Making Connections discussion
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Does anyone know where I can find an affordable fantasy illustrator?
How to add aditions to books on goodreads? *editions*
Mod
can someone help me with the whole review and arc process. i am a huge bookworm and want to branch out, learn how to review books and get arcs or books from publishers to review
Stephanie wrote: "can someone help me with the whole review and arc process. i am a huge bookworm and want to branch out, learn how to review books and get arcs or books from publishers to review"Stephanie,
Traditional publishers do circulate advance copies of books by their contracted authors; however, distribution is limited to professional reviewers who publish their opinions in the magazines, newspapers, and websites of their employers.
Many self-published authors offer free books or other incentives to readers in exchange for the promise to publish a rating and review. A Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulation requires that any review posted by a reader in exchange for any type of compensation such as a free book, gift card, cash, reciprocation, etc., etc. include acknowledgement of the specific type of compensation within the review itself.
I hope this information proves helpful.
Mod
Start by reading other people’s reviews so you get an idea of what to include when you’re ready to write your own.
You can look through this group and find books the authors have made available for reviewers. Netgalley is another good place to get books to review.
Forgive me if this question has already been asked and answered. Is there a way to find out who has marked a title as "currently reading"?
It would be cool to connect with people who are in the process of reading the same book that you are.
It would spur discussion and perhaps lead to new Goodreads friendships.
For instance, I am now reading
and would love to be able to find other Goodreads users who are reading it right now instead of waiting for their reviews when they've finished the book.
Mod
Is there a way to find out who has marked a title as "currently reading"?
It would be cool to connect with people who are in the pr..."
You can see friends who are currently reading a book by going to the book page and scrolling down to "friend reviews." As far as I can tell, there's no way to see who is currently reading a book if you're not friends with them.
Angela wrote: "Hi everyone! I have a question and it not related to a book but...
I'm wondering how everyone manages squeezing reading into their schedules!
I work full time and go to school part-time. My even..."
Mt dear Angela - you are in for trouble. I am 77 years old and have never had enough time to read. My parents were teachers and I learned to read at a young age. But my parents were strict and thought children should contribute to the household by performing various duties. I started washing dishes by standing on a kitchen chair. Don't know how many I broke but I learned to work. I started working after school in a shoe store when I was 14 - not because I thought it would be fun to miss out on all the extras of middle and high school but because my parents thought I should earn money to contribute to my college fund. So I always worked; one time in graduate school, I worked three part time jobs. Before an exam, I would get two cups of coffee full of cream and sugar out of the machine, drink that to get a bit of an upper and take the exam. One time after an exam, I went to my car and fell asleep before I could drive home. Then I worked all those years, mostly in higher education - always exams, lesson plans, research, presentations of research, preparing papers for publication, committee meetings, supervising masters and doctoral research. I finally retired and thought that I would have time to read - not so. I never have enough time to read. Always some volunteer activity (mostly, I volunteer at the public library - so I can be near books), and I go to two different book discussion groups (I am retired and have time) and I manage a book discussion group here in my retirement community. But neighbors need help, someone has to go to the grocery store. But I just keep reading. I keep a notepad in every book I read - list the characters as they appear and a note to remember who they are, e.,g, Tom - minister or Molly- mother in law. I also note any things that I want to think about or come back to. I read 3-4 books at a time. Always have a mystery going, usually an inspirational or devotional book, then whatever comes to the top of the pile. I put a lot of reviews on Goodreads - this forces me to keep notes about the characters and action and serious thoughts. Then when I get here to the site, I have a piece of paper with info that I can use to give info to others. After retirement, I usually average around 100 books a year, but I certainly did not do that when I was working. I do not set goals for myself, I am so old that I can read what I want to read, although I do spend time on the giveaways at Goodreads and read reviews from the NYTimes. I think those acts are my competitive spirit - I want to be ahead of the curve and read books to suggest to the book group. Silly and childlike. Make your own rules. Read when you can, keep notes so you can pick up your pleasure reading anytime, do not skip your reading for class (from someone who is like your teachers). Decide the genre you like best and focus on that. I once lived in an area that had a book group that only read biographies. [How boring I thought! Most are not as good as a mystery.] It is your life, your education, your children. Make your own rules and do it. I did start a single list of books I have read back in 1974. No one sees it. It will be thrown away after I am gone from this earth. It is just for me. And sometimes I find myself reading something that I read before!! Old age is not for sissies.
