Your bff is an indie author.

Your neighbor is an indie author.

Your sister is an indie author.

The cute guy you sit behind in Social Studies is an indie author.

So… what exactly does “indie author” mean? And how can you show support to an indie author?

First, let’s talk differences between indie authors and traditionally published authors…

An indie author has self-published their work. That means they’ve gone through Amazon or Barnes & Noble or some other avenue to publish their works themselves. 

Another big ol’ difference is that indies usually crack open their own piggie bank to pay for their book cover designs, editors, and formatting programs to help them craft their novel to perfection. Now, traditional authors may do this too, but typically when a contract is signed, the big publishing houses take care of most of this stuff for the author (the author collaborates and/or gives his/her approval).

Lastly, another big difference is that indies don’t have a marketing team that a traditionally published author would get. So that means, typically, they’re their own publicist, marketing strategist, and networking agent. That means they do double the ad work for half the reward.

Self-publishing has never been more popular. That means your indie author needs help getting noticed now more than ever!

So how do you help indie authors in simple, easy ways that prove you’re an awesome friend who is genuinely interested in their life goals?

Well, I’ve organized the desires of all indie authors into three major categories. So let’s hop to numero uno, shall we?

Indies are spent because not only do we work crazy hours and never sleep and drink too much coffee, but we’re also crying over characters and third drafts. Needless to say, OUR EMOTIONS NEED A HUG. And that comes in the form of moral support.

So how do you show moral support?

Welp, here’s the dealio, bromigo: like 90% of indie authors are DYING to talk about their book but are WAY to shy to bring up the topic. They also don’t want to be “that guy” who just talks about their book (because they assume no one wants to hear about it).

So here’s what you need to do:

A) Be that guy who genuinely DOES want to hear about it.

B) Ask your indie, “Hey, how’s your work in progress coming along?”

Now, although that answer is sure to be met with a dead-eyed stare…

… put your indie at ease with a follow-up question like, “I remember that character you created named (insert name here) he/she sounded really cool!” or “I remember you were writing a scene about (insert scene here) did you keep it that way or did you change it up?”

That is sure to break the ice and get your indie talking. This will probably get you a slew of incoherent babble with some intelligible lines sprinkled in here and there (we’re better on paper, just remember that) but just know that your indie will be SO HAPPY because you are showing genuine interest in their work.

But hold up now. Don’t be tempted to mentally check out of the conversation. L-I-S-T-E-N to what they’re saying and let them say it. There’s nothing more helpful than just being a good listening ear. Never underestimate that fact.

In talking to an indie, also be sure to:

• Praise them for their work.
• Show genuine empathy for their struggles.

Say something like, “That sounds like an original and creative idea for a story, I am sure it’ll be a hit!” or, “Wow, that sounds like an intense schedule. But I admire your dedication to your passion project!”

Being a cheerleader and checking in on your indie from time to time with a simple text is a great way to show moral support. And if you’re an indie author yourself, be sure to support fellow indies in turn!

So be there for each other, indies! Treat others the way you want to be treated and remember to give as much as you would like to get yourself. Don’t be a stingy supporter, openly help fellow indies and you will receive the help you want in turn.

Maybe their book isn’t your style or your genre or maybe it doesn’t even sound that good to you. But you cannot judge a book by how an indie author describes it. Why? Because we don’t know how to describe our work to people in a catchy or comprehensible way. We’re just not born with that gene.

You don’t know if you will really love or not love their work until you READ it. 

Now, there are two ways to go about doing this:

A) Buy their book and read it at your own pace.

B) Offer to be a beta reader and read it within the time frame they ask for it to be read by.

The first option makes you a true supporter of the arts. The second option makes you a helpful friend. Either way, you win as an indie supporter.

Now in regards to the first option, you’re probably saying, “I can’t afford an indie book.” But see, here’s where you’re wrong.

