Posted on December 14, 2022 at 3:00 PM by Guest Author

Did you start your author career as a way to make money from your passion, and now you want to do more good? Find out how to make a difference as an author.

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Why Authors Are in a Great Position to Make a Difference 

Like most authors, you embarked on your career journey wanting to earn a living through your passion for writing.

And now that you’ve experienced some success, you may be thinking about how you can give back. You’re asking yourself, “How can I make a difference?”

The truth is there are countless ways to do good and help others. And as an author, you’re in a great position to do so. 

Why?

Authors are able to use their platforms to inspire change and support those in need. Even if you’re not quite a household name, the fact that people have read your work proves your words have power. You can have a bigger impact than you may realize!

Consider this…

  • As you build your author brand, your voice begins to stand out.

  • Once you have a fan base, you can rally readers to get involved.

  • You can use your storytelling abilities to move people to act.

  • You’re able to educate, entertain, and inspire through your work.

  • You can develop relationships with other authors to expand your reach.

Basically, if you’re looking for ways to affect the lives of individuals or society as a whole in a positive way, being an author gives you an excellent opportunity to do just that. 

7 Ways You Can Make a Difference as an Author

As mentioned above, there’s no shortage of ways to do good as an author. However, it can be tough to figure out where to start.

That’s why we put together a brief list of things you can do to help your readers, your fellow authors, and the world. 

1. USE YOUR PLATFORM TO SPEAK ON IMPORTANT TOPICS.

There are a lot of issues in the world that deserve greater attention. And as an author, you can use your platform to shine a light on those you’re passionate about.

Of course, that doesn’t mean you need to jump on social media and share your opinion about everything.

But if you feel strongly about a subject, don’t be afraid to be vocal, especially if it’s something you have knowledge about or experience with. 

Your fans will appreciate knowing what you stand for, and you could make a difference just by speaking out. 

2. SUPPORT OTHER AUTHORS JUST STARTING OUT.

There’s no question that making it as an author can be challenging. You know that firsthand!

So, if you’ve experienced some success, consider paying it forward by supporting other authors who are just getting started.

There are several ways you can help your fellow writers:

  • Join a writing mentorship program to offer advice, feedback, and tips. 

  • Leave reviews for books by new authors you’ve read and enjoyed.

  • Follow new authors on social media and subscribe to their newsletters. 

  • Attend book launch parties (in person or virtual) for authors in your genre.

  • Make time to review advance copies you receive and offer cover endorsements.

These things may seem simple, but they can go a long way toward helping talented writers who might otherwise go overlooked. 

3. HELP SOLVE A PROBLEM FOR YOUR READERS.

One of the great things about being an author is that you can make a difference through your writing — no extra action required. 

If you write nonfiction, it’s pretty straightforward. You can educate readers on a topic they’re struggling with or provide practical advice to overcome a challenge. 

If you write fiction, you can still help your readers in a less direct way.

For instance, you can show how a character solves a problem in their life. Or, you can use your story to explain a lesson you learned in your own life. 

4. DONATE TO WORTHY CAUSES.

Plenty of organizations exist to fuel change, help those in need, and make the world a better place. So, if you’re looking to make an impact, donate to those with worthy causes! Rest assured that any amount you can give will be met with gratitude. 

Search for nonprofits with missions that are close to your heart. For example, there are many reputable charities focused on promoting writing and literacy.

And consider getting your fan base involved by encouraging them to give too.

5. HIGHLIGHT DIVERSITY IN WRITING.

The world is a big place with a wide range of people living in it. And yet, many groups go underrepresented.

That’s why highlighting diversity is so important and can have a significant effect. It allows some readers to explore different perspectives while providing others with characters and experiences that resonate with them better.

So, consider including more diversity in your work. Just be sure to put plenty of care into it by researching cultures and groups you’re unfamiliar with by talking to real people.

Additionally, give a shout-out to other authors whose work features diverse themes, characters, etc. 

6. CREATE A COMMUNITY FOR READERS.

You probably never thought of this, but you can do a lot of good just by building a community for your readers.

Yes, this benefits you as an author, but it also benefits your fans. It gives them a chance to foster a relationship with you and others who enjoy your work.

Even encouraging discussion on social media can help people feel more connected. 

7. PARTNER WITH INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORES.

If you have a sizeable fan base — and offer your books in print format as well as digital — consider partnering with independent bookstores.

Some smaller indie bookstores struggle with getting people to buy books, so they may be interested in hosting an event with you.

You can leverage your success to bring more people in and support the store, especially if you offer an exclusive deal. 

Before you approach a retailer, look at what books they typically promote and how often they host events.

Takeaway

There’s a lot to gain from being an author, including the chance to make a difference. So, if you want to support others and have an impact on the world, start taking action today.

Use the tips above to help your readers, your fellow authors, and more. Turn the success you’ve achieved (and will continue to achieve) to do some good!

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