Are you an author or are you a writer hoping to publish at some point in the future? How do you help readers discover your book?
The figures of books released each year are just staggering, so if you are an author, how do you get noticed among the noise?
Do you use Goodreads? If the answer to that question is yes or no, this may be worth watching. If you answered yes, are you sure you know how it works for you? Goodreads is a social network that is solely used by readers. People who love books, who want to read books and who take the time to review books. It’s a place you want to take notice of.
Recently while browsing YouTube for book related content, I came across this video. It’s a 12 minute seminar by Goodreads Director of Community, Patrick Brown at the London Book Fair in 2013 in the author lounge. He is talking about how you can get your book in front of readers. It’s a bit dry, but it is definitely worth watching.
This post is part of theย A to Z Blogging Challenge.ย
diannegray says
Very interesting indeed. I was waiting for him to give some tips on how to approach reviewers, but he didn’t really go into that. Amazing and scary that there will be 600,000 NEW books published in 2015 – wow, that makes the market very competitive! ๐
Rebecca Bradley says
The figures are just huge aren’t they. It’s a wonder anyone sells enough to make any money with that amount of competition.
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
Thanks for posting the video! I’m on Goodreads but I’m sure I haven’t used it to its full potential.
Rebecca Bradley says
I’m sure I don’t use it to it’s full potential as a reader!
Margot Kinberg says
Rebecca – Thanks for sharing this. I’m a Goodreads author, but there are so many things one can do with it that I’m sure I haven’t even scratched the surface.
Rebecca Bradley says
I don’t think I’ve scratched the surface even as a reader Margot. Maybe I should get a little more comfortable with it myself as well.
Rebecca Bradley says
I don’t think I’ve even scratched the surface of it as a reader Margot. I might try and get a little more comfortable with it myself. But there are only so many hours in the day.
Carol Balawyder says
17 million members on Goodreads! Hundreds of thousands of reviews of a single title- Wow!
“The Ultimate Goodreads” gives lots of useful tips on using Goodreads.
Thanks, Rebecca, for posting this.
Rebecca Bradley says
The numbers are just huge aren’t they? Mind boggling. Thanks for the book tip. I’ll make a note!
DJ Kirkby says
Thanks for posting this Rebecca. I am on Goodreads as a reader, but also as an author so it was nice to have this video as a checklist to make sure I haven’t missed out on anything I can offer readers.
Rebecca Bradley says
You’re welcome Denyse. I’m not sure I use it fully as a reader, so I probably need to learn a little more about it myself.
Jacqui Murray says
Good advice. Very common sense.
Rebecca Bradley says
It’s a big place. It’s nice to hear someone lay it out simply ๐
Glynis Smy says
Interesting post. I read to my three and all could read by aged four. They went onto loving books. Goodreads is growing fast, I drop in when I can, and have found some interesting reads. Also found pleasant reviews of my own books! ๐
Rebecca Bradley says
Now, that’s always a bonus! It’s a great site as it’s specifically designed for book lovers. It is growing fast. I can’t keep up with half of social media, but I think this is one I probably should.