Evaluating Goodreads Authors - Separating the Wheat from the Chaff

Thousands of authors promote themselves on the Goodreads website. No doubt, many of them possess the skills and talent required to write a book that is well worth expending the time and effort to procure, read and perhaps review. Unfortunately, many do not. After three years of trial and error, I developed a system to separate the wheat from the chaff. It usually indicates quite accurately whether or not an author is a professional whose work is worth my time and money.

A Goodreads author's work is probably worthwhile reading if:

The information and claims provided in the author's profile are specific and can be easily researched and verified.

The author's biography, book and contact information are featured in a well designed website.

The book's cover and layout design reflect quality workmanship.

Comments posted in discussion threads by the author seldom if ever contain grammatical errors, misspelled words or typos and exhibit a fluid writing style.

Self promotion threads are skillfully presented, technically well written and concise.

The author does not solicit, offer compensation for or swap consumer reviews or obsess over the quantity or content of reviews received.