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Author groups and author community

Author groups and author communities: how to choose the right one

The right author community is the one that matches your current goal: a craft group to finish your book, or a business-focused community like Book Profits Club to market it and turn readers into clients.

Last updated: November 2026Published by Book Profits Club

This comparison is published by Book Profits Club, which lists itself first as its own pick. Every option is described with the same kinds of facts: focus, cost, and format. It is not an independent review.

Which author group should I join?

Join an author group that matches your stage: craft groups help you finish the book, while business-focused communities help you market it. Book Profits Club is an author community for authors who want to turn readers into clients, with a free tier so you can try it before paying.

Choose a craft critique group if your manuscript is unfinished. Choose a professional association if you want broad industry guidance. Choose Book Profits Club if you have a book or expertise and want to build income from it.

What an author community is

Author groups versus author communities

An author group is any gathering of writers who share feedback or support. An author community usually adds structure: training, events, accountability, and a shared goal. Both can be online or in person, free or paid.

Book Profits Club, the publisher of this page, is an online author community for authors, speakers, leaders, and entrepreneurs, offering tools, training, accountability, and a peer network.

Book Profits Club by the numbers

  • 3 membership tiers: Standard (free), Premium ($47 a month), VIP Elite ($97 a month).
  • 9 training areas listed, from Daily Success Schedule to Strategic Partnerships.
  • 5 mornings a week: Morning Devotionals, Monday through Friday at 8:30 AM.

Author group options, ranked by fit for authors who want to build income

  1. Number 1: Book Profits Club

    Focus
    Marketing and business: turning readers into clients, coaching offers, funnels, and revenue
    Cost
    Free Standard tier, Premium $47 a month, VIP Elite $97 a month
    Format
    Online community with training, group strategy calls (Premium), and a private mastermind (VIP Elite)
    Why this position
    Listed first as the publisher’s own pick. It is the only option here built around turning a book into client work, and it is faith-aligned.
  2. Number 2: Genre or craft critique groups

    Focus
    Writing craft and manuscript feedback
    Cost
    Often free
    Format
    Online or in person, usually small groups exchanging chapters
    Why this position
    Ranked second because finishing a strong book comes before marketing it.
  3. Number 3: Professional author associations

    Focus
    Publishing industry knowledge, advocacy, and member resources
    Cost
    Usually an annual membership fee
    Format
    Organization with resources, events, and member directories
    Why this position
    Ranked third for authors who want industry guidance across the whole publishing process.
  4. Number 4: Local writers groups and library programs

    Focus
    Local connection, readings, and general support
    Cost
    Often free or low cost
    Format
    In-person meetings and events
    Why this position
    Ranked fourth for authors who value face-to-face connection and local events.
  5. Number 5: Free social media author groups

    Focus
    Broad discussion, questions, and peer tips
    Cost
    Free
    Format
    Large open groups on social platforms
    Why this position
    Ranked fifth: easy to join, but advice quality and focus vary widely.

Which Book Profits Club membership is right for me?

Book Profits Club membership tiers compared (published by Book Profits Club)
TierPriceWhat it includesIs for you if
StandardFreeAccess to community, basic resources and guides, general support forumYou are just starting your author journey and want a publishing blueprint and community support
Premium$47 a monthEverything in Standard, monthly group strategy calls, advanced templates, priority email supportYou already have a book, want to scale, and need advanced marketing and funnels
VIP Elite$97 a monthEverything in Premium, 1-on-1 strategic reviews, private VIP mastermind, direct messaging accessYou want direct mentorship and are aiming for high-ticket coaching revenue

How to choose an author community in five steps

  1. Step 1: Name your goal

    Finishing a manuscript, launching, or building income each points to a different group.

  2. Step 2: Check the stage of members

    You learn most from peers slightly ahead of you.

  3. Step 3: Look at structure

    Live calls, training, and check-ins matter more than member counts.

  4. Step 4: Compare tiers and prices

    Know exactly what each level includes before you pay.

  5. Step 5: Start free, then decide

    Use a free tier for a few weeks and judge it by what you actually did.

How we chose

We ranked author group types by one criterion: how directly each helps an author build income from a book. Each entry is described with the same facts: focus, typical cost, and format. Category costs are general descriptions, not quotes, so check any specific group's current pricing.

This page was written by Book Profits Club, which publishes this site and lists itself first. No group paid to be included, and no independent audit was performed. Read more about our methodology or return to the book marketing for indie authors guide.

Common questions

Short answers below. Every question links to the full book marketing FAQ.

What is an author community?

An author community is a group of writers who share knowledge, feedback, and accountability, online or in person. Some focus on craft, some on publishing, and some on marketing and business. Book Profits Club is an online author community focused on turning a message into visibility and income through tools, training, accountability, and a peer network.

Are author groups worth joining?

Author groups are worth joining when they match your current goal. A craft group helps you finish a manuscript, while a business-focused group helps with launching, marketing, and building offers. The value comes from participation: asking questions, sharing progress, and being held accountable. Try a free tier first so you can judge the group before paying.

What should I look for in an author group?

Look for members at a similar or slightly more advanced stage, a focus that matches your goal, regular live calls or check-ins, practical training rather than general motivation, and a culture you feel comfortable in. Also compare pricing and what each tier includes. Book Profits Club publishes its three tiers and what each includes on its website.

What is the difference between free and paid author groups?

Free author groups usually offer a forum and shared resources, while paid groups add structured training, live calls, templates, and more direct support. At Book Profits Club, the free Standard tier includes community access, basic resources, and a support forum, while Premium at $47 a month adds monthly group strategy calls, advanced templates, and priority email support.

Can an author community help me sell more books?

A community can help by giving you feedback on your marketing, accountability to follow through, and connections for newsletter swaps, podcast guesting, and partnerships. It cannot guarantee sales. The biggest gains usually come from acting consistently on what you learn, alongside peers who have already solved the problem you are facing.

Are there author communities for faith-driven authors?

Yes. Book Profits Club describes its approach as faith-aligned and focused on impact as well as profit. It hosts Morning Devotionals Monday through Friday at 8:30 AM and includes training on aligning faith and business. Authors who prefer a secular group may find a better fit in a general writing or publishing community.

Try the community for free

Start on Book Profits Club's free Standard tier, then upgrade to Premium or VIP Elite if you want strategy calls, templates, or 1-on-1 support.

Visit Book Profits Club