10 reasons why everyone should support debut authors

If you’re an avid reader you’ve likely heard the buzz around debut authors. But what’s all the excitement about?

Debut authors, a term used to describe authors who are publishing for the first time, not only deserve reader excitement for simply bringing new books into the world, but they also add variety and new perspectives to the market.

However, breaking into any industry can be tough, and as a reader, you play a big part.

Read on to find out why you should support debut authors, plus a few tips on how to do it.

Why support debut authors

Let’s dive into the ways that supporting debut authors allows you to . . .

1. Support local authors
2. Find a new favourite
3. Read outside of your comfort zone
4. Foster literary talent in Australia
5. Help kickstart someone’s career
6. Get a new perspective
7. Follow the journey
8. Be able to say ‘I read them before they were huge’
9. Engage with the writing community
10. Be inspired to write your own book

1. Support local authors

Backing up debut authors is a great opportunity to support local authors.

Breaking into the book market is a huge challenge for anyone, but even more so for debut authors. Because they don’t have the same recognition that bestselling authors have already established, it’s extremely tough for debut authors to break onto the bestseller charts, which are often dominated by internationally renowned names.

2. Find a new favourite

There are so many fantastic debuts by fresh voices every year. 

Your new favourite book might come from an author you’ve never heard of, so you might as well read as many debut authors as you can! 

3. Read outside your comfort zone

If you ever feel like you’re stuck in a reading rut, you might need to change up the types of books that you’re reading.

It’s too easy to reach for the same genres and same authors time and time again, so trying out a debut novel is a great way to break that habit. Who knows, you might just find a new favourite!

4. Foster literary talent in Australia

Supporting debut authors is a great way to foster literary talent in Australia.

Purchasing a debut novel not only shows the author that their community cares about their book, but it also shows other aspiring authors how much Australians appreciate the work of local writers. Hopefully, this will continue to inspire new great authors from every stretch of our country.

5. Help kickstart someone’s career

One exciting component of supporting a debut author is that it allows you to play a role in kickstarting someone’s career. While you might not think that your support means much in the grand scheme of things, you’d be surprised by the huge impact that word-of-mouth can have.

Reading and sharing your love for debuts is a great way to get friends and family interested in new authors you love, and before you know it, you might see them on the bestsellers list.

6. Get a new perspective 

Reading debut authors provides a new perspective. Because these authors are just entering the scene, their work is yet uninfluenced by many of the factors at work on already-established authors.

Debut authors have no brand image to live up to and are free from reader expectations, giving them a huge opportunity to provide something that’s never been done before.

If you want to read (and think) in a new way, a debut novel is always a great option!

7. Follow the journey

Being a fan of someone from the beginning of their literary career will allow you a unique insight into their writing for years to come, and there’s no better feeling than watching someone step into their full potential.

8. Be able to say ‘I read them before they were huge’

Nobody likes to admit it, but who doesn’t want to be a trendsetter?

Reading debut authors is a fantastic way to spot the ‘next big thing‘ before everyone else catches on. Even if you don’t outwardly admit it, we’re sure that you’ll gain a sense of satisfaction in being an early reader.

9. Engage with the writing community

Once you start supporting debut authors, you’ll likely realise how much they support each other. Because this is the start of their literary career, debut authors often have a greater capacity to engage with their fans and peers. Whether it’s in the comments section on social media or at an event, you might find that debut authors are excited to engage with their readers and other writers.

10 . Be inspired to write your own book

If you too are a writer, supporting debuts can inspire you to write your own book. It’s incredible to watch someone transition from ‘I write for fun’ to ‘I’m a professional author’ – and it can be a great way to witness that it really is possible to make your dreams a reality.

How to support debut authors

1. Buy their book: The best way to support debut authors is to buy their books. If you don’t know where their books are sold, a quick Google usually helps.
2. Follow them on social media (and engage): If you’ve already bought their book or want to show your support in another way, following authors on social media is a great way to help build their profile. Even better, engaging with them on social media (by liking, commenting, and sharing) shows your love and helps others find them.
3. Add their books to your Goodreads lists: If you have a Goodreads profile, adding debut novels to your lists can help other people find books. When you add a debut novel to your ‘Read’ shelf, it will come up on your friends' feeds, inspiring them to check it out too.
4. Write reviews about the books: Take things one step further by also writing reviews for debut novels that you love. Whether this is on Goodreads, Instagram or a blog, reviews can encourage other readers to pick up a debut novel.
5. Share their books with your friends: Finally, you can always introduce friends to your favourite debut novels by giving them the book.If you've recently read and loved a book by a debut author, passing it along to a friend is a great way to practice sustainability.

Books by 2023 debut authors

These are just a few of the amazing debut novels that have already come out this year. Check them out and add them to your TBR to start supporting debut authors today.