Anyway, Angela, read your books for classes, then experiment, decide what you like, science fiction, romance, whatever, and go. You will never have enough time to read if you love reading. And Goodreads is a good place to get info about books and reviews. I follow certain reviewers who seem to like the same things I like.
Holy cow! Can you tell I am a teacher? I never shut up. Most of all, ENJOY.
Hey! I'm looking for a group for accountability partners...or a group that helps each other stay on a writing goal. Motivational group...that sort of thing. I thought this would be the forum to find it, but I'm still not. Can someone please point me in the right direction?
thanks!
Hi, I'm new here. Reading through all the questions and responses to get to an idea of what the group is all about. Wow, quite a variety including piracy. Everyone is very helpful here. I'll hang back a bit before I contribute. Glad I found this group.
Peacejanz, What a fabulous response, enjoyed it so much. I taught ESL and still volunteer. Of course when is the question and that's uncertain for the moment, but that's another story.
Hi, I was wondering how I can post an image of my book along with a message I’m posting on your Goodreads daily stream of news.I would be grateful for any advice on this. Thanks, Jane H Wood,
Jane wrote: "Hi, I was wondering how I can post an image of my book along with a message I’m posting on your Goodreads daily stream of news.I would be grateful for any advice on this. Thanks, Jane H Wood,"
If you write a blog post, then it will show up in the feed of your followers if their feed is set to see "everything."
I need reviews for my new book.I signed up on 19th January for your ARR Program, hoping for reviews for my new book published today 28th, January 2021.
I noticed that my title has not yet been listed. Could you tell me when it will be visible for readers to respond to please.
I have several free pdf review copies of my book to send to interested parties in exchange for honest reviews.
Thank you.
Mod
Hello Everyone!I wasn't quite sure where to reach out here, but I'm a blogger who works closely with The Write Reads. TWR does book tours over on Twitter. If interested you can check them out here.
But what I really wanted to spread the word about to indie and small press authors is the BBNYA, Book Bloggers' Novel of the Year Awards. They had the 1st one last year and the top 10 Finalists and Winner are doing their tours now (as part of their prize package). BBNYA has just opened up the 2021 entries for authors who might be interested. I was a panelist last year and will be one again this year. It was a great experience and I read entries that may not have made it to the finals, but I wanted to finish, so I'll be reviewing them soon. So it's great exposure! Anyone interested can check it out on Twitter or their website. Also, if any reviewers would like to sign up to be a panelist the info is on their website.
To the mods, if this isn't the correct thread then please let me know where to post it. Thank you! :)
Jane wrote: "Hi, I was wondering how I can post an image of my book along with a message I’m posting on your Goodreads daily stream of news.I would be grateful for any advice on this. Thanks, Jane H Wood,"
Hi, I did a “Blog Post” to announce the release of my new book, and thought that the book’s detail page would thereby go into the newsfeed, but soon realized only a link to the book was showing. How do I get the ‘standard detail page’ along with Call to Action button to appear in the newsfeed? Is that something a Librarian has to do?Thank You,
L. Zieanna
Mod
A GR librarian won't be able to edit your blog or make a blog post for you. When you add the book details to your blog, is there an option to choose the book cover instead of the link like it does in the forum posts here? I don't have access to an author page to see what options you have, but hopefully another author here will be able to help you with this.
Yes, I see it now... how you can click either the book link or cover.I had also asked in 2 other locations without success. Then was directed to "Contact Us". They emailed to say: it isn't possible to embed your book page into your blog at this point. So I'm guessing the full detail page only appears in the newsfeed when 'someone else' clicks on the link/cover in your blog, where they can then access the Want to Read button. Thank you so much for that info.
