How to get started on goodreads

[Ona]

I am hoping for some suggestions from authors who are now established on goodreads. How did you begin?

I am at the beginning of my journey here. First book was published about 6 weeks ago. I have linked it here and am a registered author. I have done a couple of blog posts (probably should add a couple more) How did you get followers? Was it just time and happen organically or was it by joining in discussions? By posting reviews of other books?

[Miles]

Hi Ona,
I am new here, too, and I am still trying to wrap my head around this site. There seem to be a lot of authors seeking reviews, so one thing I am doing is offering reviews for books that interest me. I have already read and reviewed one book that interested me tremendously--Amy Watkins' 200 Letters.

Goodreads' concept of group discussions is quite intriguing, but many of the discussion groups seem to be dormant. The impression I get is that a lot of people only rarely login.

I would hazard to say that many are numb to authors pitching their wares.

I am also interested, like you, in any advice people have for tapping into goodreads' clear potential.

[Tui]

I have come to understand that GR is not really intended as a site for authors. It is a site for readers to discuss books and share their reading preferences and recommend books to one another.
There are just so many authors pushing their own books, the readers are tired of it.
Just be part of the community and behave as an ordinary reader, (surely every author must be a reader too).
Find discussion topics that interest you, get to know people, discuss other books similar to your own, and be such an interesting and useful contributor that eventually you will attract followers who are curious enough to want to find out more about you so that they eventually check out your page, discover you are an author and decide to read your book.
I have recently also tried something I've never tried before on Goodreads - a Goodreads e-book giveaway of my own newly published book. I have no idea if it will produce results but I'll try to remember to let you know how it works out for me.

[R.L.]

Hi Tui,

As a new author, I find your advice about how authors can engage with readers on Goodreads to be very helpful. Engaging as our authentic selves in the various discussion topics of interest that Goodreads promotes will serve to create genuine connections with readers that will outlast a short-lived promotional blitz.

Wishing you much success with your e-book giveaway! I'd love to hear about the results as well.

[Amy]

Hi everyone, I am new here too and am also running a giveaway starting March 2nd. I'll be eager to see how that goes. Meanwhile, I would suggest trying to connect and engage with readers and post reviews.