I often see friends of a more progressive persuasion lamenting the ways in which Christianity is represented in the media. Loud voices claiming to speak for Christianity represent a religion they do not recognize as our own. They say, “That’s not my Christianity” a lot.

But fortunately, all is not lost. It seems to me that there are lots of voices out there representing Christianity in more progressive ways. The trouble is that, too often, their voices get drowned out by the Christian right. If that’s the case, then one thing we can do to change the world for the better is support the work of the authors we respect and admire.

How to Support Your Favorite Authors

What writers need most is help gathering a community of dedicated readers. (This is technically called “building a platform,” but I think that metaphor devalues the role of readers. We’re in this thing together.) In order to be heard in the bigger world “out there,” a writer needs their community behind them—spreading the word, inviting others to read, showing publishers and other media that the author’s message matters.

The best way to support an author, then, is to think of yourself as part of their community (or team or tribe or whatever language you prefer). Help get the word out, help build the community—and help make the world a better place!

Based on my experience, here are 7 things you can do to support your favorite writers:

(1) Like, comment, and SHARE their posts on Facebook or Twitter.

Social media is one of the best ways for writers to share their work. But, especially for a new author, their organic reach is quite limited. Even with more than 400 followers, my Facebook posts usually appear in less than 100 timelines. However, you can boost a post’s reach by liking it or commenting on it, since Facebook’s algorithm rewards interaction. Of course, the SHARE is the dream, since it extends an author’s reach to people who may not already know them.

If you like a post by an author, take a minute to like it or comment on it. If you love their post, share it to your own timeline, preferably with a comment or quotation about why others should read it.

(2) Sign up for their email list.

I’ve always been a little suspicious of email lists, especially since I usually already follow an author I like on Facebook and Twitter. However, an email has the advantage of a direct connection between author and reader, without a Facebook algorithm to interfere. Plus, most authors consider these subscribers their core audience, and they’ll take care of you with special updates and offers.

(3) Buy their books.

Very few writers I know are in it for the money (there are much better ways of getting rich!), but nonetheless book sales matter. Primarily, they serve as an indicator to editors and publishers of the strength of our community and the likelihood that we’ll be able to sell future books. If you want to support an author, buy their books. If you really want to support an author, buy their books on pre-order or in the first couple of days after they are released. That will encourage suppliers to purchase more books and help the book make the various “Best Seller” lists.

 (4) Help spread the word about their latest book in your networks.

Of course, every author wants you to buy their book—and we appreciate every sale! But in a lot of ways our books, too, are about building community. The more you can spread the word to your networks (both social media and personal), the more you can help an author’s community grow. When you read the book, share a quote on your Facebook page with a link to the book online. Encourage others you think might enjoy the book to pick it up. If you belong to a book club or Facebook group, suggest it as a group study. If you have a blog, write about their book for your readers.

(5) Review their books on Amazon.

As it turns out, leaving a review on Amazon may be the single most important thing you can do to support an author’s work. I always thought it was enough for me to by someone’s book, enjoy it, and perhaps tell a friend or two. But these days Amazon controls more than 60% of online book sales, so a book that doesn’t get attention on Amazon won’t succeed. Since Amazon’s algorithm favors books that have more than 15 reviews, your review could help a book’s sales significantly. If a book has over 50 reviews, it gets even more attention. Your review doesn’t have to be long, either–even a couple of sentences will do. Just give a 4- or 5-star review and say a few words about why.

Whenever you like a book, take a couple of minutes to say so!

 (6) Invite them to speak at your church or school.

Speaking engagements are great for several reasons. Many authors love the opportunity to meet with readers face-to-face to engage in a dialogue about ideas. Speaking engagements also introduce an author to potential new readers and solidify relationships with current readers. For some authors, speaking engagements are often how they earn their living, allowing them to quit their day jobs and write full time. Whatever the case, inviting someone to speak is a great way to support them.

 (7) Tell them you appreciate their work.

Most writers started writing because we like connecting with people and think we have ideas to contribute to ongoing conversations about life, faith, and the church. For a reader to acknowledge that an idea or story has resonated with them means more than you might think. This is true both for new writers like myself and for more seasoned authors, too. On days when you feel like nothing you say matters, a kind word from a reader goes a long way.

Those are my thoughts about how to support your favorite writers. What are ways you support your favorite authors?