L. wrote: "Hi, I did a “Blog Post” to announce the release of my new book, and thought that the book’s detail page would thereby go into the newsfeed, but soon realized only a link to the book was showing. Ho..."I'm not sure who actually sees it when you do a blog post. I'm following maybe 20 authors on Goodreads and I check my Goodreads feed daily. One of those authors posted a blog update yesterday. I didn't see it, nor have I ever seen a blog post update in my feed.
I think it may depend on how you have your Goodreads settings set, but I'm not sure. The choices I see are "book updates only" "reviews only" and "everything." I assume maybe if I chose "everything" I might see those blog posts in my feed, but then I'd also be seeing all the GR clutter.
I think blog posts are worth doing as your followers may click on them when they stop by your author page, but I wouldn't necessarily count on them showing up in people's feeds.
Thanks, Kat. That's good to know.I had watched a 'Countdown to Release Day' workshop for GD authors before I joined and there was mention of a beautiful full detail page that would go into the newsfeed once you were LIVE. It supposedly only went to friends and followers, but at least that would be some exposure. Imagine my disappointment when the day came and I saw nothing ... I'll have to try and access that video again to see exactly what triggered the display she spoke of. I mistakenly thought it would have been the blog post.
I have my settings on "everything", and you're right, it does take a while to go through. Some people I see each and every day; then some others in my friend list, I have never seen once. Despite the few problems I've had with finding out how to do things, I love the site for finding new reads posted by those who have the same tastes, and keeping track of what I've read. I've never read so much in all my life. Thanks for your reply.
Hi! I'm not sure which thread this would best fit into... I am part of a group that is putting on live (via Zoom), twice monthly, group author readings featuring six women and non-binary authors of science fiction, fantasy, and horror, and we're looking for authors to participate/read their work. We have a webpage and a sign up form that I wanted to share for anyone that is interested. We're particularly hoping to recruit more women and non-binary authors of color who write science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Where would be the best thread to post the info.?
Mod
I'm not really sure where the best place would be. It could fit under a couple of different categories. How about the "Book Talk" thread? The other ones that would fit would maybe be Book Promotions or Professional Services?
I would love to join your group. I am a woman who has been active all my life but now am restricted to home due to health and I miss visiting with all my author friends. Please contact me a mgarnet2@yahoo.com
Sheri wrote: "Hi Terri, I'm not really sure where the best place would be. It could fit under a couple of different categories. How about the "Book Talk" thread? The other ones that would fit would maybe be Boo..."
Professional Services sounds right! I've posted there. Thanks Sheri!!!! <3
I would like to know if anyone has heard of Black Sun book promotions for authors and Reviews. And has any one ever used them. This is a proposal they sent me when I enquired. The problem is I can't find any online reviews about this promotion group. I am looking to promote my books series and this magically showed up on my website mailbox.
In our efforts to maximise the exposure the authors we represent receive, for a limited time, we have included a far greater and more widespread promotion of author quotes. Not only this but, for a limited time, we are continuing the double shelf votes feature from our previous promotion as the results have been such a success. There has never been a better, or more cost-effective time to promote your book, get into the strongest contention for the Reading Challenges, become a 2021 Trending-Title, and have your author quotes picked up by Quotation Websites whose users share content across all Social Media platforms.
With our huge reader database, and extensive breakdown of their exact preferences, we can prepare detailed plans for areas that we are interested in targeting, so we are ready and able to hit the ground running with titles of any genre, fiction and non-fiction. The 2021 Reading Lists and Reading Challenges are already attracting colossal interest (over 4 million readers in the 2020 Reading Challenge) and we’re at the front line to generate the necessary exposure for the authors we represent to get them included.
There are shelves and lists that are ripe for generating exposure like never before, and rest assured we aren’t only looking at a here-then-gone approach. We will also be hitting areas that will generate exposure the whole year round, and the more targeted items will be in place for the remainder of Summer sales, through to the build up for the Christmas sales spike, into 2022 and beyond. I’ve also attached a pdf that helps explain the elements of our packages, and why each one is vital to building a platform to drive exposure. If you’d rather not download the pdf then let me know and I can paste the contents into a following email for you.
There are discounts available for a short while, but once those slots have gone there will be no further discounted packages until later in the year, so don’t miss out by delaying as these will go quickly.
