did you like a character, a situation, a theme? Say so. Was there something you thought could be improved? Say that too.
Review it on the platform you bought it from, and others, too – you can review it on any. It might not have the verified purchase stamp, but you’ve got to start somewhere. Goodreads is also a solid choice.
I go into a bit more detail about why reviews are important for indie authors here.
Same goes for other creatives. Review their work and let others know why they should buy it, too.
3. Like, comment on and share their posts
Social media is designed in a way that businesses and brands (as that’s what we are to them) struggle to reach people who might be interested in their products without paying for it. It sucks, but not everyone has the budget to do so.
Even if it’s just once a week or month, check their page or profile. Like a post, leave a comment and, most importantly, share it. The caveat here is, for the best effect, say something. If you just post the link to my book, it tells no one why you’re doing it or what they should do. Did you enjoy it? Hate it? Think someone would like it?
Trust me when I say, that actually matters a lot.
How you can help an indie author for free
Okay, while the second two points above are also free, they generally focus on getting people to buy the book – however far down the chain they are. Here are a few ideas that can really help an indie author.
1. Tell everyone about them
I’m not kidding. All you have to do is talk to people. Your mate has written a book or made an album – or whatever it might be – and they need people to know. Tell your friends and family, even in conversation. It doesn’t have to be with the aim of selling, but they might be interested, or know someone else.
I write sci-fi and fantasy. You don’t have to like it to tell others. They might, or know someone who does, and that might encourage them to pass it on. They look me up and give me a shot. The word spreads further and further.
Do this online or offline, at home or work – anywhere.
2. Post about their book(s) on social media
Yes, you can share their book (or products) on social media but make posts yourself. Got a really cool gift from them? Share the link. If you see someone asking for a recommendation, share what they have. It might lead to nothing, or it become something. I promise you now, no indie will ever be upset at you helping them spread the word.
3. Take pictures of you and their book out and about in the world
Some people don’t like this as much, but I love seeing people take my book out and about. At this stage, my book has been to more places in the UK than I have in 2021 – and that’s awesome!
It shows that you made the purchase you’re telling others about. It shouldn’t matter, but it does. Whether it’s the paperback or ebook version, showing people you want to keep reading it wherever you are is an amazing way of saying it’s great without using the words.
Changing the perception of indie authors
For many people, indie authors are viewed as those who weren’t good enough to be published traditionally. That is, getting an agent and going through an established publishing company. I used to believe that, too, until I actually started trying to find an agent myself.
That said, given the sheer number of writers out there compared to established, traditional publishing houses, there would always be good ones that weren’t given a shot. Nowadays, a lot of indie authors choose to self-publish regardless for the control they get. It means they have to do more, but they earn more, too.
Publishing is a gated industry based on what people think the mass market wants. In fact, it’s double gated as it has to go through two stages. Regardless of how good a book is, or if there’s demand for it, if that book lands in front of the wrong person, you have no chance.
Would I love to be traditionally published one day? Definitely. However, I’m committed now, and I can tell you I’ve already found plenty of great indie authors out there. The attitude is changing, and more writers are putting in the time, effort and resource to match – if not better – books that are traditionally published.
How to find good indie authors
First impressions matter, especially with books. If that book cover looks sloppy or confusing, it can mean one of two things; the indie author doesn’t care about it, or they don’t have the budget for a good one.
While books can be published for free, unless the writer is an expert in every aspect (which is unlikely at best), they’ll have to pay for some things. Covers can be pricey, whether it’s a pre-made or custom design. Something put together on paint is worth being wary of.
Look at the gap between books being published, too. Some people can write and release a book every few months, depending on genre and their lifestyle. This is harder in some genres, but this may show through the quality of editing and proofreading done. Others, however, write the full series and edit the books together before staggering the release.
As always, take this with a grain of salt. Some authors put their money into a good cover and presentation without caring about the reader experience or quality of writing.
Always check the free sample available on each site to make sure you’re happy with the standard and read the reviews to see what people are saying. Then you can make an informed decision.
Whether you support me or another indie author this Christmas – or in the future – you’re going to make a huge impact to them, their career and their dreams. If you have any questions about any of this, get in touch and I’ll be happy to answer them.