How can you, an author, most effectively use Goodreads as a bridge to a huge community of potential readers for your book?
I consulted the work of novel marketing expert Thomas Umstattd Jr. for some tips.
Obviously it’s a great idea to start using Goodreads as a reader, sharing what you are reading with others. Join some groups.
Next, Umstattd suggests setting up an author page through the Goodreads Author program. Put a bio there, a photo, and interesting tidbits about yourself. Then …
Lists. In the Listopia section of Goodreads, where readers have created lists of various types of books. Find the lists that your book fits on, and put it there. While you’re at it, add some other people’s books too. And vote for your top ten books on each list. That will tell your readers more about you. Don’t forget to invite your readers to vote for your books!
Ads. If there’s a highly rated author whose books are similar to yours, you can advertise your book to fans of that author–or to fans of your earlier books. The ads aren’t expensive, and are a great way to let your previous readers know you have a new book.
Book giveaways. You have to have a print version of the book for this to work, and you have to be willing to mail it to the winner (who may live in the U.K. or somewhere). You’re hoping and expecting some of the people who enter your giveaway to put it on their “to-read” shelf, which enhances the general visibility of your book. You’re hoping for good reviews from the winner, too.
Discussion. You can host a discussion about your book. You want to start the conversation and let the readers get fired up about your book and tell others. Look for Goodreads Featured Books.
Blog. When you connect your blog to your author page, Goodreads will email your fans once a week with your new blog posts. Easy! This is part of the Goodreads Author Program. Very important free publicity! Be sure to actually blog on your blog, too.
Reviews. Ask your readers for reviews on Goodreads. Even negative reviews will make your book more visible, because it’s the number of reviews that’s so important.
Find out more details from Thomas Umstattd Jr. himself: go to AuthorMedia.com and find the post, ”
Pam Halter says
Thanks for this – I’m on GoodReads, however, I’m pretty clueless about using it. It sounds very time consuming, though. I guess I’m just not good with scheduling my time, but in my defense, my life often changes in a moment if my special needs adult daughter has an emergency. But this is good information – I’ll see what I can do with it.
Phyllis Wheeler says
Cool! I hope it’s helpful.
Cathy Elliott says
Thanks, Phyllis, for another informative post. I love this blog! Short posts, to the point, & full of good info. Read it often. 🙂 This is a great one about marketing on Goodreads & one I’ll investigate further. Hat’s off! (If I was wearing a hat. He-he.)
Phyllis Wheeler says
I’m so glad you find our work helpful! Thanks, Cathy!
Sherry Parnell says
Hi Phyllis,
Great post with a lot of information. Thanks so much.
Quick question – I went to Goodreads to add my book to lists where my book fits and received the message that I can’t add or vote for my own book on Listopia. What might I be doing wrong?
Thanks again.