How to Make an Author Smile

Recently I’ve been surprised by a couple of avid readers asking me a question whose answer seemed too obvious to need explanation. They wanted to know what they could do to help their favorite authors succeed. They were clearly sincere, so I think maybe it’s not a bad thing to state some things a writer might be reluctant to tell you himself. Here are a few ways you can help your favorite author.
Buy the books: If they’re a favorite you probably already own their books, and I’m not prompting you to waste money. But every year you scratch your head over what to buy any number of friends and family members for birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, house warming and other gifts. If they are YOUR friends or relatives they probably read. Why not give them a book by an author you love. And if you can get it autographed, that makes it a really personal gift.
Review the books: Recent research indicates that many people choose books based on the reviews they get – not just the ratings, but the number and the reasons reviewers say they liked them. So take a few minutes and reward that author for giving you a good time by posting a review on Amazon or Goodreads, or Barnes and Noble. It doesn’t have to be work and it needn’t be a literary masterpiece. Just say, “I really enjoyed this book because… “   
Recommend the books: List them on your Goodreads page as recommended reading. Talk about them in any club or group you belong to. And of course if you’re a member of a book club suggest that your favorite author’s works be a selection for an upcoming meeting. Remember, most authors would love to visit your book club, or speak at a meeting of whatever club or group you belong to including civic groups like the Rotary. And if your friends or coworkers read, recommend the books to them too.
Engage on social media: If your favorite author has a Facebook page, be a friend. If they have a separate author page, like it. Follow him or her on Twitter. If they have blog, follow that too. And don’t forget to share the author’s posts, tweets and blog posts. Sharing this way is much like a personal recommendation. It’s also great to comment on their posts so get engaged. Writers love that. Know what else they love? Seeing a picture of you, the fan, on Facebook holding their book!
Finally, ask the author: A simple question like “What can I do to help you?” might let your favorite writer know it’s okay to ask for help. Maybe you can ask the local library to get his or her book. Maybe you can ask a local bookstore to carry it (or host an author event.) Maybe you can share some bookmarks or post cards with people you know. Or your author might have something in mind that I haven’t thought of.
Just know that no author can really succeed without support from readers, and that all that help is very much appreciated by every one of us!