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12 Ways to Support New Authors
Victoria A. Witkewitz
28 May 2026
Being an author goes beyond creating words in a book. From marketing, promotion, PR, and competition among millions of talented authors and their titles, it is estimated that more than four million new titles reach bookshelves annually in the United States alone. That makes it a challenging task for new authors to find visibility for their work.
Have you recently read a great book by a new author? Below are twelve ways you can support new authors to reach more readers and create that memorable literary experience.
12 Ways to Support new authors
1.) LEAVE A REVIEW THAT DELVES INTO THE DETAILS
The author and readers want to know what made their book stand out. Leave an impactful review that provides substance of the theme, the feel of the book, and why you enjoyed the book. Your review does not need to be long, but should not be generic. Reviews such as "great read" or "enjoyed the book" do not provide the reasons why. Let's take a look at some reviews that tell a story before reading page one.
Dog Days by Emily LaBarge
“It’s a testament to LaBarge’s gifts as a writer that she can make even the most complex and cerebral ideas feel urgent and alive.”
–Jennifer Szalai (The New York Times)
The Invisible Canvas by Kalyani Adusumilli
"A quiet and introspective story about identity, peace, and resilience."
-Kirkus Reviews
The reviews are short with details that grip the reader to understand what the book delivers.
Where can you leave reviews? Goodreads, Google Books, or wherever books are sold.
2.) RATE the book
As with dining establishments and product reviews, book reviews are no different. The rating system can weigh heavily on visibility affected by algorithms and search engine metrics. Higher numbers will impact book placement and marketability within purchasing channels.
3.) PREORDER IF AVAILABLE
Pre-order book sales generate demand and attention for the title to publishing houses and distributors. This "buzz" will generate a feel for establishing the reader audience, creating a snowball effect, which in turn, will hopefully increase the chances of becoming a rising star in a bestseller list.
4.) SHARE POSTS & COMMENT
Follow the author on their website and/or social media profiles. Many authors like to know what you took away from the experience by reading their book. This provides authors with key insight and perspective. Share their posts by engaging in their content, comment, or take a selfie with the book to enhance visibility to reach new readers.
5.) RECOMMEND THE BOOK TO A BOOK CLUB
Join social book sites such as Goodreads, The StoryGraph, LibraryThing, Bookclubs.com to comment and share about your book experience. Showcase your reading list to fellow readers, family, and friends.
6.) REQUEST A BOOKSTORE OR LIBRARY TO CARRY THE BOOK
Depending on the distribution channels, libraries and bookstores may not have access to a particular book title, especially when it comes to independent authors who self-publish. Recommend the book to your local library or favorite bookstore.
7.) Attend events
Whether virtual or face-to-face, spread the word to your friends and family. Many events provide a setting where you can ask questions directly to the author. Authors enjoy a lively and engaging conversation about your experience.
8.) RECOMMEND PODCASTS AND INTERVIEWS
There are thousands of podcasts that interview authors to showcase and discuss their work sharing to a broader but targeted audience. Recommend a podcast where you think the content will align with the program. This is a great way to spread the word.
9.) Vote for awards
Nominate your favorite title in reader group communities such as Goodreads or other reading communities.
10.) Purchase new
Authors earn based on royalties. Purchasing a new book will ensure the author receives a royalty for their creation.
11.) JOIN THEIR COMMUNITY/SIGN UP FOR THEIR NEWSLETTER
Some authors maintain newsletters that help other authors, highlight their work, or blogs to extend content about their book, their inspiration, or perhaps give you a taste of what their next project is. Sign up for their newsletter to keep their title fresh.
12.) PURCHASE AS A GIFT
Books are a great gift to add to any celebration. Purchase a new book
Unsure of what to get your Aunt Susie for her birthday? Purchase a book.
FINAL PUNCTUATION
In a world of literary bliss, new authors can sometimes fall through the cracks due to algorithms or lack of visibility. Don't let this talent become foreshadowed.
For additional information, please follow our story on social media. Questions? Contact Us.
The story continues on...
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