diff --git a/utils.js b/utils.js
index bb76488..2e783a8 100644
--- a/utils.js
+++ b/utils.js
@@ -252,8 +252,14 @@ export async function getTraktMovie(config) {
 // ========================================================================
 
 // hardcover graphql api - grabs your currently reading book
+// requires HARDCOVER_API_KEY see readme for more info
 export async function getHardcoverActivity(config) {
 	const { userId, feedUrl } = config
+	const apiKey = process.env.HARDCOVER_API_KEY
+	if (!apiKey) {
+		throw new Error('HARDCOVER_API_KEY environment variable not set')
+	}
+
 	const query = `
 		query {
 			user(username: "${userId}") {
@@ -267,7 +273,10 @@ export async function getHardcoverActivity(config) {
 
 	const res = await fetch(feedUrl, {
 		method: 'POST',
-		headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' },
+		headers: {
+			'Content-Type': 'application/json',
+			authorization: apiKey,
+		},
 		body: JSON.stringify({ query }),
 	})