Ways To Support Writers When You're Short On Funds

You’re probably on my website because you like to either read or write. And if you like reading here, I will make the leap that you read other formats and that you enjoy reading. However, if you do not enjoy reading, this post is not for you. Sad to say, but you can read on anyway. Who knows? By the end of this post you may decide to become a voracious reader.

Let’s be honest, most writers will never earn a living from their words and even the popular ones may not earn enough to sustain their life with the cost of living skyrocketing every year. But since we know books, we love books, we want to support the people who made them possible. However, books can get pricey and so purchasing isn’t always a feasible or sustainable option, even if your goal is to one day hoard piles of paperbacks like some sort of book dragon.

Ways To Support Other Than Financially

1. Leave reviews. I cannot stress this enough. Leave reviews! Authors read them! Whether it is a book of poetry or essays, leave a review on multiple sites. And if the text is a webnovel or webcomic, leave a comment saying why you liked it, making sure to thank the artist! Authors always caution each other from reading reviews, but curiosity usually wins out against better judgement. Leaving a review and not just a star rating acts as a good buffer for those spam comments and bigoted reviews. It will also make the author happy to know someone enjoyed their work, so win win.

2. Share reviews and books. Once you leave a review, share it. Whether you have a blog where you post reviews or social media or are in a book club, there is someone you can share an awesome book with. I’m not saying that you have to go out and reach the world, but one or two people in your circle is more than enough to get the ball rolling. And reposting a post from an author you like only costs a second of your time, after all.

3. Subscribe to their newsletter. Now this may not seem like a big deal, but most author newsletters are also the place where an author announces their latest work, plans, and/or goals for next season of life. When you subscribe to their newsletter, you send a gentle reminder that someone cares for them and want to be a participant. Basically, it lifts their spirits.

4. If they have an active social media presence, send a kind comment or message their way. Writing is hard and can be super lonely. And like any other creative out there, the imposter syndrome is real and comes for the jugular. Sending a little message about how or why you liked their book (or maybe their writing in general) is a kind reminder that the manuscript they put blood and tears into was worth it. And it will help them push forward and onto the next publication.

5. Request their books at your local library. This is great if you are reading a book from a self or indie published author. It shows the library that their work is in demand and if you start requesting from their backlist, you are more likely to get that book in rotation, meaning more folks have the chance to see it, read it, and love it.

6. Give a book to someone who might enjoy it. If there is an author or book you love and you happen to have a physical copy, consider giving it to someone you know reads that genre or would like the premise. That way it is getting more use and is in good hands. (This is also a good idea if you decide to clean out your home or downsize.)

Are there any other ways that you would suggest? Let me know by leaving a comment. Feel free to share this post with a bookish buddy, too!