While attending a writers’ conference several years ago, wannabe authors were encouraged to make it a practice to review books even before having one of our own published. It’s turned into a delightful habit. 

While copy-and-pasting my review (usually something short) on BookBub, Goodreads, and Amazon, I’ve begun to appreciate each site for different reasons.

BookBub

BookBub is becoming my favorite, mainly because it’s easier to make connections with readers and authors who enjoy the same kinds of books. BookBub also makes it handy to share a review on Twitter/X, which I do regularly.

Another feature I like to check every so often is which ebooks are on sale, ones recommended by a reader or author I follow. Some of them are even free! Once you’re signed up, those show up on your Notification page.

Goodreads

Goodreads has turned into a handy place to keep track of the books I’ve read, even the dates I finished them. At the beginning of the year, you can challenge yourself with the number of books you hope to read during the year. Goodreads will keep track of them and nudge you as the year winds down.

You may join a group of readers interested in the same kinds of books. It’s a great place to find comments about what they liked, or what they didn’t like.

Amazon

Amazon is what most people think about for leaving a review or rating for a book they’ve enjoyed. (If I don’t enjoy a book, I don’t finish it and don’t leave any kind of review.) Amazon is useful for authors because when a book reaches so many reviews, Amazon will boost the book in their own ads.

An Amazon Author Page is handy for readers to learn whether an author has written anything else. It’s useful to an author to have all her books in one place. Have a look at the bottom of this page for my recent book recommendations.

Do you have a favorite place to rate or review books you’ve enjoyed?