Supporting self-published and indie authors can make a huge difference in their writing journey. Here are five free ways you can show your support and help them thrive!

1. Review Their Books on Various Platforms

One of the easiest and most impactful ways to support indie authors is by leaving reviews. You can do this on platforms like Amazon, Goodreads, StoryGraph, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and personal blogs. Even a simple sentence or a five-star rating can significantly boost their visibility. Additionally, even if you already purchased their book, adding it to your wish list—even if private—can help with Amazon’s algorithm.

2. Follow Them on Social Media

Following indie authors on platforms social media is awesome but did you know that you can also follow authors on sites like Amazon, Goodreads, or Bookbub and it can help the algorithms recognize their worth. For you, this means you’ll get updates when they release new books. This small action can increase their reach and connect them with more readers.

3. Ask About Wider Distribution

If you enjoy an indie author’s work, ask them if they distribute widely (they often use a service called IngramSpark for this). If they do, you can request local libraries or bookstores for their books to encourage them to stock their books. While indie bookstores may not commonly carry indie books, library systems are often more open to stocking them. I have heard a rumor that libraries are hesitant to stock donated self-published books because crazy people like to run around leaving their crazy manifestos around, so it’s best if they are able to order these books themselves through distobution centers.

4. Engage with Their Marketing Efforts

Indie authors often rely on social media to market their books. And they will have to post A LOT. By liking, commenting, sharing, and reposting their content, you can help increase their visibility. While it’s not necessary to engage with every post, even weekly support can make a significant difference. I know I have some followers on Tiktok that often repost my videos and I am so so grateful to them. Because I know that the chance that someone new will see my book just went up. If one of those people happen to read this, I see you, and I love you. Thank you.

5. Be Kind and Supportive

Writing can be a lonely journey filled with self-doubt and imposter syndrome. A kind word or a reminder that their work matters can pull them out of a slump. Your encouragement can be a powerful motivator for them to keep writing.