Joan Cox
asked
Werner A. Lind:
Werner, how do you introduce your work to people on goodread? I have placed an excerpt of my book on my blog, however I don't know how well attention is given to new blogs to the whole community. Do they receive access through the email?
Werner A. Lind
Joan, good question! If you're a Goodreads author, you can connect your blog to your Goodreads profile. Anyone on Goodreads can access it from there, and your Goodreads friends will get notices of your new blog posts in their continuous update feed, which shows on their homepage. But only people who officially "follow" you on Goodreads will get e-mailed notices of your new posts. I don't blog myself, but one author friend has stated that author blogs (new or old) don't really receive much attention.
Many authors do introductory giveaways of their books, though I never have (and the results of these are mixed, in terms of reviews). Many Goodreads groups have venues where author members can introduce and promote their work. You can also add your book to Goodreads lists where it's appropriate (though I personally don't add my own work to "Best of..." or "Recommended..." lists). Some authors agree to "swap" honest reviews, but those arrangements need to be disclosed openly in the reviews, and have obvious pitfalls (for instance, it can be hard to be objective in your review, even if you honestly try to be).
In my experience, the best strategy for book promotion is to NOT make book promotion your goal of being on Goodreads. Enjoy the site as a reader: read a lot, review what you read honestly and fairly, join groups that interest you and take an active part in their discussions, make friends with people you genuinely want to be friends with and read their reviews (and if you like the latter, say so!). When opportunities arise naturally to mention your book, do so without a strident hard-sell approach. Following this advice won't put your book on the NYT Best Seller list; but I think it will result in some people taking you seriously and giving your book a chance.
Hope this helps! Best wishes with your writing.
Many authors do introductory giveaways of their books, though I never have (and the results of these are mixed, in terms of reviews). Many Goodreads groups have venues where author members can introduce and promote their work. You can also add your book to Goodreads lists where it's appropriate (though I personally don't add my own work to "Best of..." or "Recommended..." lists). Some authors agree to "swap" honest reviews, but those arrangements need to be disclosed openly in the reviews, and have obvious pitfalls (for instance, it can be hard to be objective in your review, even if you honestly try to be).
In my experience, the best strategy for book promotion is to NOT make book promotion your goal of being on Goodreads. Enjoy the site as a reader: read a lot, review what you read honestly and fairly, join groups that interest you and take an active part in their discussions, make friends with people you genuinely want to be friends with and read their reviews (and if you like the latter, say so!). When opportunities arise naturally to mention your book, do so without a strident hard-sell approach. Following this advice won't put your book on the NYT Best Seller list; but I think it will result in some people taking you seriously and giving your book a chance.
Hope this helps! Best wishes with your writing.
More Answered Questions
Laura-Lee
asked
Werner A. Lind:
Here's my question, Baby Cake. I'm finally "biting the bullet" to read the Illiad by Homer but there are SO many translations to choose from and since WHO is doing the translating can make a significant difference... Whom do you recommend I go for this first time around? (And PLEASE don't recommend I learn Ancient Greek and read it in the original language. 🥺)
Laura-Lee
asked
Werner A. Lind:
This might sound a little bit materialistic but "where is the best place for us to order your books from?" when you consider all things like, promotion and cutting out the middle man so you get a bigger piece of the money pie? (Think of it as me just being practical and not about the "love of money" which as we all know is a big "NO NO".) ;-) Sincerely, (wanting to do the right thing) Laura-Lee
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more