*trumpet sound*
I’m an official author on Goodreads.
Within the same week, two authors asked me if I’d set up a Goodreads author account. Then, when they found out I hadn’t, they both gave me the same advice: “It’s never too soon.”
It has now been done and I compiled a list of benefits of being an author on Goodreads:
1. Readers can now add your book to their to-read lists. Ideally, then the to-read status would change to read. You can see who’s reading your book or who’s anxious to read it. (To add A Time to Die to your to-read list, click here.)
2. Connecting with readers. This is easily my favorite benefit. Goodreads allows me to connect directly with my readers. They can befriend me, become a fan, share their reviews, ask me questions, etc.
3. It feels official. Okay, this is just my newbie-author brain speaking and it’s purely a subjective “benefit.” It’s fun to see my book listed. Like a real book! I want to add it to my own to-read list. 😉
4. Reviews. While it’s a scary thought, readers are able to give completely honest reviews, ratings, and feedback on my book. On Amazon, you can only star-rate a book if you post a review. I want every reader to be able to chime in his or her opinion of A Time to Die.
5. Um…giveaways, anybody? I can’t wait to host some giveaways of my book and other author books…all for you, my dear friends and readers! All for you. [grin]
6. You can list upcoming events. This can be a book signing, a blog tour, a giveaway, an author appearance, whatever. Consider Goodreads as one of your microphones.
7. You can link your blog to Goodreads. Yup, you can have a Goodreads blog so that all those readers who never click your website link can still see what you’re writing about!
Okay so maybe all of that was old news to you. Most of you probably know Goodreads better than I do. I’m excited to see what I learn, how I grow, and who I meet. I admire many things about Goodreads. It helps me keep track of the books I want to read. It helps me discover new authors. It connects me with other readers.
I get to be a part of that.
Are you a reader and/or author on Goodreads? And if you are, any advice?
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Great idea! Thanks for sharing. I didn’t realize you could do that before your book was released. Can’t wait to read yours!!
Thank you! It’s a bit tricky to find how to add your own book to Goodreads, but it’s certainly worth it. 🙂
Well first, congratulations! And secondly, though I’ve seen a lot of links to Goodreads, I’ve never gone there to check it out, so this is new (and helpful!) info to me. My book isn’t officially accepted by a publisher (waiting to hear) but this sounds like a great way to make some connections with readers!
Thanks! It took me a while to get back involved with Goodreads and it’s been a great move for me. I think it would be very helpful when you are on the way to publication! Even using it only as a reader for now will build up your “friend” base, because when you become an author all of that transfers.