The Ultimate Goodreads Guide for Authors

by Barb Drozdowich

The Ultimate Goodreads Guide for Authors is the must have book for all authors. Every author has heard of Goodreads – some like it, some not so much. With over 120 color graphics, this book leads you through the process of creating your account, adding your books, making friends and so much more.

Let us share with you all those little gems of networking potential that Goodreads offers, such as:
- Blog posts
- Excerpt downloads
- Widgets
- Apps
- Event invitations
- Groups
- Polls
- Lists
- Trivia and Quizzes
- And many more

The Ultimate Goodreads for Authors is the most comprehensive book available today. Suitable for all authors, from the newly published to the experienced. It has something for everyone to learn.

Genres: Nonfiction, Writing

143 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 31, 2014

About the author

Barb can teach anyone to use WordPress. She is a voracious reader of Regency Romance, taxi driver, gourmet chef in training, and slave to a cute puppy.

Barb has taught in colleges, universities and in the banking industry. More recently, she brings her years of teaching experience and a deep love of books to help authors develop the social media platform needed to succeed in today’s fast evolving publishing world. She owns Bakerview Consulting and manages the popular blog, Sugarbeat’s Books. She is also the creator and curator of The Book Blogger List

She is the author of more than 15 books 38 YouTube videos, a beginner WordPress course, a Goodreads course and lives in the mountains of British Columbia with her family.

Reviews

[Philip Dodd · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her book, An Author's Guide to Goodreads: How to Network with Millions of Readers, Barb Drozdowich writes that she loves Goodreads. That she does love Goodreads she makes clear in the positive, enthusiastic way in which she wrote her book. I found it to be a refreshing, reassuring book to read. For one thing, her advice on Goodreads Giveaways reassured me that they are a good idea. I have read both positive and negative thoughts by authors on the subject of Goodreads Giveaways in various threads I have read on the site, until I was not certain if they were a good idea or not. Now, thanks to this book, I feel reassured that they are a good idea, both for authors and for readers. I thought they were a good idea myself, which is why I have entered all three of my books in Goodreads Giveaways, but it was good to read the thoughts of an expert on the subject, one who is free of cynicism and negativity.
I first joined Goodreads in 2013 to help me promote my first book. Sadly, I am used to being a member now, and take it for granted. One of the good things about Barb Drozdowich's book is that it refreshed my interest in Goodreads. Her book is perfect for an author who has just joined Goodreads. It takes you through the steps to create your own Author Profile page and reveals how important it is to be active in the groups on the site as a reader more than an author. Each chapter of the book I found of interest, particularly the one on Widgets. Authors who have been members of Goodreads for a long time would find this book worth reading as a way of refreshing their enthusiasm for the site. They will learn much about what to do and what not to do on the site, too.
Reading and writing are both solitary occupations. Thanks to Goodreads, readers and writers do not have to feel alone anymore. Barb Drozdowich's book will help its readers know why Goodreads ought to be thought of with gratitude, that it is a good idea.

[James Minter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on the premise we, as authors, need to find our audience, and Goodreads is a free platform with over 50 million subscribers worldwide, it’s a potential goldmine for writers to connect with readers – but of course, it’s not without hard work and commitment. Drozdowich, in this second book on Goodreads.com, focuses on the need to network. Actually, this book comes as a responses to her first book- The Ultimate Goodreads Guide for Authors - and the fact the visual (screenshot) approach didn’t work across all reading devices, and that in the intervening years Goodreads has changed.
Drozdowich has dropped the embedded graphic approach and instead included links to screencasts – a free series of mini-courses which contain the visual elements supporting her narrative. A great feature of eBooks.
The written content provides a succinct yet worthwhile introduction to each feature of the Goodreads platform, and is ideal for both novice and seasoned users. Well researched and written, it’s a useful time-saver for us hard pushed writers…
Watching the free screencasts is essential - especially Networking 1 and Networking 2 - to find hacks or how-to-get-the-best-out-of-Goodreads from a networking point of view.

[George Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Barb Drozdowich!!! If you are an author on Goodreads or want to be, this is a must read. An excellent guide to navigating Goodreads. Actually, anyone on Goodreads should read this book. The navigating information is invaluable!

