There are many places to interact with readers on Goodreads, including Ask the Author, in the newsfeed where readers post their reading updates, in book reviews, and in group discussions. Every interaction gets amplified and helps promote discovery of your titles, so keep in mind that all your actions are for public consumption. As with any online community, there are some things that work and some that don't. Check out our author guidelines, which can help you identify what works best. Here are some key things to remember:
• Always practice basic online etiquette, or "netiquette." Consider including emoticons to help add personality to your message and set the right tone. Also, be sure to stay on topic in a conversation and avoid writing in all caps, which is the online equivalent to shouting.
• Join groups that interest you. You'll meet readers who share a common interest, whether it’s "Cozy Mysteries" or "Biker Book Babes." Avoid self-promotion, as your focus should be on the topic of the group, not on yourself.
• Provide thoughtful, generous responses when answering questions from readers in Ask the Author, and contribute general good content in the form of reviews or group comments.
• Pace yourself. Respond to one or two questions a day rather than 40 questions in one Ask the Author sitting. Similarly, it’s easier to actively participate regularly in two groups than two dozen.
• Review books. Talk about the books you’re reading, not just the books you’ve written. Write reviews of the books that most influenced you when you were first getting started as a writer.
• Whatever you do, don't argue with reviewers or try to change their opinions of your book. If the review violates our guidelines, flag it so we can check it out.
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Taking the time to get to know readers online and connecting with them on a personal level will help drive book discovery organically. Readers cherish your time and attention above all, and with sincere interaction it's possible to build a loyal readership that will help you spread the word about your books!
Next: How to Get the Most Out of Goodreads in Five Minutes a Day
You might also like: Six Marketing Lessons Learned at the Romantic Times Convention
Goodreads Authors can subscribe to the Monthly Author Newsletter by editing their account settings.
posted by Cynthia on June, 21
• Always practice basic online etiquette, or "netiquette." Consider including emoticons to help add personality to your message and set the right tone. Also, be sure to stay on topic in a conversation and avoid writing in all caps, which is the online equivalent to shouting.
• Join groups that interest you. You'll meet readers who share a common interest, whether it’s "Cozy Mysteries" or "Biker Book Babes." Avoid self-promotion, as your focus should be on the topic of the group, not on yourself.
• Provide thoughtful, generous responses when answering questions from readers in Ask the Author, and contribute general good content in the form of reviews or group comments.
• Pace yourself. Respond to one or two questions a day rather than 40 questions in one Ask the Author sitting. Similarly, it’s easier to actively participate regularly in two groups than two dozen.
• Review books. Talk about the books you’re reading, not just the books you’ve written. Write reviews of the books that most influenced you when you were first getting started as a writer.
• Whatever you do, don't argue with reviewers or try to change their opinions of your book. If the review violates our guidelines, flag it so we can check it out.
Taking the time to get to know readers online and connecting with them on a personal level will help drive book discovery organically. Readers cherish your time and attention above all, and with sincere interaction it's possible to build a loyal readership that will help you spread the word about your books!
Next: How to Get the Most Out of Goodreads in Five Minutes a Day
You might also like: Six Marketing Lessons Learned at the Romantic Times Convention
Goodreads Authors can subscribe to the Monthly Author Newsletter by editing their account settings.
posted by Cynthia on June, 21