As an author, you will encounter many different types of readers over the course of your career. Some will turn into adoring fans; others might remain a mystery. Here are five types of readers you’ll probably come across:
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1. The Early Buzzer
This kind of reader takes pride in reading books many months before they are published, reading books by authors you’ve never heard of, and leaving thoughtful book reviews most likely including quotes from the book.
On their bookshelf: Titles without final covers; debut authors.
Where you’ll find the Early Buzzer: Browsing giveaways. Read our tips for giveaways here.
2. The Casual Reader
Considering that the typical American reads about 5 books a year (source), you’ll most likely encounter the Casual Reader. This person leans towards popular bestsellers or classics.
On their bookshelf: The Girl on the Train, Catcher in the Rye, and something by Stephen King.
Where you’ll find the Casual Reader: Looking through listopia lists.
3. The Want-to-Reader
This person has every intention of reading your book, has heard so many great things about it and definitely will eventually read your book. There are just 300 books on the WTR shelf before it... (So many books, so little time!)
On their bookshelf: A lot of books in all kinds of genres.
Where find the Want-to-Reader: Hanging out in large, general book groups.
4. The Dedicated Reader
This reader will be meticulous in writing down every last detail of their reading experience, including where they purchased the book, how long it took them to read the book, where they read the book and what they were wearing that day. Most likely to point out any factual errors or inconsistencies your editor might have missed.
On their bookshelf: You’ll likely find multiple bookshelves organized by date, season, or challenge.
Where to find the Random Reader: In the Goodreads Librarian Group, answering your questions about metadata.
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5. The Follower
This is the best kind of reader. Once they read your book, they fall in love with your writing and want to hear about everything you do. They’ll likely follow you on Goodreads and ask when you’ll be coming to their town on book tour. Expect lots of notifications of ‘likes’ on your content.
On their bookshelf: Other books in your genre. Books you’ve read and loved yourself.
Where to find the Follower: Asking thoughtful questions via Ask the Author (and in your list of followers!). You’ll want to engage with this reader since they’re the best advocates for spreading the word about your book! Find out here how to best engage on Goodreads using Ask the Author.
Have you encountered any of these types of readers in your publishing career? Tell us your experience in the comments below!
Next: Best of the Blog: Mid-Year Round Up
You might also like: Planning a Marketing Timeline: Infographic
Goodreads Authors can subscribe to the Monthly Author Newsletter by editing their account settings.
posted by Cynthia on June, 19
1. The Early Buzzer
This kind of reader takes pride in reading books many months before they are published, reading books by authors you’ve never heard of, and leaving thoughtful book reviews most likely including quotes from the book.
On their bookshelf: Titles without final covers; debut authors.
Where you’ll find the Early Buzzer: Browsing giveaways. Read our tips for giveaways here.
2. The Casual Reader
Considering that the typical American reads about 5 books a year (source), you’ll most likely encounter the Casual Reader. This person leans towards popular bestsellers or classics.
On their bookshelf: The Girl on the Train, Catcher in the Rye, and something by Stephen King.
Where you’ll find the Casual Reader: Looking through listopia lists.
3. The Want-to-Reader
This person has every intention of reading your book, has heard so many great things about it and definitely will eventually read your book. There are just 300 books on the WTR shelf before it... (So many books, so little time!)
On their bookshelf: A lot of books in all kinds of genres.
Where find the Want-to-Reader: Hanging out in large, general book groups.
4. The Dedicated Reader
This reader will be meticulous in writing down every last detail of their reading experience, including where they purchased the book, how long it took them to read the book, where they read the book and what they were wearing that day. Most likely to point out any factual errors or inconsistencies your editor might have missed.
On their bookshelf: You’ll likely find multiple bookshelves organized by date, season, or challenge.
Where to find the Random Reader: In the Goodreads Librarian Group, answering your questions about metadata.
5. The Follower
This is the best kind of reader. Once they read your book, they fall in love with your writing and want to hear about everything you do. They’ll likely follow you on Goodreads and ask when you’ll be coming to their town on book tour. Expect lots of notifications of ‘likes’ on your content.
On their bookshelf: Other books in your genre. Books you’ve read and loved yourself.
Where to find the Follower: Asking thoughtful questions via Ask the Author (and in your list of followers!). You’ll want to engage with this reader since they’re the best advocates for spreading the word about your book! Find out here how to best engage on Goodreads using Ask the Author.
Have you encountered any of these types of readers in your publishing career? Tell us your experience in the comments below!
Next: Best of the Blog: Mid-Year Round Up
You might also like: Planning a Marketing Timeline: Infographic
Goodreads Authors can subscribe to the Monthly Author Newsletter by editing their account settings.
posted by Cynthia on June, 19