[James Minter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love ‘how to …’ books. Like most authors my life is very busy reading, writing, editing, re-writing and promoting to say the least. If I can save time and gain knowledge by picking someone else’s brain I’ll do so. I find Goodreads a maze but I know to be a successful author it’s a website I must get to grips with. I’m a visual person too. So ‘The Ultimate Goodreads Guide for Authors’ is up my street.
Like most books of this type it’s not something to read from cover to cover. A useful Table of Contents allows you to jump to your required learning so saving time. Drozdowich includes a significant number of screenshots in this eBook which cuts down on the narrative to its essential.
As an introduction to navigating this large site it’s very useful. I read it on a PC with Kindle software loaded where the screenshots are large and easily read. In addition I loaded it onto an Apple IPad where it’s an excellent read as the images are in colour and can be enlarged as required. I do have some reservations on trying to read it on a Kindle e-reader which is only monochrome and the images cannot be resized.

[Carol Balawyder · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a book one really finishes, but comes back to. Technically, I read through it all to get a general idea of what Goodreads has to offer its authors. But I haven't come close to applying the tips provided in the book.
One negative aspect of the book is that on the Kindle e-reader, the illustrations were almost impossible to read.

[Susan Chapek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted a tutorial on getting more out of Goodreads, and this did the trick.

[Miguel Jr. · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was just a general overview of Goodreads and how authors can use it. This book also explains who Goodreads is for and how authors can make the most of it. It was an OK read that I won't read again, but there is good information in it.

[Marie Schaeller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I downloaded this book because I had a Goodreads account, but I was sort of floundering. I claimed my book and did some things, but I didn't find the website that user friendly or enticing. It was not a site a really engaged with. I wanted to become more intentional with my approach on Goodreads when I was getting ready to publish my second book. This book really helped me with my approach.

I really liked the way the author mentions that Goodreads is a place to network and meet other readers--not a place to shout about your books. No spam please. I also enjoyed the way the book was set up to read and hop right into the site and get right to it.

I am getting more comfortable using Goodreads and have started to friend readers and follow fellow authors. That social aspect of it really picked up since finishing the book and it makes the whole experience different. If you are an author don't wait to jump into Goodreads. Check out this book and dive right in.

[Kevin Ortegel · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a writer who has been intrigued but confused with how to use GoodReads, this book is a godsend! Barb Drozdowich dissects this enigmatic website and explains it in a way that can be easily understood. GoodReads is a must for authors, because it is fast becoming the one and only site an author needs to establish a platform and an audience, as it doubles as an author page and a blog host. Thanks to Barb's help I plan to create a robust presence on this site to use as a hub for all of my future works and social media efforts, and I have her work to thank for that to be possible.

Full disclosure: I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book through Reading Deals so I could give an honest review.

[Leta McCurry · Rating 5 out of 5]

If a subject covers information from 1 to 10, the average how-to book starts at 5, assuming the reader already knows the "kindergarten"of the subject. This frustrates me no end. Drozdowich, however, starts at 1 and held my hand, step b y step, through the entire process, which was exactly what I was looking for. Good Reads can be difficult to negotiate, especially for a newcomer. This writer makes sense of it all and give excellent guidance for even the newest beginner. I recommend without reservation.

[Erik · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book I've read in regards to understanding Goodreads. I look forward to reading more of her books.

[Stephen Parr · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ultimate Goodreads User manual
For any author wishing to maximise the use of Goodreads this book is a must, especially if they are interested in achieving the benefits of serious networking. An extraordinarily comprehensive manual, it is best used while the reader is on the Goodreads site. It is as if the author is sitting beside you making sure that you understand each section fully, and step by step. Very good value.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of the book through Reading Deals so that I could give an honest review.

[Natasha Lane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of Great Info, Good for Beginners

This book definitely gave me more than a few things to add on my to do list. I'm pretty comfortable using GR as a millennial but as an author there were still several things I was totally clueless about.

The possibilities for an author on GR are more than I thought. Most importantly, I loved how the author drove home the fact that GR is really reader focused. She emphasized this, especially authors commenting in the review section.

That's a no. I've seen that happen too many times and man is it ugly.

[Marcia Ledford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barb Drozdowich provides a quick read (during a flight) and a good primer on this world of Goodreads. I appreciated the info on requirements for setting up an author page and will refer to it as I do so in 2020. Thanks, Barb!

[Erica (The Literary Apothecary) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barb calls Goodreads “the candy store for readers.” That being said, why wouldn’t an author wish to learn more? These days many authors struggle with finding readers and sharing their books. Barb’s Goodreads primer covers the basics and share insights on how to maximize the features and networking opportunities.

Written for the new author wishing to leverage the immensely popular bibliophilic network, An Author's Guide to Goodreads: How to Network with Millions of Readers is an excellent primer on the Goodreads platform. Barb has done what no other book on Goodreads has been able to accomplish: present the platform from the vantage point of a reader, book blogger, and author. Her technical savvy peaks through as she guides you through the platform and shares vital navigational tips. With a vibrant and occasional, geeky tone (which I totally love about her), she opens the door to the world of Goodreads and all it has to offer.

