I vividly recall the sting of an early rejection letter for When Your World Ends. The publisher’s response was kind but firm, letting me know my story was compelling but not a good fit for their audience. As an African American woman trying to break the predominantly white world of Christian publishing, the rejection felt deeply personal. It wasn’t just my book being dismissed—it felt like my lived experience as a minority was being deemed unmarketable.
That rejection was the first of many, each chipping away at my resolve. But with each “no,” I became more determined to share my story, to add my voice to the chorus of minority authors fighting to be heard. Now, with my book finally on shelves, I’m acutely aware of how crucial reader support is for authors like me.
Support minority authors by amplifying their voices, buying diverse books, and sharing their stories. Every action makes a difference. #ReadDiverse #SupportAuthors Share on XThe publishing landscape for minority authors remains challenging. While we’ve seen progress, with more diverse books hitting the shelves and winning awards, the road to publication and sustained success is often steeper for authors of color. We face hurdles in getting our work recognized, marketed, and embraced by a wider audience.
But here’s the thing—your support can make a world of difference. So, let’s dive into ten actionable ways you can support minority authors like myself and my peers.
1. Make Intentional Reading Choices
Take a moment to examine your bookshelf. How many authors of color do you see? If the answer is “not many,” it’s time for a change. Actively seeking out books by minority authors not only exposes you to new perspectives but also sends a powerful message to publishers that diverse stories sell.
Actively seeking out books by minority authors sends a powerful message: diverse stories matter and deserve to be heard.
During my journey to publication, I often wondered if readers would be interested in a story like mine. Whenever someone reads a minority author’s work, it validates our experiences and encourages publishers to take more chances on diverse voices.
2. Pre-order and Buy New Releases
As a new author, I quickly learned the importance of pre-orders and first-week sales. These early purchases can make or break a book’s success, influencing everything from marketing support to future book deals.
Your early purchase is more than a sale; it’s an investment in an author’s career and their future stories.
Consider setting aside a budget for new releases by minority authors each month. And support local bookstores that make an effort to stock diverse titles. Your purchase does more than put a book on your shelf—it invests in an author’s career and future stories.
3. Write Thoughtful Reviews
Reviews are the lifeblood of a book’s success, especially for lesser-known authors. A thoughtful review on platforms like Goodreads, Amazon, or your personal blog can significantly impact a book’s visibility and sales.
Reviews are the lifeblood of a book’s success, shining a light on stories that deserve to be seen.
When writing a review, focus on what resonated with you, how the book made you feel, or what new perspectives it offered. Your honest thoughts can help other readers discover books they’ll love while supporting the author’s career.
4. Amplify Through Word-of-Mouth
Never underestimate the power of your voice. When you love a book by a minority author, shout it from the rooftops! Tell your friends, family, and coworkers. Share it on your social media platforms.
When you love a book, share it! Your voice has the power to introduce diverse stories to a wider audience.
I still get goosebumps when readers share photos of When Your World Ends on Instagram or discuss it in their Facebook book clubs. This organic promotion is invaluable, especially for new authors who may not have large marketing budgets behind them.
5. Attend Author Events
Author events are more than just a chance to get your book signed. They’re opportunities to connect with writers, ask questions, and show your support. Your presence matters—whether it’s a virtual reading or an in-person Q&A session.
Your presence at an event shows publishers there’s a strong audience for diverse voices, encouraging them to support more authors of color.
I’ll never forget my first book signing. Seeing faces in the crowd, eager to hear my story, gave me the courage to keep writing, even when the journey felt overwhelming. Your attendance at these events shows publishers and bookstores that there’s an audience for diverse authors.
6. Join or Create Diverse Book Clubs
Book clubs are fantastic for diving deep into literature, but they’re even better when they prioritize diverse reads. If you’re already in a book club, suggest incorporating more works by minority authors. If you can’t find a diverse book club, why not start one?
Book clubs that prioritize diverse reads foster empathy, understanding, and celebrate the richness of human experiences.
Creating a space to discuss and celebrate diverse literature can be incredibly rewarding. It opens up conversations about different experiences and perspectives, fostering empathy and understanding.
7. Engage on Social Media
Social media has become a powerful tool for authors to connect directly with readers. By following minority authors on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or BlueSky, you’re not just supporting their books—you’re engaging with their ideas, experiences, and creative processes.
Following, liking, and sharing posts by minority authors increases their visibility and amplifies their creative voices.
Liking, commenting, saving, and sharing posts helps increase an author’s visibility. Plus, you’ll often get insider info on upcoming releases, events, or behind-the-scenes glimpses into the writing life.
8. Highlight Their Books on Your Social Platforms
Social media has turned everyone into a potential influencer. Use your platforms to highlight books by minority authors. Create posts, reels, or even reading challenges that showcase these works.
Your social posts can inspire others to pick up a book, spreading the impact of diverse stories far and wide.
Tag the authors and use hashtags that help their books gain visibility. You never know who in your network might be inspired to pick up a copy because of your post.
9. Request Books at Libraries
Libraries play a crucial role in making books accessible to all. When you request books by minority authors at your local library, you’re not just gaining access for yourself—you’re potentially introducing these works to an entire community.
Requesting diverse books at your library introduces entire communities to new voices and perspectives.
Many libraries base their purchasing decisions on patron requests, so your voice matters. Don’t be shy about asking for diverse titles; librarians are often eager to expand their collections.
10. Gift Books by Minority Authors
Never underestimate the impact of gifting a book. When you give someone a book by a minority author, you’re not just offering a great read—you’re potentially opening their eyes to new perspectives and experiences.
A gifted book by a minority author is more than a present; it’s a bridge to understanding and new experiences.
Consider the interests of your gift recipient and match them with a book by a minority author in that genre. It’s a thoughtful way to introduce others to diverse voices they might not have discovered on their own.
Beyond these ten steps, there are countless other ways to support minority authors. Consider mentoring aspiring writers of color if you have experience in the field. Support organizations that promote diverse literature through donations or volunteer work.
Champion diverse voices! Support minority authors by reading, reviewing, and sharing their work. Together, we can create lasting change. #DiverseBooks #AmplifyVoices Share on XRemember, every action you take creates a ripple effect. Your support doesn’t just help individual authors—it contributes to shifting the entire publishing landscape. By championing diverse voices, we’re working towards a literary world that truly reflects the richness and variety of human experience.
Reflecting on my journey from that first rejection letter to seeing When Your World Ends on bookstore shelves, I’m grateful to every reader who took a chance on my story. Your support doesn’t just validate our work—it encourages us to keep writing and sharing our unique perspectives with the world.
So, which of these steps will you take first? The next great read by a minority author is waiting for you to discover it. Let’s continue to lift these voices, one book at a time.
