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How to Buy a Picture Book (without Buying a Picture Book)

April 18, 2017 by Kelly Lenihan

picture booksAs a picture book author struggling to get my book into the hands of children everywhere, I can use all the help I can get. Maybe you’d like to help. Of course, one of the best things you can do to support an author like me is to buy my picture book(s) – but maybe you’re not in the market for picture books at this particular time. Or maybe they don’t fit your budget. Whatever the reason, here are ten free ways to support your favorite picture book authors:

1. Give the book as a gift. You probably know someone who might like it; give it to her/him, or donate a copy to your library.

2. Request that your local library purchase a copy. This can be done in person or often in an online request form.

3. Reserve and borrow it from the library. Increased circulation of books is noticed by librarians.

4. Review the book on Goodreads, Amazon and B&N. Text reviews are much more valuable than just star-ratings.

5. Talk about the book with librarians and booksellers. There are a lot of great books out there, get this book on their radar.

6. Talk about the book with friends, parents of your child’s friends, or your child’s teacher. Even strangers on the street!

7. Share the book on social media: tweet about it, blog about it, post on Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest, Instagram, etc. Share the cover image and tag the author and illustrator.

8. Share the author’s posts on social media: follow them on social media sites and share with your networks.

9. Read the book in public: at the park, in a restaurant or at the airport.

10. Make your own fan book trailer and post to Goodreads and YouTube.

Of course, these ideas can apply to any type of book, not just picture books. For even more excellent ways to help an author out, please check out the following posts for more detailed info:

  • Inky Girl’s Tips to Support an Author
  • Debbie Ridpath Ohi’s Want to support an author’s or illustrator’s new book but can’t afford to buy it? Here’s what you can do
  • Publishing Craw’s How to Support an Author Beyond Buying Their Book
  • Jen Malone of Writers’ Rumpus’ How to Help an Author (Beyond Buying the Book) Part1, Part 2, and Part 3

Oh, one more thing: thank you for supporting picture book authors and illustrators, however you choose to do so.

 

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