The Author's Tithe
...Because the fastest way to an author's heart is through an Amazon review
Every aspiring author wants their book reviewed, plugged, and shared all over the socials. And why not? After all, writing a book is a huge achievement that deserves recognition.
But here's the catch: if you expect that kind of support, you also need to offer it. It’s not just a nice-to-do; it's essential—what I call an Author’s Tithe.
Think of it like paying it forward in the writing community. By contributing to others' success, you're actively creating a reciprocal culture of support. And there’s no better time to start than today.
I’ve decided to be more intentional about this process, actively dedicating time to support my author friends, as well as those authors whose work I absolutely love.
I’m buying their books so I can leave verified reviews on Amazon, sharing their posts on socials, and cheering them on in any way I can.
But let’s be honest—when your friendship circle includes authors, speakers, consultants, and founders, it can feel overwhelming. So I’m making this a priority by scheduling two 20-minute blocks each week on my calendar. If I can carve out time to support my creative peers in a structured way, I know it will make a bigger impact.
How can you become a more supportive friend to the writers in your life?
Here are a few ideas:
1. Buy the book
It sounds simple, but this is the most impactful thing you can do. Buying their book, especially during launch week, can dramatically affect an author’s visibility on platforms like Amazon.
2. Leave a verified review
Once you've read the book, leave a thoughtful review. This doesn’t need to be a novel in itself—just a few sentences highlighting what you enjoyed most. The key is that it’s a verified review, meaning it holds more weight on sites like Amazon or Goodreads. Reviews build social proof and help potential readers decide whether to invest.
3. Share on socials / link to their book in your newsletter/write them and let them know
The easiest way to do this is to simply repost one of their posts. Otherwise, share a photo of your favourite quote, or even a photo of the book next to your morning coffee. Tag your mate. Or at least, engage on their socials and write a comment.
I’m thinking about having a mini segment/topic in my newsletter sharing the great work my friends are producing.
Also, as a first-time author, I LOVE IT when readers send me a message, or connect with me on LinkedIn, sharing their thoughts on my book, The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint: Design Fast. Deliver Strong. Without Stress. Be that person to someone else. It doesn’t always have to be grand gestures—consistent, small acts of support can make all the difference.
What other ways can you contribute to an Author’s Tithe and help support the writer friends in your life?