06/02/2026
Here are 18 ways to support an author without spending a penny.
1. Follow them on social media
Authors are constantly looking to grow their readership, and social media is one of the primary channels for doing so.
2. Engage with them on social media
Go beyond liking or following and share, comment on, and retweet their content.
3. Sign up for their email list
Bonus for this good deed: you’ll often be the first to hear about giveaways and new book launches.
4. Read their blog
If they have a blog, check it out. The more eyes, the better.
5. Engage with their blog
Comment on posts and share your favorites with your friends. There’s nothing worse than writing a blog that feels like an echo chamber.
support an author.
6. Thoughtfully review their books
Book reviews influence buying decisions, for better or for worse. If you enjoyed a book, leave a review on Amazon, Goodreads or Barnes and Noble.
7. Spotlight them on your blog
Offer to interview your favorite author on your blog. This is especially helpful for debut or self-published authors.
8. Review their book on your blog
Do you review books on your blog? Go ahead and slot their book(s) in.
9. Add their book(s) to your Goodreads lists
Let your fellow bookworms know the author’s book is on your ‘to read’ or ‘currently reading’ list.
10. Name-drop in conversation
If people ask about your new favorite books or authors, don’t hesitate to mention them.
11. Do the book club bump
Recommend your new favorite books and authors to your book club.
12. Go straight to the source
If you’re friend or a fan, why not drop the author an email or social post with compliments? It will absolutely make their day.
13. Don’t forget the library
You know, home of all the books? Check out their book from the local library.
14. Plug the book locally
If your hometown library or bookstore isn’t already carrying the book, suggest it to them.
15. Take a selfless selfie
Share a photo of you with the book or the book against an exciting backdrop on social media and tag the author.
16. Show up when it matters
If the author lives nearby or is stopping in your area on a book tour, check out their release party or book signing and bring a couple of friends with you.
17. Get that book noticed
Read your hard copy in public (at the coffee shop, on the bus, at the airport), where other nosy readers will take note.
18. Pay it forward
Lend or gift your copy of the book to a friend who will enjoy it and ask that they do the same.
Authors truly appreciate any effort you make to help spread the word and support them.
You may even make a new friend or pen pal in the process.
