I’ve worked with new authors for many years and I’ve observed one challenge that most of them face– asking their friends and family to support their new book.
“I don’t want to be too pushy.”
“I don’t want to be a bother.”
“I don’t think my family will support me and my book.”
I understand how intimidating it feels to ask someone for support, but have you ever considered how they may feel not knowing you had a book published?
Here’s what I mean.
I’ve had friends say, “I didn’t know your book was out!” And this was months after it was released. If I don’t tell them and they don’t follow my updates online, they may not know. Let’s keep something in mind— not all friends are on social media, and if they are, they may not see your post! I think it’s fair to assume they simply did not know.
Asking for help from friends and family can be tricky, and it’s important to remember to be respectful of your friends’ schedules and resources. Here are a few tips to help you create a successful approach when asking friends to support your book:
- Be specific in your request. Let your friends know exactly how they can support your book, whether it’s through buying a copy, sharing it on social media, or writing a review.
- Show your appreciation. Let your friends know you appreciate their support and how meaningful it is to you.
- Keep it short and sweet. No one likes to be bombarded with long messages, so make sure to keep your request concise and to the point.
- Offer something in return. Even if it’s just a thank-you note or a small token of appreciation, offering something in return can help show your friends how much you value their support.
- Follow up. Make sure to follow up with your friends and thank them for their help. This can also be a good opportunity to ask for feedback or advice.
Asking friends to support your book can be intimidating, but by being respectful and thoughtful, you can make the process easier for everyone involved. Good luck!
