Posted on April 9, 2012 - by Nicole Humphrey Cook

H is for Helping – 5 Tips for Helping Other Writers

A few months back, I wrote a post titled 7 Simple Ways Writers Can Pay it Forward. I am still amazed that it happens to be my most visited post here on this blog. It makes me so happy. Why? It tells me that others are interested in paying it forward, whether it be a writer helping another writer, or a friend helping a friend. In my opinion, it doesn’t really matter who it is or what the situation is. If you can help someone succeed, do it. The karma comes back, I promise.

Here are 5 tips on how you can do that.

1. Make an Offer. Don’t assume that if someone needs help, they will ask. I am terrible about this, I don’t ask for help ever, but if someone asks me if they can help me with someone, and I believe I need the help; I assure you I will say yes and give you some examples of ways you can help me. Offer your help and/or services to others writers. Perhaps you are really good with editing, offer to help edit a chapter of their WIP. Offer to be a beta reader. Offer to get them lunch while they work on something. You see what I am saying here. Just verbally offer something you can provide to them. They have the option of declining and you shouldn’t be offended if they do. Always keep your eyes open for the opportunity to help someone.

2. Pay it forward. This seems like a given. But if you have been helped by someone, pay it forward. Not to that person (though you should) but do something to help someone else. Don’t just sit around looking for opportunities, make opportunities. Just do it. It’s honestly not that hard.

3. Share books, ideas, tips. Don’t keep it all to yourself. If you read a fantastic post on editing or some tips on finding an agent, share that post with your writer friends. This helps two people out here. The person who will gain from the tips, and the person who originally wrote the piece – spreading it around is good Karma. I assure you. (P.S. Same holds true for books or magazines – if you find one especially helpful, share it with others)

4. Spread the love. That’s right. Share their posts, share their books. Tweet for them. Like them on Facebook. Tell everyone on any platform you use about them. Write a post about them. Write a post about several writers you admire and explain why. Whatever, just spread it around. It can be contagious. At the end of your post, challenge others to do the same.

5. Support. Buy their books. Write them book reviews. Give them testimonials (when it fits). Visit their website and leave a comment on a post. Support them, in any way you can.

These are basic and there are dozens of other ways we can help each other out. How do you help your writer friends?