Author Toolbox Blog Hop – Ways to Give Back

This post was written specifically for the #AuthorToolboxBlogHop.

One of the things I consistently hear online is how supportive the writing community can be for many of us struggling through a first draft (or second or fifteenth, whichever). If, like me, you have found this to be the case then maybe you’re looking for ways to give back. Here are a few suggestions:

• Help spread the word.

Whatever your preferred method of social media (Twitter, Facebook, megaphone, etc), you can help a writer by reposting/retweeting their work or news. Maybe some of your friends and followers will like what they see and decide they want to know more.

• Reviews.

How many times have we heard that the best way to help an author is to leave a review of their work? That’s because it’s true. Said review doesn’t have to be much, I’ve seen some that were only a couple of lines but if it’s complimentary and encouraging to other potential readers, that’s really all you need.

• Join a group.

Even if there isn’t one local to you (or, like me,  you’re not brave enough to do so in person), there are a number of Twitter chats where you can swap thoughts and advice with others. Or if you prefer, something like the #authortoolboxbloghop springs to mind. Maybe you could write a guest post for someone. I’m sure there are other many things along these lines you can do to contribute.

• Offer to beta-read.

Okay, now we’re moving into something that might be outside your comfort zone. But if you think you can do it, then beta-reading can be of invaluable help to writers. Plus you get the satisfaction of having read something before the majority.

• Act as an interviewer.

Now with my great experience as an interviewer (I’ve done three), I’m not really someone who should be saying how to do this one but giving someone a chance to talk about their upcoming book seems to like a good one to me.

I’m sure there are plenty of other ways you can make a contribution and give someone a helping hand. What are some of the ways you favour?

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