2021 Reading Challenge & Author Quotes Prestige
10 Reviews provided for Amazon Editorial Reviews
10 Reviews added to BookBub
10 Reviews added to Goodreads, GoogleBooks, WorldCat
A review shared on Facebook groups of Readers and Book Lovers with around One Million Members
600 Goodreads Ratings of your book
600 Goodreads List votes of your book incorporating 2021 To-Read lists
600 Goodreads Shelf votes of your book incorporating 2021 To-Read shelves
(Plus an extra 600 Shelf votes free of charge)
200 Goodreads Author followers
200 Goodreads Quote likes
(Plus an extra 300 Author Quote likes free of charge)
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50 BookBub bookmarks pushing for a deal on your title we’re promoting
After this promotion the price for this package will be $1900
But for a Limited Time We Are Offering the Prestige For $898
2021 Reading Challenge & Author Quotes Premium
5 Reviews provided for Amazon Editorial Reviews
5 Reviews added to Goodreads, GoogleBooks, WorldCat
A review shared on Facebook groups of Readers and Book Lovers with around Half a Million Members
250 Goodreads Ratings of your book
250 Goodreads List votes of your book incorporating 2021 To-Read list
250 Goodreads Shelf votes of your book incorporating 2021 To-Read shelves
(Plus an extra 250 Shelf votes free of charge)
75 Goodreads Author followers
75 Goodreads Quote likes
(Plus an extra 125 Author Quote likes free of charge)
75 Goodreads Review likes
20 BookBub Author followers
20 BookBub bookmarks pushing for a deal on your title we’re promoting
After this promotion the price for this package will be $1100
But for a Limited Time We Are Offering the Premium For $498
2021 Reading Challenge & Author Quotes Entry-Level
2 Reviews provided for Amazon Editorial Reviews
2 Reviews added to Goodreads, GoogleBooks, WorldCat
A review shared on Facebook groups of Readers and Book Lovers with around Half a Million Members
100 Goodreads Ratings of your book
100 Goodreads List votes of your book incorporating 2021 To-Read list
100 Goodreads Shelf votes of your book incorporating 2021 To-Read shelves
(Plus an extra 100 Shelf votes free of charge)
30 Goodreads Author followers
30 Goodreads Quote likes
(Plus an extra 30 Author Quote likes free of charge)
30 Goodreads Review likes
10 BookBub Author followers
10 BookBub bookmarks pushing for a deal on your title we’re promoting
After this promotion the price for this package will be $698
But for a Limited Time We Are Offering the Entry-Level For $248
We can also help with tips for picking out the best quotes from your books, and even take care of adding and tagging them for you too.
If you have any questions I'm happy to help in any way I can. As there are hundreds, or even thousands of readers required to complete our packages and so much work involved we only represent a select number of authors at any one time to ensure they get our undivided attention, so if you are interested then do get in touch soon to avoid missing out.
Once you are ready to move forward to promote The Guardians of Sun-Star and Moon-Star and / or A Halloween Adventure with Jack and Ony Lantern we’ll email out an invoice, and when that clears I will begin contacting reviewers and have the team get to work on your order right away.
All our best, and onwards towards to the next level of your literary success,
Anne and the Blacksun Book Promotions team.
mail@blacksunbookreviews.com
http://www.blacksunbookreviews.com
“Help!” the anonymous author remarked with a modest grin on his face. Hello, I apologize for the melodramatic start to this comment, but I hoped to catch a few readers’ interest.
As a reader, I believe it is good to know what other individuals are reading and advocating. As an indie author, I realize it is equally important to learn what they are not reading - such as my novel.
Recently I had the privilege of having Sheri add my book to the ‘Making Connections group ARR: Christian Fiction > 6234. Looking for God, by AW Schade.’
While it received modest consideration, there were 10 views. To me, this showed ten folks looked at the category, cover, and narrative.
Unfortunately, no one asked to review the story.
But instead of looking at that as a negative, I would like to use it as a positive opportunity to ask for your help.
Whether you were a visitor, or someone willing to take a quick look at the link, your thoughts on the following two questions will be a true benefit to me in positioning my book. Don’t worry, I can handle constructive criticism - honestly!
