I recently found a bunch of articles I wrote for the now defunct Young Adult independent author blog, YA Indie. The posts are almost 2 years old now but a lot of the advice I gave is still relevant to indie authors. I’ll be re-posting most of my articles here for a while. Hopefully they can help some new self published authors out!
You can find more of my YA Indie articles here.
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It’s easy enough to support an author who you like. You just buy their book! But what do you do when you want to support a blogger? [This is strictly for supporting a blogger, not trying to get them to review your book.] There are a few things you can do to show your support.
Become a follower
Blogs all have a way for you to follow the blog: RSS feed, GFC, Bloglovin’, Twitter, etc. This is the best way to show your support for us. Follower count strokes our egos a bit. It’s a fantastic feeling to check your blog and discover that you’ve gained a new follower! Follower counts help in other ways. Sometimes publishers or blog tour companies require bloggers to have a certain number of followers in order for the blogger to be a part of an event or to receive ARCs. You’re helping them reach their goal faster by becoming a follower.
Read their posts
You can follow just about anyone but never read what they have to say. Take the time to read some (or even all) their posts. We spend a good deal of time writing. It would be nice if people read what we write. As an author, I’m sure you can relate. 🙂
Comment and interact as you feel appropriate
There’s no magic number for this. You don’t need to comment every day, every week, or every month. Just when you have something to contribute. We love comments.
Spread the word about their blog
Maybe you have a friend who reads genre books. Point them in the direction of the blog. Post a link to their blog on your website. Tweet a review by them that really stands out. All of that is fantastic for us.
If they have read and enjoyed your book, keep them in the loop!
Say a book blogger has read your book (on their own or for a review request) and they really liked the book. Do what you can to keep them in the loop about other books in the series or your other books. Maybe offer them an advance copy of the next book. You could offer to let them to do a cover reveal for your book. If you can afford it, give them books for giveaways. The best part is this helps both of you. They will get access to books they enjoy and you’re getting some exposure. What’s not to like about that?
Authors, what are some of the ways you support bloggers?
Bloggers, do you have anything to add to my list of suggestions?
