Rule #1 of Authorhood: Be a Good Literary Citizen
The farther and farther I travel into my author journey, the more one thing becomes clear: the writing and publishing process is much more collaborative than one might think. Sure, YOU’RE the one to write the actual book, but then what? You’re at the mercy of others.
· Beta readers (who read for free)
· Critique partners (who analyze—often deeply—for free)
· Reviewers (who read and review, often for simply an ARC copy)
· Blurbers (who are willing to put their name/reputation out there for you)
· Writer friends (who share your posts and hype your book)
All of these things are done with an expectation in mind—that if their turn ever rolls around, you’ll do the same. This is called being a good literary citizen: helping out when you can, whether that’s with a service, expertise, time, or just a simple click.
I’ve checked many of these boxes, reading countless manuscripts in various stages of drafts, providing honest feedback with the intent of strengthening the story, celebrating fellow authors on their launch days, and more. I haven’t blurbed a book (yet), but I hope someday that honor will be requested of me and that I’ll be able to say YES. Yes, because I know how important it is to that writer. Yes, because I’ve been in their shoes—as recently as this month.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve reached out to a handful of authors I respect and whose work I admire for a big ask: Will you blurb my book? I’ve received some yes’s and some polite no’s (always due to time conflicts). It’s all a big circle—passing on acts of kindness. The wheel of bringing a book into the world. And I’m so happy to be included, doing my part.
So, to new authors who might be reading, keep this in mind: pay it forward. When someone does something to help you, keep it going by helping someone else. Expand your circle—the writing community is very welcoming, and there’s room for all of us. Be a champion of your own work, but also that of others. When one of us wins, we all win!