Goodreads. For years, I would Google books, and Goodreads, a mysterious site whose purposes were unknown, would be one of the top hits. Before I started researching self publishing, I would always ignore this site. But now? Goodreads is the first place I stop if I'm looking for a book.
What is Goodreads? For many bibliophiles, it's like Facebook and Amazon all in one. Readers can send friend requests and post comments on each other's profiles, while also writing reviews, fanning authors, and putting their favorite books on special "shelves." But to authors, it can be even more of a valuable resource. That's because they can use Goodreads to promote their books, and even get noticed on it. How? In this post, I'll give you some tips.
What is Goodreads? For many bibliophiles, it's like Facebook and Amazon all in one. Readers can send friend requests and post comments on each other's profiles, while also writing reviews, fanning authors, and putting their favorite books on special "shelves." But to authors, it can be even more of a valuable resource. That's because they can use Goodreads to promote their books, and even get noticed on it. How? In this post, I'll give you some tips.
- First, make your profile into an Author profile. You must have a published or upcoming book to do this, because in order to do so, you must claim your author profile on Goodreads. Once your page has been claimed via email, your profile will be upgraded.
- Even if you have a while to go from having an author page, you can put yourself out there by rating, shelving, and reviewing books. Plus, why have a Goodreads account if you don't plan on sharing a few books?
- Once your author page is activated, you can connect your blog and your Goodreads page so that your latest posts will appear on your profile. To further intertwine the two, be sure to put a Goodreads widget on your blog so that your blog readers can access it from your blog. Two simple steps that can instantly boost your promotion.
- You can also connect your Facebook and Twitter accounts to Goodreads, and you can even add your Goodreads app to your Facebook page to further integrate the two.
- Post an excerpt of your book on your page. This will get people enticed and
- and more interested in reading and, hopefully, reviewing your book.
- Once you've linked your blog and your Goodreads page, don't be afraid to post and say that your book is available for review. But, as always, don't spam.
- Some groups are set up exclusively for review exchanges, where people are actively looking for things to read and review. Take people up on their offers and ask them if they'd be interest in your book. And don't forget to be polite!
- Schedule a giveaway. Goodreads offers the "Giveaway" finction to authors who want extra publicity. Basically, you offer a free drawing to people in certain countries (and ALWAYS open in to the most number of countries possible-exclusivity is annoying), and whoever gets randomly selected will receive the book free of charge. You can ask the winner to write a review in exchange for the book. But another plus to this feature is that hundreds or even thousands will see your book and add it to their to-read shelves. And who knows? If they don't win, they might even purchase it.
Hope this was helpful. :) - and more interested in reading and, hopefully, reviewing your book.