Are you a member of Goodreads? Do you use it to its full potential?Â
I’m a member, I have been for a while, but I know I definitely don’t use it to its full potential. Apparently it does so much more than I’m aware of and I know I need to get my head around it. A social network purely for book lovers. What’s not to love?
I use it simply to log the books I’m reading and keep a track of how many I read throughout the year. There is a Goodreads yearly challenge ticker. This year I have set myself a goal of reading 50 books. I know its not even one a week, but with family, work, writing, blogging and everything else, I think it’s just about what I can manage. At this point in time, I think I’m one book ahead of schedule.
On the blog I tend to connect with other writers, but Goodreads is great for connecting with people who love to read and are vocal about reading. It’s also a great place for getting some reading idea’s. I just wish there were enough hours in the day.
If you self publish, Goodreads also lists self published books. But, whether self or traditionally published, Goodreads looks like it’s a great place to get in touch with your readers. People on there love to read.
If you’re an avid reader, get talking to other readers. It’s great to be able to talk to people who share your love of books.
Feeling as though you’re always reading the same old thing? Browse Goodreads and I guarantee you will come away with some idea’s. I spent ten minutes on there looking at what my Goodreads friends were reading and I was wishing I could read a book a day never mind a book a week!
I really need to investigate it further though. Let me know how you use Goodreads, any useful tips would be much appreciated. And while you’re over there, look me up. I hope to start using it more meaningfully, just check out my link in the right hand column.
DJ Kirkby says
I use Goodreads the same as you, as a virtual bookshelf and as a place to post reviews. I had no idea you could talk to people on there (except via messages), is there a another way?
Rebecca Bradley says
There are lots and lots of groups Denyse. Like I say, I haven’t had a good look around myself, but there are groups to talk about books, different genres etc.
julierkendrick says
U might be interested to know that there is a book called Goodreads For Authors all about how to make the most out of the site. I downloaded it to my kindle for about 75p.
jadereyner says
Thank you! I am not sure how to use Goodreads to the best of its ability so I shall look into that book. I’m glad you brought it to everyone’s attention. 🙂
julierkendrick says
You’re welcome. Don’t forget to look me up on there and add me as a friend. x
Rebecca Bradley says
I will be looking this up. Thanks Julie.
Glynis Smy says
I know I don’t use it as I should. I need to spend time on browsing around, and seeing what it offers. The book that Julie mentions sounds a good idea.
Rebecca Bradley says
The book sounds great doesn’t it. I think I shall be investing in it.
Elle Turner says
I’ve been thinking for a bit that I should get more involved on Goodreads. At the moment I really only switch books between my “to read” “currently reading” and “read” shelves, but I must try harder. Maybe see you over there!
Rebecca Bradley says
That’s about all I do Elle! I’ll see you there! 🙂
fcmalby says
A great post. Goodreads is a wonderful way to connect with readers and there are so many aspects to the site. I wrote a guest post on Goodreads and LibraryThing for authors on another blog that might be helpful. Here’s the link from my blog to hte post http://fcmalby.wordpress.com/2013/02/28/goodreads-and-librarything/
Rebecca Bradley says
The link doesn’t seem to work for me Fiona. Maybe it’s just me this morning. I haven’t heard of Library Thing though, so I’m interested to learn more.
Prashant C. Trikannad says
I find a lot of useful information on Goodreads though I’m not a member but your timely post is pushing me in that direction.
Rebecca Bradley says
It does seem a very active site, which is what I think overwhelms me sometimes. The amount of information and books coming at me. It would be great to see you on there though!
Annalisa Crawford says
I joined Goodreads so I could list my books, and to review my blogger friends’ books. I sometimes comment on discussions of books I’ve rated – mostly the Pride and Prejudice ones – but I definitely do not use it to it’s full potential.
Rebecca Bradley says
Me neither. I have tried, but I need to spend some more time on it learning the ropes I think.
Margot Kinberg says
Rebecca – Thanks for the terrific reminder of how much Goodreads has to offer. I have a presence there but honestly, I don’t use it the way that I could. As you say, never enough hours in the day…
Rebecca Bradley says
That’s the problem isn’t it Margot. Busy lives and not enough hours. I think I need to clone myself!
Stacey Mitchell says
I think I’m the same as most of the other commenters–I keep track of what I’ve read, what I’m reading, and what I want to read! It’s great for finding new reads, like you said, and it’s also good for giveaways.
Rebecca Bradley says
See, giveaways I’ve never really found, but then I tend to only go on when I’ve read a book, just to leave the review. I do need to spend a little more time on there learning my way around.
Vikki Thompson says
I have to admit, i just use it to post reviews lol…might have to investigate 😉
xx
Rebecca Bradley says
You and me both Vikki! x
Patricia (@patricialynne07) says
I’m a member but I rarely use it. Usually, I only log in to look at messages from various groups I don’t participate in. I’m not much of a talker when there aren’t many people I know as friends.
Rebecca Bradley says
I understand that Patricia. It can feel a bit odd just jumping in to a conversation. I have just been logging in and leaving my reviews but have become aware that there is more to it than that. I imagine you could actually spend a huge amount of time on there if you wanted to. I must investigate, without getting sucked right in!
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
I’m on Goodreads, although I often forget to mark books I’ve read. I do use it to track people who have put my books on their shelves to read or reviewed them.
Rebecca Bradley says
I can imagine that is a really great thing to be able to do as an author Alex! One day I hope to be able to do the same 🙂
D.A.Cairns says
Just curious Alex. When my novel Loathe Your Neighbor was released in January, nearly 200 people added it but so far only one of them has read and reviewed it. What has been your experience?
jadereyner says
I pretty much echo all of the above comments. I think I shall be downloading that book! 🙂
Rebecca Bradley says
Yes, I think I shall be having a look at that book as well Jade!
diannegray says
I’m on Goodreads, but really don’t use it to it’s full potential. I’m a bit of a novice!
Rebecca Bradley says
It sounds as though you are in the majority Dianne. We all seem to just use it for logging our books, even though it does so much more. I think I will try to have a better look around, without getting sucked in!
fcmalby says
Sorry. I have corrected the link. Hope the post helps. LibraryThing is really good. Do have a look at the site.
fcmalby says
Here’s the direct link http://mysterywritingismurder.blogspot.co.at/2013/02/librarything-and-goodreads-meeting.html?m=1
Jane Isaac says
I definitely don’t use Goodreads to its full potential. The comments and links posted here have been very useful. Thanks for bringing this up Rebecca.
D.A.Cairns says
Point well made, Rebecca. Goodreads is a gun website for writers and readers. I’m still figuring out how best to use it. Getting an author’s page up at the start of the year with the release of Loathe Your Neighbor provided a big boost in profile for me and my work.