While the book does not contain pictures or screenshots, like a friend sitting right next to you, Barb encourages you to log onto the site and follow along. Remarkably, it is easy to follow her!!

She accomplishes everything she has promised. You will unquestionably learn why a strong author and reader profile will encourage readers to purchase your book and influence your ability to network with others, even book bloggers and other authors.

Why 5 stars?
Barb presents an amazing overview of Goodreads, explaining its size, features, and technical aspects. The platform, at times, can be a nightmare to navigate. Yet, she placed me at ease and made the site seem like the greatest thing since, well, learning how to read!

Recommended audience
New authors
Veteran authors who have ignored Goodreads
Book bloggers who want to learn more about Goodreads and how authors use the platform

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barb Drozdowich has tackled the millipede that is Goodreads, and given us a book for the networker-author, as well as for the avid reader – both want to leverage all the complexity of the jam-packed premier web destination for readers. The book’s entry-level walk-through revealed a lot to me, even though I am a long and active user/review writer on Goodreads, and I was happy to learn skills of using the site successfully for an author. How to put a Group Widget on an Author Website is a happy find, and so is how to multiply the goodness of a group for a Facebook Page—and there are more plusses, i.e., revealing the Goodreads Author Feedback group is a bonanza!!
One of the Super Value-Added features of this book is the free accompanying-link video that shows how to do all the things discussed in the book. This dual resource is the most valuable tool I found during 2016.
How to use lists; How to include Ebooks-Excerpts-Preview! And using emails for announcing your new book, or recommending a book—all these are so welcome.
Since this book’s author has a Page on Goodreads, I can just go ask her questions that came up as I read the book, like “how do I send those charming new-book-release emails that I occasionally get from authors I’ve reviewed favorably?”
I think everyone has a treasure they found by accident on Goodreads, and for me it is the “Private Notes, shown only to you” at the bottom of your review page under “ More details”. But this is for readers … and the book is for authors … so not a complaint!!!
Reading a chapter, then watching it on the video is the best teacher—and I feel so much more competent and enjoy more on Goodreads than “before Barb.” Keep this close by as a reference—it will repay your purchase many times over!!
Bonus = I learned 2 new words: squee! & tooltip …

[Mitchell J. Kanaan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely helpful. Concise and well organized. Ms. Drozdowich takes a tangled web of marketing tools that are available on Goodreads and turns them into a comprehensible and manageable toolbox. A valuable read for all authors.

[Melissa Crytzer Fry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found a number of useful tips in this small guide: insight on the nuts-and-bolts of hosting author giveaways, the importance of sharing author events, hosting trivia and quizzes, etc. While I wish there had been a bit more information about tags and keywords (where/how to insert them, their importance), I found the instructions, overall, easy to understand. This guide offered a quick read on the key functions of Goodreads and its value to authors. I've been a reader on the Goodreads social media site for more than four years, so it was interesting to see the nuances spelled out for the author.

Also, I'm not one who likes to "play" with social media and figure it out on my own - so books like this are a Godsend. Particularly interesting was the insight about the Goodreads newsletter and how an author might go about requesting to be included in the publication as an author interview.

My chief complaint, however, is with the graphics. They are just so small and also not at a high enough resolution that, on most pages, they are simply not useful. Fortunately the written instructions are a good fallback.

Thanks to the Goodreads First Reads program for the opportunity to win this book. It's going to be a useful reference for me.

[Cynthia Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this excellent Goodreads guide a while ago as I am a huge fan of Barb Drozdowich. I used the easy to understand online tutorials included with the book to help get my author page up to speed, but one thing I didn't do yet is a giveaway. Barb stresses how much a giveaway can do for an author on Goodreads. That's the final piece I want to use, but it took me a while to figure out what book to promote on the giveaway. My last book as it turns out is a Christmas mystery and I have meandered just long enough for that to be the natural book I should give away since we're coming into the holiday season. Meanwhile I think I saw a new (to me) title in Barb's books. Must buy immediately. That's my final word on this author. She's amazing and you should read all of her books. They are simply the best.

[Randy Thurman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am writing out my marketing plan for my next book and have purchased about a dozen different Goodreads Marketing books (or books that had chapters on Goodreads). I initially rated this a four but after sitting down and starting my plan, I continued to come back to this book for my information. Simply outstanding. I also liked Goodreads for Authors by Lisa Shea, Naked Goodreads by Gisela Hausmann and Goodreads for Authors by Michelle Cambell Scott. Ultimate Goodreads did not impress at first due to the no frills look, but is worthy of a five start due to solid info. I would like to see: 1. An index, 2. An update on how Goodreads looks now - e.g. menu bar has changed and 3. page numbers should be on the outside of page for easy reference.

