Support Local Authors in Lake Charles: Read, Review, and Get Rewarded at The Charmed Page

Campaign runs June 9 – July 31st at The Charmed Page

Looking for an excuse to dive into a book by a local author? We’ve got one, and it comes with a reward. From June 9 through July 31st, The Charmed Page is launching our Read Local campaign—a month-long celebration of local voices and the readers who champion them. It’s our way of turning your love of stories into something that supports the authors next door and puts a little savings in your pocket.

Here’s how it works: First, buy a book by a local author from our shelves (easy enough). Then, after you’ve finished the last page and wiped away your tears or fist-pumped at the plot twist, leave a review on both Goodreads and our website. Once you’ve done that, snap a screenshot of each review and send them to us via email at hello@charmedpagebooks.com or shoot us a message on Facebook. When we see those lovely reviews roll in, we’ll send you a $5 coupon for each author you review (up to $20) to use right here at The Charmed Page.

Now, we do ask one little favor in return—transparency. Since you’re getting a small reward for taking part, we kindly request you mention it at the end of your reviews. Something simple like, “I received a coupon from The Charmed Page for this honest review,” or “Review submitted as part of The Charmed Page’s ‘Read Local’ campaign,” will do the trick. This keeps things honest, which is kind of our whole vibe.

Why does this matter? Because reviews—especially thoughtful, genuine ones—are the lifeblood of indie authors. For traditionally published authors with big marketing budgets behind them, reviews are helpful. But for self-published and independently published authors, reviews can be the difference between their book being discovered or disappearing into the algorithm abyss. Every review left on a platform like Goodreads or a local bookstore's website increases a book’s visibility, pushing it closer to the top of search results and recommendation feeds. In other words, the more a book is reviewed, the more likely it is to land in someone else's hands.

But it’s more than just digital discoverability. Reviews are a form of social proof. When a potential reader sees that someone took the time to share their thoughts—whether it's a five-star rave or a two-paragraph, “this book made me cry and I’m not okay”—it builds trust. It says, “Hey, someone else read this. Maybe I should, too.” And when it comes to indie authors, many of whom are handling everything from writing and editing to cover design and promotion on their own, that trust is everything.

Reviews also provide invaluable feedback. Authors often read their reviews to understand what resonated and what fell flat—not to change their voice, but to grow. And on a more emotional level, reviews can be the encouragement that keeps an author writing. Writing a book is a marathon, and seeing that someone connected with your words can be the boost that gets you through the next chapter.

And when it’s a book by a local author? That impact multiplies. You’re not just supporting someone in a general, “I like indie things” kind of way—you’re supporting someone who might live in your neighborhood, who shops at the same farmers market, who pours their heart onto the page just down the road. Your review might help them sell more books, land a new opportunity, or simply believe that their words matter. Because they do—and so does your voice.

So, if you've ever wanted to shout about a book you loved or even gently nudge a story that almost got there, this is your moment. You get to support local literature, help authors grow, and save a little while you’re at it. That’s what we call a win-win.

Swing by The Charmed Page, grab something written close to home, and let your voice be part of the story.

Terms & Conditions:
Valid June 9–July 31, 2025. Earn one $5 coupon per local author reviewed (max $20 total). Book must be purchased from The Charmed Page and the author must be stocked on our shelves. To qualify, leave written reviews on both Goodreads and our website, then send screenshots to hello@charmedpagebooks.com or via Facebook. Reviews must include a brief disclosure about the campaign. Coupons valid for in-store use only. Cannot be combined with other offers.