Books at Barnes & Noble sell from anywhere between $10-$35 and sometimes more. You’ve paid for works from your favorite authors before, right? And it wasn’t chump change, either, correct?

Do you know what the typical price of an indie book goes for? Typically between $.99-$5.99. 

So basically what you would pay for a handful of gumballs or one Venti cup of coffee and a croissant at Starbucks is all it takes to purchase one copy of your indie’s work. So don’t try and tell me you can’t afford that because I can see you sipping your Venti from here, buddy! 😉

Buying an indie author’s work and reading it is the ultimate form of support because you are helping indies turn their dream into a reality. Basically, you’re magic. And what’s better than magic I ask you.

If your indie asks you to be a beta reader for their book, then read it with a positive perspective. Look for constructive ways you can offer critique and be honest with your opinions. They want that after all. Lastly, read within the time limit they ask you to finish their works.

And finally, let’s talk about what comes naturally after reading. Oh yes. Reviews.

Reviews take up a few minutes of your time yet they do a world of good for your indie author.

How?

Well, think about this: what was the last product you bought? What encouraged you to buy that item? Did you hear good things about it from a friend? That’s a review. Aaaand that review encouraged you to buy that product. And did you love that product? Did you tell other people about that product? Sure you did! Did your friend buy that product? (And thus the cycle continues).

See, the same holds true for book reviews. Readers are WAY MORE LIKELY to purchase a book with a review on it. Even one. So long after you’ve read and reviewed your indie’s work, you’re STILL helping your indie. Yes, your review is the gift that keeps on giving! 😉

So how do you do it? All it takes is 3 easy steps:

1. Look up your indie’s book on whatever website it is available for sale (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.)
2. Write your review. Balance it with positive praise and honest feedback.
3. Leave anywhere between a one and five-star review (whatever you feel it deserves).

Now, remember, your indie has put their blood, sweat, and tears into this work. It is precious to them and they have worked HARD on it. While honesty is highly valued and encouraged, this is no place for you to heartlessly rip their work to shreds or use this as a platform to voice how the book failed you personally. There’s nothing constructive about hate. There’s nothing useful about unduly harsh criticism.

So, to reiterate: read your indie author’s book. Leave honest critique balanced with positive remarks. And give yourself a high five because you’re an awesomely supportive friend!

If you’re a human, then no doubt you’re on at least ONE form of social media.

Sharing your indie author’s work is as simple as sending out one tweet, posting one pic on Insta, or throwing one shout out on Facebook about it. That’s it, compadre!

Want an even easier way to help your friend out? Follow your indie on any social media platform and help them promote their work by re-tweeting or re-posting their own promotional book blurb. And be a good social media friend. S.M. Creanza says about that, “Don’t follow to unfollow on Instagram.” It’s totally uncool!

Still, word of mouth is the most organic way to help your indie market their work. Think about the last book you read: was it a recommendation from a friend that got you initially interested in it? Was it a post you saw on social media? That form of marketing is so powerful and it’s a way to help generate interest for your indie author’s book. If your friend has a business card, ask to take a few. Then, when you talk their book up in conversation, you can simply hand out the business card and the work is done for you.  

There are so many ways to show support to indie authors, but these are ways that sure get your indie author doin’ backflips.

To reemphasize:

1.Show moral support

Ask genuine questions about your indie’s WIP or latest published piece.

Be a good listener.

Offer praise and sympathize with their struggles.

2. Read and review their books

Buy their books and read them.

Offer to be a beta reader and read within the time limit they request.

Leave a review that’s balanced with honest critique and positive praise.

3. Share their work 

Share that biz on social media.

Talk ’bout that biz to friends.

What ways will YOU help your indie author today?

Share with me in the comments below some other creative ways you can help an indie author out!

And if you ARE an indie author, use this article as a totally subtle way to let your friends know how they can help you (without YOU looking like a jerk!) Go on, share this informative article far and wide for the sake of indies everywhere- you know you want to! 😉