First, you browsed the titles on Julie’s list of ‘authors requesting reviews’ and seeing mine - Looking for God - either clicked on my book link or didn’t, and that’s okay. Either way, please comment on what made you look at the title, and/or pass it by?
Next, you skimmed the title, then clicked on the link for more information and decide not to review the story. Was it that the cover wasn’t appealing? Or the description didn’t create enough enthusiasm to continue?
Your feedback will be greatly appreciated. I would be glad to return the favor at any time.
AW Schade
Angela wrote: I'm wondering how everyone manages squeezing reading into their schedules! I work full time and go to school part-time....Late to answer this, but I think it's relevant because the common denominator I've seen in all published writers is that they are all readers. You can take all the creative writing courses you want, join all of the writers support groups you want, but if you don't read, you can't write.
I had given lectures on writing some time ago, addressed all the excuses writers make for not writing, and one was "I don't have time to write." Well, if every waking hour is spent in necessary pastimes, then you don't have time to write." But it's more likely that you're using available time in some other way. I suggested that aspiring writers keep a log for a week, account for all of their time, and they might be surprised to find there are periods of available time, they're just applying it elsewhere."
If someone's Goodreads account is set as private (no picture or info), they have less than ten reviews or ratings, and they send you a message wanting to interview you or review your book along with "their email address," is it safe to assume it's legit?
Mod
I personally would always be cautious of anyone asking to do a review for you unless you had offered your book for review first. Could you ask them to add you as a friend on Goodreads so you could see their profile?
Sheri wrote: "Marie wrote: "If someone's Goodreads account is set as private (no picture or info), they have less than ten reviews or ratings, and they send you a message wanting to interview you or review your ..."Thank you. I will ask them that. Like they didn't even specify which book (I have three; two of them are permafree), and then a few hours later, another person asked to do an interview and said to respond through email as they don't often go on this site. It seemed a little suspicious.
I have published my latest novel Saint Joseph on KU. I was considering listing it here on ARR: Authors Requesting Reviews.Am I allowed to send free copies (Epub, MOBI) for a book that is already published on KU? Is ARR: Authors Requesting Reviews still an option for me?
Is there a better way to get readers/reviewers?
Mod
Am I allowed to send free copies (Epub, MOBI) for a book that is already ..."
Hi J.,
ARR is closed until after Christmas. However, after that you are free to have your book listed.
I'm personally not familiar with the rules of KU and I couldn't find much about it online. Is it the same as KDP? When your book is in the KDP program you're only supposed to sell it or give it away through Amazon, no other source. Though, I know there's a lot of authors who don't follow that. Maybe another author will see this and will be able to answer that question better.
Hi everyone! I hope this is appropriate to share! If not, please let me know. I apologize in advance and will remove this immediately.I am a university student working on a innovative project to help solve some issues and frustrations of aspiring authors and self-published authors. So if you can spare the time please spend 2 minutes to answer these 4 questions. I really appreciate it!
https://forms.office.com/e/99VZrwyX1i
I have added books in the past but the website sems to have updated so I cannot add now, so when do new books get added? The book was published in 2023 by Palatine Books part of Carnegie Publishers.
Mod
Hi Jinks,
It is my understanding the only two entities who can add new books are the author themselves and the Goodreads Librarian Group.
Sheri wrote: "Jinks wrote: "I have added books in the past but the website sems to have updated so I cannot add now, so when do new books get added? The book was published in 2023 by Palatine Books part of Carne..."Thanks for replying I have added in the past but its a while ago suppose my next port of call is the Goodreads Librarian Group - some of the authors books are on here just not his lastest (he's not listed as a Goodread Author so he probably will not add)
Making Connections
Books mentioned in this topic
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Living in Cyprus: 2014 (other topics)
Living in Cyprus: 2014 (other topics)
Living in Cyprus: 2014 (other topics)
I haven't been on Making Connections in a long time so I have noticed a few things and I have a few questions.
-I noticed the group is focused on reviews for authors like really focused on reviews.
-Is there a long wait for authors to expect it to be their turn to receive potential readers for their book?
-Is there another way people can "make connections" in this group aside from the review threads?