In October 2023, I started a weekly Substack on my recovery from alcoholism because “they”* said I needed an author platform for my forthcoming memoir (She Writes Press, Summer 2026).
Often, after a post, I receive a text or an email from a friend, relative, or fellow writer saying things like “Today’s post resonated with me” or “I’m enjoying your Substacks. Keep up the good work.” Nice, right? Sure, sure. I like praise. However, I’m often frustrated when this person doesn’t publicly comment on my Substack post or even click the thumbs-up button on my social media post. This frustration increases if this person is a fellow writer.
When you leave a public comment on my Substack, you’re doing more than just giving me a confidence boost (though, let’s be honest, that’s nice too). You’re helping me build my author platform—a critical piece of the publishing puzzle for a debut memoirist like me.
Engagement on my posts signals to potential readers, publishers, and the broader literary community that my writing resonates with people. Comments spark conversations, encourage new readers to join in, and help my work reach a wider audience. So while I love those private texts and emails saying, “Great post!”—imagine the impact if you said that publicly instead. Every comment, like, and share makes a real difference in supporting my journey as a writer.
For writers, that’s the essence of literary citizenship—actively supporting fellow authors in ways that help amplify their work. But what exactly does that mean? Let’s start with the definition.
The Definition of Literary Citizenship
“For those unaware of the term,” Jane Friedman explains, “it’s widely used in the literary, bookish community to refer to activities that support and further reading, writing, and publishing, and the growth of your professional network.”**
Why Do We Need Literary Citizenship?
Have you ever heard the adage, “A rising tide lifts all boats?” If you want people to support your writing or your books, you must support writers yourself. Another adage, “What goes around, comes around!”
Publishers, literary magazines, and Substacks need readers to survive. By reading, engaging, and participating, we’re not just supporting individual writers; we’re keeping the necessary outlets alive. Without an engaged audience, these platforms can’t continue to provide space for new voices, ideas, and conversations.
So, have I convinced you that being a good literary citizen benefits everyone? Now, the big question is how to be one.
10 Ways to Be a Good Literary Citizen
Being a good literary citizen is probably something you are doing already. You’ll just want to put more time and intentionality into it. Here are some of the ways to be a good literary citizen:
- Write Book Reviews on Online Book Stores or Other Online Platforms
After you’ve read a book, leave a thoughtful review on platforms like bookshop.org, Goodreads, or Amazon. When you write a thoughtful review, you’re not just helping that author—you’re helping readers find books they’ll love.
- Write Book Reviews for Literary Media Outlets
This task requires a little more time and effort, but it’s well worth it. Or so they say, I have yet to do one! Writing book reviews for literary journals sharpens your critical skills and increases visibility of diverse works. BONUS: Getting your review in a lit mag provides YOU with valuable publishing credentials.
Check out Poets & Writers’ database of Book Review Outlets.
- Share on Social Media
Promote other authors’ work across your social platforms. If you’re hoping others will share YOUR work someday, then start by being generous with your own social shares.
- Engage Publicly
Comment on blog posts, Substacks, and social media content rather than only sending private praise. Private texts saying “great post” are nice, but don’t help writers build their platforms—public engagement does!
- Support Local Bookstores
Purchase books from independent bookstores to bolster the local literary scene. Sure, that online giant might save you a few bucks and time, but independent bookstores are the heartbeat of literary communities everywhere.
- Mentor New Writers
Offer guidance and feedback to aspiring authors. Remember when YOU were starting out? Pay it forward by offering guidance to someone just beginning their writing journey.
- Attend Literary Events
Go to book signings, author talks, and literary festivals. Nothing says “I support you” like showing up in person for an author’s event, even when your couch is calling your name.
Are you in the Red Bank, NJ area? If so, check out Project Write Now’s upcoming Author Reading & Q&A With Paul Lisicky.
- Join and Contribute to Writing Communities
Participate in workshops, writing groups, or online forums. Writing may be solitary, but publishing is communal—get involved and contribute your voice and support.
Join book inc’s community of writers. Learn more here!
- Subscribe and Engage
Subscribe to literary magazines, journals, and newsletters—and actively engage with them. Don’t just lurk in the background of that Substack—subscribe, like, comment, share! What goes around really does come around.
- Amplify Diverse Voices
Actively seek out and promote works from underrepresented authors. The literary world benefits from a diversity of perspectives—be intentional about whose voices you’re helping to amplify.
Remember: Literary citizenship is about creating a supportive ecosystem where all writers can thrive. Your public engagement helps authors build their platforms and reach new readers—exactly what you hope others will do for your work.
Literary citizenship isn’t just about professional networking—it’s about creating a community where we all lift each other up. After all, in the world of writing, we’re not competitors; we’re collaborators in the grand conversation of ideas. So go ahead, hit that like button. Your fellow writers—including me—will thank you for it.
* “They” being the all-knowing, all-powerful publishing gurus, agents, and industry insiders who proclaim, with great authority, that an author platform is essential—lest my forthcoming memoir vanish into the literary abyss. No pressure, right?
** “Are There Limits to Literary Citizenship?” by Jane Friedman (September 1, 2024)