The Indie Author’s 6-Step Guide To Goodreads Networking and Marketing | Self-Publishing Relief

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If you’re obsessed with reading (like everyone here at Self-Publishing Relief!), then you’ve probably heard of Goodreads.com. This social cataloging site allows members to create libraries and reading lists of books they’ve read or plan to read, and to check out book reviews by other bibliophiles. With an ever-growing audience focused on books and reading—over 85 million registered members as of March 2019—Goodreads is an excellent networking and marketing resource for indie authors!

6-Step Guide To Goodreads Marketing Opportunities For Self-Published Authors

  1. Start a book club group.

The Goodreads “Group” feature allows you to create your own book club. To boost your marketing potential, start a book club for books in your genre. For example, if you self-published a romance novel, you can start a “Romance Lovers” book club and gush over the latest release by Nicholas Sparks or Sarah Dessen. You can also create a list of recommended books for reading—and include your book in the list. You could even choose your book as the book club’s “book of the month.” It’s all up to you as the club leader!

  1. Interact in the forums.

The online forums available through Goodreads are where you’ll find readers who are looking for their next favorite books. Without being too pushy or “salesy,” you can recommend your own book! And you can locate any conversations about your book in the “Discussion” section of the Goodreads Community tab.

  1. Write reviews for books similar to your book.

Read and write reviews for books in the same genre as yours to show Goodreads members that you’re involved with the community and not just here to sell, sell, sell. Your profile will be beefed up by the activity, which will make people more likely to follow you and your projects.

  1. Add friends on Goodreads.

Inviting friends and fans to follow you on Goodreads will help expand your networking capabilities and boost your visibility to potential new readers. When you’re ready to promote your book, your followers will receive notifications of your activity and be more likely to engage with your outreach.

  1. Create quizzes for your book.

People love quizzes, especially personality-based quizzes! You can create a quiz based on the characters in your book. For example, there are countless quizzes along the lines of “Which Twilight character are you most like?” or “What Harry Potter house are you in?” A quiz based on the characters or elements of your book will engage readers and create a connection that could lead to more interest and book sales. Be sure to promote your Goodreads quizzes on all your social media platforms, including your Facebook author page. When your followers share their quiz results with friends, your potential audience and marketing reach will grow exponentially! 

  1. Promote your readings and book signings on the Events page.

Whether your book is already self-published and you want to update your followers about your next book-signing event, or you are in the process of publishing and are holding a Facebook Live chat event about your upcoming book, you can promote these appearances on your Goodreads Events page.

Goodreads online forums and book clubs offer excellent opportunities for promoting your self-published book. And the option to review books that are similar to your own will also help you network with like-minded authors and their readers—who would probably be interested in your book as well. Be sure to check out the Writer’s Relief Goodreads bookshelf for inspiration!

 

Question: Which is your favorite Goodreads group?

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