By Janette Speyer and Katrina McNeill

Have you seen the new publishing platform that’s gone social, Goodreads? With a substantial collection of 12 million users, more and more are realizing what a powerhouse it is for authors and readers. At first glance it looks like a place to share what you are reading, socially, and digging deeper, it looks like a publisher, and it’s both! There are a few great uses for this platform, so let’s dive in like a good book!

Goodreaders can…

There are a lot of things you can do (for free up to 200 books) on Goodreads, but we will highlight the best ones:

1)      For Authors: Go Social!

Every author has a bio and the option for a photo. You link to your Facebook, Google Plus or Twitter account to login and with 12 million users, this social aspect it helps new readers finally discover your book! Goodreads social component also allows the author to blog and interact with followers and you can even post videos to keep them extra engaged! You get even more reach as an author since they offer the ability to find new readers with giveaways and text ads (which are obviously not free).

2)       For Publishers: Spread the Word!

There are so many options to spread the word on your writing!

• Like most social platforms, you can add your events and invite friends.
• Goodreads offers the option to host an author chat in advance of your event to promote.
• You can create a masthead (which is your branding component).
• You get even more reach as an author since they offer the ability to find new readers with giveaways and text ads (which are obviously not free).

3)      For Both: Get Feedback

As a writer and as a reader! If you are a writer you can use the writing section of your profile where you can post your writing for others to read and review. As a reader, you are offered the largest site for book recommendations in the world!

There are a lot of digital publishers out there, but now with Goodreads, writers and readers have a powerhouse that’s also social to promote or use as their go to source for the best book recommendations! Explore the platform and see if this is your new favorite digital library at the Goodreads website. Also go see Web Success Team’s Goodreads page here.

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