Marketing Advice and Tips from Kendare Blake

Kendare Blake is the author of Anna Dressed in Blood, a “deliciously creepy” and “hilarious” Young Adult horror story that “leaves awesomeness behind” (according to some of her Goodreads reviewers). She’s been a Goodreads member since 2010, and has amassed more than 16,000 followers. All these followers surely delight in her activity on Goodreads, where she answers any question that comes in from her fans via Ask the Author—164 and counting, many of them inquiring about the possibility of a movie adaptation of her book!

She recently answered a few questions of ours about her Goodreads activity and what tips she can share with other authors about marketing books on Goodreads. Will this spark a trend in author profile pictures with turtles? Read on to find out!

You’ve amassed quite a following on Goodreads! How do you encourage readers to follow you?

I couldn't be happier about my Goodreads following, but I must admit, this one is a bit of a mystery. I certainly try to engage with all readers, and to keep my blog posts zippy and (semi) regular, but I don't know what in particular makes someone decide to follow. There's a turtle in my author photo. Maybe he has hypnotic eyes.

What’s your approach to responding to reader questions via Ask the Author?

I check in multiple times a week for reader questions. And I will answer the same question no matter how many times it is asked! If a question is a spoiler in itself, I still try to respond via the messaging system.

What’s your favorite thing about Goodreads?

Honestly, the thing I love most about Goodreads is that it keeps me up to date on books! I use it like any other reader: to zero in on new authors and find new releases on lists or in my updates feed. Staying current on your favorite authors can be difficult. Goodreads makes my book life so much simpler: one location, savable lists, all the info I want.




How do you encourage reviews of your book on Goodreads?

I don't think I do. Goodreads is just a review-friendly platform. As an author, I don't want reviewers to feel as though I'm looking over their shoulder. I won't do more than discreetly "like" those that particularly speak to me. Unless a reviewer asks what I thought of their review, I stay out of it.

What’s one exciting, possibly hidden feature you’ve discovered on Goodreads?

I really like checking all of the recent status updates of books that I'm reading, so it feels like I'm reading along with people. Sort of a book club for introverts. Is that sad? I don't care.

Also, (and I know this is two) I love that Goodreads showcases our upcoming releases. Readers can talk about them prior to release, speculate on covers, add them to lists. I definitely keep an eye on those new book details: making sure the description is correct, watching for community questions, etc.

What are you working on right now?

I'm working on my Fall 2016 release, Three Dark Crowns. It's about three young queens on a magical island. Each has a particular gift: one is an elemental, who can call the storms and wield fire, one is a naturalist who can commune with animals and make things grow, and one is a poisoner, an expert assassin who can ingest poisons with no ill effects. Only one can rule. Two must die. Did I mention that they're sisters?

Read a few of Kendare’s ATA answers here to give you a sense of how her personality shines through in her engagement with readers (this doubles as advice about writing!). Be sure to follow her to see more of her great activity.

Next: The Impact of Goodreads Choice Awards for Authors and Publishers

You might also like: Marketing Advice from Debut Author Scott Hawkins

Goodreads Authors can subscribe to the Monthly Author Newsletter by editing their account settings.