Saying Thank You To An Author

I’m up to my elbows in homework sheets and webinars and thirty-minute-dare writing—and I’m having a blast!

I’m getting tons of information, from a slew of entertaining authors, across all kinds of genres, from picture books to Young Adult. It’s free, too, courtesy of Kidlit Summer School, organized by a couple of Nerdy Chicks. And ultimately, of course, I’m getting improved writing, which is pretty much invaluable.

So how does one thank all of these dedicated, generous folks? The authors who bring us events like Kidlit Summer School? Or the upcoming Write-on-Con? Or the legions of writers who share their expertise and experience in daily blog posts or weekly free newsletters or free offers of ebooks?

I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again: If you really want to thank authors, read their books and write a review.

And I’m not even saying you have to buy the books. Check out the book from your local public library. And if you don’t see an author’s book on the shelf, fill out a request for it. Get those librarians’ tongues wagging! (But if you know you’re going to buy the book, then think about pre-ordering it. Pre-sales can really bump up a book’s impact, both with publishers and booksellers!)

When you write your review, post it where it can help the author. Whether you like Amazon or not, it’s a major player in the publishing business, so slap it up there as well as on Goodreads or your favorite online bookshelf. Share the review on your social media.

And if you just aren't comfortable writing a review, then consider sharing a tweet or two—140 characters, that’s all—about why you’re enjoying the book. Did it make you laugh? Bring you to tears? Keep you up all night? That’s the sort of book love that will grab the attention of your followers, and lead them to read the book!

And after you’ve done all that, you’ve spent a grand total of…let’s see. A couple hours? We can afford 90 minutes, right?

See, I’m convinced that most writers are eager to thank all these authors who organize free events and share their writing love. We rack our brains, wondering how we can do something to return their generosity. And all along, the answer is as simple as reading a book.

And then telling everyone how wonderful it is.


~Cathy C. Hall