If there’s one concept that deserves a sexy reboot, it’s Literary Citizenship. Especially for indie authors! You’ve probably heard the term tossed around a lot, usually when people are talking about supporting other writers, giving back to the literary community, or showing up for the books you love. But how do we make that actually exciting and, more importantly, useful for you as an indie author? Buckle up—we’re diving in.
What Is Literary Citizenship?
At its core, Literary Citizenship is about actively engaging in the literary community. Sounds innocent, right? But it’s had a bit of a bumpy ride. The term initially became a buzzword when traditional publishers started pushing authors to do more and more of their own marketing under the banner of “literary citizenship.” This often left a bad taste, as it was seen as publishers skirting their responsibilities.
Some inauthentic actors—people or companies trying to exploit authors’ need for visibility—didn’t help matters either. So, over time, “literary citizenship” started feeling less like something noble and more like a requirement authors dreaded.
Why Literary Citizenship Works for Indie Authors
Here’s the thing, though: literary citizenship should be empowering, especially for indie authors. Why? Because indie authors often are their own marketing teams. They don’t have giant publishing houses throwing marketing dollars their way. Engaging in genuine literary citizenship can build your network, strengthen relationships with readers, and give you access to resources that otherwise seem out of reach.
Instead of treating it like another box to check, think of it as a way to authentically connect with others in the book world. And no, this doesn’t have to be time-consuming or exhausting. You get to pick and choose where you want to participate, at your own pace. Let’s dig into how you can make literary citizenship work for you.
How You Can Be a Literary Citizen
There are endless ways to get involved in your literary community. The trick is finding what fits your schedule and personality. Here are some easy, tangible steps you can start taking today:
- Request and Sign Out Books from Your Local Library
Libraries are the lifeblood of the book world, especially for indie authors. Requesting indie books, signing them out, and encouraging others to do the same boosts visibility in ways that are invaluable for authors who might not get widespread distribution otherwise. - Join a Writing Group (Online or In-Person)
Writing is a solitary act, but surviving as a writer doesn’t have to be. Joining a writing group is a low-pressure way to engage with other writers, get feedback, and stay motivated. - Start a Writing Group
If there isn’t one in your area, create one. Virtual writing groups count just as much! You could be the one fostering the next great literary community. - Attend Conferences and Events When You Can
You don’t have to go to every bookish event, but make it a point to show up occasionally. Whether it’s a virtual panel or an indie author book launch, your presence matters. Plus, you’ll meet people and have fun (trust me, book people are fun). - Sign Up for Author Newsletters
This is one of the easiest and most low-effort ways to show support. Pick a few of your favorite indie authors, sign up for their newsletters, and actually read them! A little engagement goes a long way.
On Social Media: Be Active, Not Passive
Social media has become one of the most powerful tools for indie authors, and it’s also where Literary Citizenship can really come alive. You don’t need to do anything big—just be genuine and interact. Here’s how:
- “Like” or “Follow” Author Pages: Simple clicks to follow or like a page help indie authors reach a wider audience.
- Engage with Content: Like posts, share when you can, and leave meaningful comments. (You know how great it feels when someone interacts with your stuff? Give that gift to others!)
- Talk About Books: Whether informally chatting about a book you loved or leaving a formal review, getting the word out is huge for indie authors.
- Share Links and Upcoming Events: If your favorite author is doing a signing or promoting their latest release, share that info! It might reach someone who wouldn’t have seen it otherwise.
Share Your Knowledge
There’s no gatekeeping in literary citizenship—sharing what you know helps the whole community thrive. Whether you’re leaving a thoughtful blog comment or writing a charming note to an author about how much you enjoyed their work, you’re making meaningful connections. Here’s a deeper dive:
- Be Authentic: No one’s expecting you to be a cheerleader 24/7. Engage where you’re genuinely interested. People will feel your enthusiasm and respond to it.
- Write “Charming Notes”: Taking a few minutes to write a heartfelt message to an author can make their day and strengthen your network in the most organic way.
- Comment Everywhere: Blog posts, interviews, articles—if you read something that resonated, leave a comment. Not only does it support the writer, but it also sparks conversations that can be fruitful for everyone involved.
Support the Ecosystem: Indie Mags and More
If you want to be published in a certain magazine or platform, it’s a great idea to read that publication first. Subscribe if you can, share their content, and be part of the conversation around it. The same goes for supporting other writers—be passionate about it! People will pick up on that energy, and it can build up the whole indie writing community.
Mentor, Volunteer, Encourage
No matter where you are in your writing journey, you can help others. Maybe you’re not a seasoned veteran, but there’s always someone who could use your insight, support, or even just a kind word. Volunteer your time where possible—beta reading, mentoring, or even just offering to be a sounding board for another writer’s ideas.
Additional Thoughts for the Road
- Stow Your Privilege: If you’ve got a platform or connections, use them for good! Share the wealth with other indie authors who might not have the same advantages.
- Take Craft Classes: Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, craft classes help you grow and expand your network.
At the end of the day, literary citizenship is all about joy. The joy of reading, writing, and being part of a creative community. Start small, add components as you go, and keep an open mind. Stay positive, be genuine, and embrace the delight of being in this literary world. Infect others with your passion, and you’ll find that not only do you help others—you help yourself too.
That’s all for this post! In the next installment, we’ll dive into the finer points of mentorship, craft development, and how to make your literary citizenship serve your writing career. Stay tuned!
