3 Easy Ways to Support Authors for Free

Being an author is hard work. Like any creative profession, writing a book takes countless hours of effort, passion, and dedication. After pouring their hearts into their work, authors release their books into the world, hoping readers will love them as much as they do.

Of course, the best way to support authors is by purchasing their books. But with so many incredible writers out there and the rising cost of living, buying every book we’d love to support is not always possible. The good news? There are plenty of ways to help authors for free-and they can make a huge impact.

Here are three simple but powerful ways you can support authors without spending money:

1. Leave a Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Why it matters

Reviews are one of the most valuable ways to help authors succeed. They increase a book’s visibility, boost credibility, and influence potential readers.

Think about the last time you made an online purchase. How much did customer reviews factor into your decision? The same applies to books! Reviews can help an author’s work stand out and encourage others to take a chance on their writing.

How to do it

Leave a short review on Amazon, Goodreads, or BookBub-even a few sentences can make a difference.

Rate books on Google Play Books, Apple Books, or Kobo if you use those platforms.

If you loved the book, share your review on social media! Even if you only have time to leave a star rating without a written review, it still helps boost an author’s ranking.

2. Engage With Their Social Media

Why it matters

Social media engagement helps authors grow their audience, find new readers, and stay motivated. Algorithms favour posts with more interactions, meaning likes, comments, shares, and saves, all help increase an author’s reach.

How to do it

Like, comment, and share their posts on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or Twitter/X.

Follow them on YouTube or Substack if they create video or newsletter content.

Subscribe to their author newsletter - they often share exclusive updates and giveaways.

Tag them in a post if you’re reading their book or writing a review! Authors love hearing from readers. Even a quick “Loved your book!” comment can brighten their day and encourage them to keep writing.

3. Request Their Book at Your Local Library

Why it matters

If a book isn’t available at your library, requesting it benefits both the author and future readers. Libraries often purchase requested books, which means a direct sale for the author. Many authors (especially in certain countries) earn Public Lending Rights (PLR) royalties each time their book is borrowed.

How to do it

Ask your library if they accept purchase requests online or in person.

Provide the title, author name, and ISBN to make the request process easier.

If the book is available, borrow it and leave a review! This is an especially powerful way to support self-published authors, increasing their exposure and encouraging libraries to stock more indie books.

Bonus Tip: Use Kindle Unlimited

If you have Kindle Unlimited, you can support authors by reading their eBooks for free. Unlike free promotions where authors don’t earn royalties, Amazon pays authors for every page read-at least the first time you read the book. While it’s not a fortune, every little bit helps!

Final Thoughts

Supporting authors doesn’t have to cost a cent. Writing a review, engaging on social media, and requesting books at the library are small actions that make a big impact. These simple gestures help authors reach new readers, gain recognition, and continue creating the stories we love.

So next time you read a fantastic book, take a few minutes to show your support-it means the world to the author!

What’s your favourite way to support authors for free? Let me know in the comments!

You can support me for free by checking out my social media. 😉

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Originally published at https://sazfivestars.substack.com.