When I first started on Unoriginal Tales and Sarim, I enjoying an outpouring of support from the Omani community. Until today, I still get messages from people who say they want to support local authors, inclusing my books. Here are the best ways  you can support your local author, and how to become their favorite reader while doing so.

Ask them about their books

Whether you first encounter the author at an event, or through social media, ask them about their book. This gives them a chance to pitch their book, but it also gives you useful information about things like genre, chracters, and other things such as their writing process. This is the information you need to make an informed decision on whether to pick the book up or not.

Tell other people about the book

Based on what the author tells you, and your personal preferences, you may or may not feel like it’s a good fit for you. However, in all cases, it’s great to let other people know about the book. Take a picture of it. Tag the author. Post on social media. Tell your friends and family at lunch that you met so and so and they write so and so. Doing this helps spread awareness about the author and their work to others who might like the book, especially to people in YOUR social network whom the author cannot otherwise reach.

If the books sounds right for you, buy and enjoy it

Of course, if the book tickles your fancy, give it a buy! Once you buy it, keep in mind when you’re hoping to read it. There’s nothing sadder than books just sitting on shelves unread.

Review and shoutout!

Here is next level support. If you enjoy the book, write a review about in on a platform like Goodreads or Storygraph. Personally, nothing makes me happier than seeing a new review appear. It gives me a glimpse into what people liked and disliked, strengthens my book’s reputation and marketing, and it just plain gives me the drive I need to write more books for you. After all, if you enjoyed it, then I need to give you the next one, right?

Even after you post a review, you can still make additional posts about the characters or magic system, or draw art, or suggest the author’s book to a bookclub. All of these are excellent ways to expose more people to the author’s books, and will help support them towards writing full time.

If you do all the above, then trust me, you will be a star and the author will think about you all the time.

About me

Hi, I’m Ammar Al Naaimi. I write fantasy novels that revolve around freedom in some way or another. My biggest work to date is the Sarim trilogy, which is about jinn hunters living in Muscat, and who use their incredible sprititual powers to protect Oman and Omanis.

You can find out more here. Do check out my books and let me know what you think.

The post Want to support your local author? Here is what to do first appeared on Ammar Al Naaimi Author Site.