One thing the Colorado Trail taught me, is the power of community to help a solo hiker get over the next steep climb. Sometimes you just have to ask for help, which is often the hardest part.

Writing my book was its own long-distance endurance hike — hard as hell, deeply meaningful, worth every fall and bloodied knee. Choosing to self-publish was another test of mental and physical stamina. And the promotion piece? One of the toughest mountains to scale. Speaking for all indie authors on the uphill climb, we could sure use your help.

Check out 12 easy ways you can support your favorite indie author without spending a dime.

1. LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW
This is one of the most important things you can do, especially on Amazon and Goodreads. Keep it simple. Done is better than perfect. While you’re there, click “like” or “helpful” on other positive reviews.

2. RECOMMEND IT TO FRIENDS
A book rec from a trusted friend is powerful. Suggesting it to your book club or other social group is exponential.

3. SHOW UP TO AN EVENT
Attend an indie author’s book event. They worked hard for it. Your presence is a deeply personal show of support that means the world to them.

4. POST ABOUT THE BOOK
Help others discover it with a story, reel or post on social media, and tag the author. Talk about it on your subreddit or blog. Word of mouth is huge.

5. INTERACT WITH THE AUTHOR’S SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS
A simple like or share tells the algorithm to spread the author’s content more widely. Taking two seconds to type “I love this book” or “can’t wait to read it” helps even more. Tag a friend.

6. COMMENT ON A SOCIAL MEDIA BOOK REC
When an influencer posts a roundup of must-read books in a similar genre, suggest the indie author’s title in the comments. This introduces it to potential new readers, including the influencer. Tag the author.

7. ADD THEIR BOOK TO YOUR TBR PILE
Place a hold at the library. Add it to your to-be-read lists on Goodreads, Fable or The StoryGraph. Each increases visibility and shows demand.

8. REQUEST IT AT YOUR LIBRARY
If your library doesn’t carry the indie title, request it. Most have online forms to make it easy. Better yet, share your love for the book with a librarian.

9. REQUEST AN AUTHOR TALK
Ask your library and indie bookstore to host an author talk. It demonstrates local interest, and can result in collaboration between all three.

10. SIGN UP FOR THEIR NEWSLETTER
Subscribe to their email list. Forward their newsletter to a friend. You receive fun insider info, and it helps build the author’s platform in the process.

11. KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING
Continue to be a champion for their book, especially after the initial hype dies down. This is when an author needs your help the most.

12. REACH OUT TO THE AUTHOR
Don’t hesitate to send the author a message about what their book means to you. It often makes their day and keeps them going.

Thanks for reading all the way to the end! If you can spare one more minute, please consider leaving a positive review for No Man’s Land on Amazon, Audible and Goodreads if you haven’t already. It helps more than you know. Or check out my upcoming events HERE. I’d love to see your friendly face in the crowd.