by Sherrie Wilkolaski

Social media marketing via Goodreads is a must for any author. 

What Is Goodreads?
Goodreads is the largest site for readers and book recommendations in the world. They have more than 6,200,000 members who have added more than 210,000,000 books to their shelves. A home for casual readers and bona-fide bookworms alike, Goodreads users recommend books, compare what they are reading, keep track of what they've read and would like to read, find their next favorite book, form book clubs and much more. Goodreads was launched in December 2006. Their mission is to help people find and share books they love.  

Goodreads is where readers go to find new books to read.  As an author you have an opporutnity to set-up a Goodreads account and have an author account.

How should you use Goodreads?
Once you've created your author account, start connecting with readers who are looking for books in your genre.  You can send them an invite to become a friend.  The more people you're connected with, the more exposure you will have.  If you find readers that have read your book, reach out to them and get their opinion.  People love to hear from authors.  Also, once you have your account established, you will want to select books that you are reading.  

What NOT to do as an author on Goodreads?
You should include your own book(s) in your list of what you have read but do NOT rate or review your own book(s).  Readers and Goodreads does not like that.  Never rate or review your book(s) on any site.

How to set-up your author account at Goodreads?

We are going to send you directly to the instructions at Goodreads to learn how to set-up your author account.  It is quite simple. Click the link below:

http://www.goodreads.com/author/how_to

Today’s social media challenge task of the day. 

1. Create an account at www.goodreads.com.
2. Set-up your profile in your Goodreads account.  Be sure to add your author photo and a link back to your own personal website.
3. Follow the instructions to set-up your author account.  Note: it will take a few days for Goodreads to get back to you to confirm your author status.
4. Once you have your account set-up, connect with Infinity Publishing and become a friend. http://www.goodreads.com/infinitypublishing and
   http://www.goodreads.com/publishingconsultant
5. Post a link to your Goodreads profile page below in the comments section so you get added exposure.

Gift to you.  We will friend you back on Goodreads! 

Tomorrow we tackle LibraryThing.

Original blog post run on the Infinity Publishing Blog.