8 Ways You Can Support Women Writers and Authors of Color

Many of us have a desire to see the publishing landscape become more equitable for women writers and authors of color. We can take this desire and make it actionable. Here, we are sharing eight ways to support women writers and authors of color.

1. BUY THEIR BOOKS (and read them).

Women are the largest group of book buyers. They buy books by both men and women. So men, this is for you: be intentional about buying books on your favorite topics by women. People of color are known to buy books written by both people of color and white people. White people, this is for you: be intentional about buying books on your favorite topics by authors of color. Stretch beyond your usual.

2. SHARE WHAT YOU ARE READING.

Use your social media platform to share inspirational quotes, ideas, bits of advice, and other insights from the women writers and authors of color you are reading. Consider using your blog, live social media broadcasts, or podcast as a way to discuss how their work is impacting you.

3. WRITE A REVIEW.

Go back to the retailer website of where you purchased your book written by a woman or author of color and write a review of their book. Don’t forget to leave reviews for the various editions of the book you’ve engaged with—audio and ebook, for example. And Goodreads.com too!

4. REQUEST COPIES.

Shopping in person at your local bookstore or perusing your library shelves, you may notice that the books by women writers or authors of color are missing. This is your chance to request copies of the book to be brought in by special order. The more of us that do this, the more we help to diversify the selection of books in our local areas.

5. INVITE THEM TO SPEAK OR APPEAR.

Are you hosting an event? Do you have a podcast? Do you lead an organization? Do you own a bookstore or third place? These are great opportunities to be proactive in extending invitations to diverse authors to speak or appear for book signings or launch events, which help broaden the reach of their books and amplify their voices.

6. HOST OR JOIN A COMMUNITY READ.

You’ve found a book or author you love, and maybe you’ve discovered a few others in your community who love their work too. This could be the right time to create a book club. Maybe there is an existing book club that is intentional about reading and discussing the work of diverse authors. Join them!

7. RECOMMEND THEM.

Magazines, online print media, TV and radio shows, national/international podcasts, collaboratives, YouTube channels, influencer accounts, conferences, and so many other outlets you love are often looking for new content and interesting stories. Tell them about the woman writer or author of color whose work has moved you.

8. BUY 1, GIVE 1—OR 100.

When you buy a book by a woman writer or author of color, don’t just buy one. Think about the people in your life or organizations in your community who may benefit from their book--or a box of them! Therapists’ or doctors’ offices, community service organizations, churches, etc.

Was this helpful?

If you found this list helpful, be sure to save it and share it with your people. Come back to this list whenever you need to so you can put these tips to good use. Know that your support of women writers and authors of color sends a message to the publishing industry that WE WANT MORE! The truth is, we all benefit from reading diverse perspectives.

What other actions are you incorporating in your reading life that support the publishing of diverse books?