Since 2012, I’ve spoken to nearly 100 book clubs in person and online. To me, speaking with such careful readers—people who genuinely love books—is the best part of being a writer.

Just as I think readers should participate in book clubs, I believe writers should seek them out and offer to discuss the stories behind their stories. Here are some reasons why:

1. Increase book sales: To put it bluntly, book clubs are your best audience because they not only tend to buy books but, if they love your work, they may also become your biggest champions, telling friends and family about your writing. If you have multiple titles and a book club enjoys the first one, along with the talk you gave about it, there’s a good chance they’ll read your others.

2. Learn more about the craft of writing: When writers get together in a critique group or to discuss writing, it’s easy for them to get lost in the weeds of punctuation and grammar esoterica or go down the rabbit hole of themes, metaphors, and various literary devices. I’ve never heard a book club talk about the relative merits of first- versus third-person narration. Instead, book club readers’ discussions are great reminders about the most important aspects of any novel or creative nonfiction book: character, story, and prose. That’s it—because that’s everything. If writers can create memorable characters and a compelling plot and express these with a style that makes people want to keep reading, they’ll build a loyal fanbase.

3. Make friends: Sharing stories, food, and wine (or the beverage of your choice) binds people together. I’ve seldom addressed a book club meeting that didn’t start with an amazing, delectable spread and fascinating conversations. Now, I count among my friends a number of book club participants I’ve met over the years. They invite me to speak to their group whenever I have a new book out, act as beta readers, and/or post reviews to help me build momentum.

4. Practice public speaking: W all benefit from lots of practice talking to friendly audiences about our writing journeys and processes and those stories behind our stories. The best location in which to practice is a book club host’s living room or a local clubhouse. These are nonthreatening environments that enable you to refine your delivery and choice of things to share, so that you’ll be ready when asked to speak in a larger venue with a bigger crowd.

5. Learn about other great books: Writers should ask book club participants what else they’ve enjoyed reading and why. This information will help you understand what writing qualities captivate readers. Pay attention whenever readers talk about the books they love—or hate—because class is in session: you’re getting schooled about the kind of writing you’ll want to emulate or avoid.

If you’ve made it through my essay this far, you’ve probably bought into the idea that you should pitch your work to book clubs and finagle an invitation to speak at their meeting. But how do you find them?

First, I recommend you do more book signings. Most book club invitations I receive come about because a reader purchased one of my novels at a bookstore, gift shop, or wherever I held a signing event. In the course of our conversation, I asked whether they were in a book club and gave them my author business card. This card includes not only my contact information but also a promotional incentive: I offer to discount the price of my books for book clubs and sign and personalize every copy they purchase.

Second, don’t be afraid to tell people across many settings that you’ve written a book and it’s for sale. Tell them at your work, place of worship, and school. Tell them at the park where you walk your dogs or take your kids to play. Tell them in the organizations where you volunteer. Tell people in your neighborhood. Spread the word, and you’ll be surprised how many people reply that they’re in a book club or have a friend who is.

The best, most supportive readers around are those in book clubs. Put yourself out there and start reaping the rewards while you entertain and educate your new superfans.