Goodreads. My Favorite Place To Be...

While I did pick up a few likes for Shadow and Gemini on Amazon, I was very uncomfortable with the process. I don't like asking friends, whether on Twitter or Facebook, to like any of my books.

Just seems kinda shady. I mean why would you want someone to like your book if they haven't read it? According to this marketing book I'm reading, the more likes you get, the higher your books goes in the ratings. So I tweeted twice and posted to FB once. Maybe I'll do it again in the future, but slamming everyone with my books just seems rude.

Now, Goodreads is great. I did a book give-a-way when A Shadow of Time was released and over eleven hundred people signed up to get a copy.  That went so well, I have a free give-a-way of e-books ongoing for A Shadow of Time and Gemini Rising that ends October 17th.

I am very comfortable doing give-a-ways on Goodreads. For one, they welcome you to do so, plus when you blog it shows up on your author page. You can send invitations and no one gets angry or starts to blast you. The best part is, I get to hang around with other people that read as much as I do.

It used to be that you could interact with readers on Amazon, but some authors took advantage and now writers are banned except in certain specific places. On Goodreads you can still interact with your readers, though you are encouraged not to contact readers that put your books on their shelves. Not even a thank you note is appropriate. But you can talk to readers in the different forums. I belong to several and find them fun and interesting.

In addition, your followers can send you book recommendations. I have read several novels that I would have never thought to buy.

I'd also like to mention that Goodreads supplies you with all kinds of cute buttons to share on your webpage. You can show the books you are reading (On my introduction page) the books you've read and loved (also on my introduction page), plus reviews on your own books (see Gemini and Shadow page).

I really enjoyed myself checking out everything Goodreads has to offer. It's nice to see a site that welcomes authors, writers, and reviewers all in one place.

Happy Reading!

*hugs*

Louann

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