Goodreads

Who hasn’t heard of Goodreads? It’s an extensive website and app for readers to log their reads, look at user-generated reviews, and find new books to read. But there’s so much more. Goodreads is huge. And as a writer, if you aren’t using it, let me give you a little push.

What is Goodreads? The site/app is owned by Amazon, but in its beginnings, it was a review site for books. Users can mark ones they’ve read, want to read, and are currently reading. Friends can connect on Goodreads through Facebook and see what everyone is reading. Users can rate reads with a 5-star rating system and post a review as detailed as they wish. Finding a great book was never easier. Readers can recommend titles directly to friends. Lists of every variety are easily accessible. Need a book about a teen frog?—boom, there’s a list for that. Goodreads also holds a yearly reading challenge. Users can create a reading goal for the year and track it through the app. There are also discussion groups on every topic.

How does the site differ for writers? I’m glad you asked.

As a writer, you should have a presence on Goodreads. You need to have a published book to create an author profile, but that does not stop you from using the site as a reader. To begin, create a profile with your author name. Add books you’ve read (lots of ’em) or want to read. Add reviews, specifically those in the genre you write in (without trashing your peers). Give people a taste of your voice through those reviews. You can also link your blog to the site or create a book blog easily. Join discussion groups about books in your genre. Talk and listen to other readers. Build that rapport.

Once you are published, create an author profile. You will need to link your account to your actual books for sale. Make sure the site has the correct cover, blurb, and sale links. Be sure to add a professional headshot to the account. Use the same picture you use on your author pages from Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and/or Amazon. By using the same pic, readers become familiar with your mug. Next, answer some of the generic questions Goodreads suggests to start a dialog with readers. Add book signings and appearances to the events section in your profile. You can also add readers’ questions, another great way to interact with fans.

A word of caution. Goodreads has a great Author Guidelines page to help you navigate the site. It lists many of the things I’ve mentioned above. But most importantly, it covers professional behavior. The site reminds authors not to spam readers with requests for reads (when they have indicated an interest in their book.) It also cautions authors not to interact with reviews. It’s fine to put a heart or a smile on a good review or click the Like button. But do not engage with people who gave a bad review. The site is user-run. Everyone and anyone can post. If you see abuse, report it. This is NOT the place to take on your critics.

When you are ready for bigger things, check out Goodreads giveaways. (Ads are no longer an option on Goodreads…crossing out that section of the blog.) Giveaways are for Kindle direct authors only or publishers. They also cost a bit to get up and running. But they are a great way to get reviews and new readers.

Standard Giveaways price out at $119. It includes several perks. Anyone who enters the giveaway has the book added to their “Want to Read” shelf, which is visible to all their Goodreads friends. It also anyone who follows you to get a notification about the giveaway. Anyone who has the book on their “Want to Read” shelf is asked by email if they want to participate. Also, the title is listed on the Giveaways page for Goodreads, so any readers perusing the list might stumble on your contest and jump in. There is also a Premium Giveaway package for $600. With this option, you get everything listed above, plus premium space on the Giveaway page, emails to the winners to remind them to review, and personalization of messages sent out to contestants.

Goodreads is a great tool for authors to find new readers, establish themselves as an author, and find wonderful books to read.