How To Appreciate an Author of a Book

Books can entrain, provide self-help, and help us learn new things. 

When a book impacts you somehow, expressing your appreciation and gratitude to the author is thoughtful. 

Many authors have a website where you can look for their mailing address, email address, or social media. So it’s easier than ever to write them a thank you note!

A great day to thank an author is on November 1st, National Author Day.

How Do You Say Thank You to an Author

In addition to a thank you note, you can show your gratitude to the author by helping them out in others ways. 

Buy Their Book

Most authors do not make a high salary. So helping an author increase sales is a great way to thank them for writing the book! 

Buying the book will generate revenue for them, and on sites like Amazon, it will increase their sales ranking.

Write a Review

This could be on Amazon, another online store, or your website. I am much more likely to purchase when I see many positive reviews.

Tell Others About The Book

 I track the books I am reading on Goodreads. So my Goodreads friends can see all of the books I have read. Perhaps they will see something on my list and want to read it too.

You could also share about the book on social media. 

Read It for Book Club

Many of the books I’ve read were selections for my church book club or the book club at work.

One of the great things about book clubs is it exposes us to authors we may not have read otherwise.

Write the Author a Thank-you Note

When a book impacts your life in a significant way, I recommend sending them a thank-you message. You can write a handwritten note, in an email, on Facebook, Twitter, or other social media sites.

Dave Ramsey’s book The Total Money Makeover helped my family get on a budget and out of debt. This was many years ago. I sent him a thank-you note similar to this one:

Dear Dave,

I want to let you know that your book, The Total Money Makeover, has helped my family get on a budget. We could also pay off all of our debts except for the mortgage. I felt like I got a raise once I knew where all my money went each month. Thank you for writing the book and sharing your story to help others.

Thanks again,
Heidi

Appreciation Message to an Author

Here are some more example thank you author messages. The wording for your thank-you note will change based on the type and topic of the book. 

You can also include compliments in your thank-you message.

#1 Thank you for writing [Book name]. I found myself laughing all the way through it. The book was enjoyable, and I could relate well to [Character name].

#2 The tips in your book have helped me become more productive! Before your book, I wasted so much time figuring out what to do and how to spend my time on my projects. Thank you for your instructions on being organized and staying on schedule. I will be recommending your book often!

#3 Your book, [Book name], was very intriguing. Everyone in my book club enjoyed reading it. Only one of us had figured out who the murderer was before the end of the book. I am looking forward to reading your next exciting book!

#4 Thank you for signing your book at your book signing at [book signing location]. Having an autographed copy of one of my all-time favorite books is lovely. I enjoyed every page of the book and will give several as gifts! You are very inspiring.

#5 I immensely enjoyed your book, [Book name]. Thank you so much for sharing your book with the world. It’s inspired me to ___________. 

#6 I loved [book name]. Thank you for writing it. It’s given me a new perspective on _________.

#7 You are my favorite author. I reread your series, [Book series name], at least once a year. I appreciate how well the character storylines are covered in each book. 

#8 I’ve learned so much about [Topic] from your [Book Name]. Your steps and detailed instructions were exactly what I needed to learn [Topic]. Thank you for writing the book. 

#9 Thank you for your children’s book about living on your farm. My kids loved seeing the animals, especially the barn cats. Because of your book, we will be visiting a nearby working farm this summer.

#10 I’m grateful to you for writing [Book Name]. I went through a similar situation as [Character name]. Your book helped me to process my feelings and start to move forward with my life again.

Read Next: #1 tip for a great thank you note

Author: Heidi Bender

Title: Writer

Expertise: Thank You Notes

Heidi Bender is a writer and author who founded Tons of Thanks. She aims to help people write thank-you notes by providing examples and tips. She is the author of She is the author of A Modern Guide to Writing Thank-You Notes.