Helping Authors

What can you do to keep your favorite authors writing and their books on the shelves?

Recently I spent time with a writer friend who has written some fabulous science fiction. She has a contract for two more books, but plans to switch genres after those two because her books aren't selling as she'd hoped. This isn't because they aren't good (I've read them, they are). And this same writer has won a very prestigious writing award for her work. So what's the problem, and what can readers do to help keep their favorite authors' books coming?

The fact is that new book sales are what drives book contracts. If the numbers in the computers don't say that the author will sell well, then that's it. It's over. Change your name and start again. (Please don't think I exaggerate on that. I really don't. There are a number of authors I know of who have changed their names for low early sales—Kate Elliot and Robin Hobb to name two). Now it is up to the author to write good stuff. But suppose she does, suppose you like her stuff. There is something you can do to help.

Buy books new as often as you can. I know how much cheaper used can be, but authors get absolutely no money for their books when they are sold used. With the recent proliferation of used books being sold on Amazon, for instance, book sales have plumetted for authors. Those authors on the edge of a contract may cease to write, or they may be dropped from their publisher.

And you know how Amazon lists used books? That's a really troubling thing since most people will opt for the used books rather than the new, and it's right there on Amazon. Plus independent book stores are some of the best supporters for genre writers out there. Shop one of those first if you can.

Tell your friends.

Spread the word to anyone who will listen. Got a website? Post a review on lists, blogs, newsgroups, newsletters, etc.

Belong to a book group? Recommend the book for the month.

Email the author and tell her what you think. Moral support counts too. I know that it's been one of my greatest encouragements.

Ask for the books in your bookstore. In every bookstore you go into. Don't let books disappear off shelves. And take your friends in to buy them. And when you see strangers browsing the shelves, recommend authors. That's also tremendously helpful for people who are looking for something, but don't quite know which book to choose. A personal recommendation means they don't spend money on books they won't like.

When you're in the bookstore, face the book on the shelf so that the entire cover shows. Certainly the employees will come by later and face them in again, but for awhile, that cover was exposed to who knows how many interested eyes. But be careful not to cover other people's books.

Buy books as gifts at Christmas and birthdays and graduations and just-because.

Link the writer's page to yours.

Go to book signings when they are announced. Trust me, not that many people go and writers really, REALLY love to meet fans.

Over the years, I've seen some of my favorite books go away, series dry up, because the publishers didn't feel there was enough interest. If you want to see your favorite authors survive and keep writing, help her out. Spread the word.

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all content © 2006 Diana Pharaoh Francis except where indicated.   ~   any duplication, electronic or otherwise, must be authorized in writing.   ~   artwork ©2006 Cathy Weber   ~   code and layout ©2006 klhamilton   ~   site issues? contact the webmaster   ~   page last modified 12/16/2006