So, if you’ve ever wondered how to support a writer not yet published? After all, there are tons of ways to support a published author, even beyond buying his or her books.

But for us struggling, not-yet-published writers, what can you do? Turns out, there’s much you can easily do online.

1. Say something positive.  On Facebook, website, blog, email, Twitter, or even GoodReads or Amazon — comment in encouraging, supporting ways.
2. Read.  Read what we write.  We’ve taken the time to post or comment in order to share with you. And then see #1.
3. Ask questions.  We love to answer questions about how the story is coming along, about a particular character, where we are in the process, and so on.  So feel free to ask!  See #1.
4. “Like.”   Click the “like” button for our posts and comments.  On Facebook or blog or wherever.  Comments are even better (see #1).
5. Newsletter Sign Up.  Many writers offer a subscription to an email newsletter.  Sign up for it.  You may get some discounts, first looks, or even freebies from it.
6. Goofs.  Let us know if we goof up.  Did the writer miss updating her profile on LinkedIn?  Did he publish a half-drafted blog post?  Did her automatic-Facebook-post 3 times a week fail?  Did his website crash?  In the social media world, there’s a lot of bases to cover, and we’re busy writing anyway.
7. Introduce us to other writers.  It helps a writer to network with and encourage other writers.
8. Buy Writer Recommendations.  Some writer’s blogs or website include affiliate links to books the writer reviews for his or her audience.  If you buy the book through the link, the writer earns a small affiliate commission.
9. Feeling generous? Donate.  If your favorite writer’s website or Facebook page has a donate option, or a Patreon option, or even an email (you can send by PayPal), you can send some cash on one-time basis or on a periodic basis (like $1/month).  Some writers even offer a subscription service — you donate, you get to read the novel chapter-by-chapter before anyone else. We beginning writers could always use money toward the first head shot or professional editing service.
10. Tell Others.  If you like what we do, tell a friend.  Encourage them to support us, too.