[Christy Bower · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author really knows the intricacies of Goodreads. I've used Goodreads for a few years and hadn't figured out the "social" aspects of it. I shelved books, ran a few giveaways, and that was it. Now I see some of the things I had been missing. Goodreads can be difficult to navigate and sometimes I feel like I'm going in circles there. To some degree I felt like the book content did the same thing, circling back to topics previously covered. Perhaps that's an inevitable result of explaining the Goodreads navigation. Overall, it was worth the read because it highlighted unique ways authors can be using Goodreads to connect with readers, something I was not figuring out on my own.

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Drozdowich/Hightower duo write another superb short and easy to use guide. This well-organized book with step-by-step instructions and graphics will help many writers exploit all the author advantages built into the famous GoodReads social networking site.

I'm not an author...I'm a reader in love with the whole craft of writing. I'm impressed with this team's books and will buy any others they write!

[K. Carters · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this on a giveaway and it's been quite useful. It does start out very basic and so the first few chapters were largely pointless...if you can enter a giveaway, you can certainly master the very basics! I have changed how I approach the site on the back of some of the information, so thank you for your help!

[Tom Blubaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent overview of Goodreads for Authors. A big bonus for ordering the book is the availability of a series of audios explaining several of the Goodreads benefits and how to use them. Some of the information in the audio files is a little dated in that links have been moved by Goodreads and somewhat minor things such as this.

[C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so incredibly helpful in explaining all that Goodreads has to offer and how to navigate the various options. I'm eager to go through and reorganize my shelves, join some discussions and try out some other suggestions offered in this guide!

[M.T. Bostick · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is in serious need of updating. I finished reading it halfway through when most functions mentioned were no longer valid. Not useful at all from an author's point of view.

[Ian Wall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good guide to Goodreads. Highly recommended.

[Diane Budden]

Excellent information on how to enhance your Goodreads relationship as an author. This is such a good Indie marketing source that it's imporant to know how to leverage the opportunities.

[Nick Crutchley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This books is a tour guide to Goodreads' functionality. It never really explained how to 'Network to Millions of Readers'. The core principal of 'Goodreads is for readers, be a reader first and foremost', is sound advice. Yet, I still don't know how to effectively network with millions of readers. How to approach group leaders about having your book discussed? How to network to gain reviews? How to interact in groups without sounding spammy? OK, to you, this might sound simple. To me, and others with social media anxiety, how normal humans think is important.

In all, I dropped two stars (I always start with 5) for three reasons:

Nothing was written about how to effectively target readers through advertising and Giveaways. Basically, Barb doesn't really use Giveaways as they are 'too expensive', and, in this, she is quite right. She speaks about how to click the right buttons to set up a self-service ads (which is now a defunct option, no longer available to authors), but nothing about display advertising that Goodreads offers, including pros, cons, what stage of a book's lifecycle one should undertake such a venture, and how to integrate this part of your marketing strategy with networking with readers. So, the promotional side of Goodreads was not adequately covered.

The advice to promote ones own book included setting up a list on Listopia, with your book included. Also, lift quotes from your own books and list them on Goodreads so others can vote on them. I am unsure if this is good practice, but for me, I rather a reader quote from my work and add a book of mine to a list, rather than me doing it. Probably naive on my part, perhaps stemming from some misplaced British moral inherited from my Victorian grandmother, but I cannot self promote in such ways. I find it hard enough to say, hey, here is my book I believe you would enjoy.

Lastly, 20% of the book's back matter was all the other books Barb has written. So, when I came to the end of the tour guide, waiting for the real insight how to utilise Goodreads for effective book promotion through networking without impinging on reader satisfaction, I felt let down, and didn't trust in her other books.

However, for those new to Goodreads, or, veterans lost in the labyrinth, the book will help in the navigation of the site and reveal the delights and opportunities Goodreads has to offer, both as a reader and an author. As such, the book would be best updated, then renamed, A Tour Guide to Goodreads for Readers and Authors.

[Debra Castaneda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tackling Goodreads as a new indie author seemed overwhelming. Okay. Paralyzing. An Author's Guide to Goodreads: How to Network with Millions of Readers helped break it down so that I was able to get a handle on what I needed to do.

Just a tip to make it an easier journey. I did as the author recommended and followed along on the Goodreads site as she explained things. Turns out this was a brilliant suggestion.

I know I'll need to go back and spend some more time on specific features and experience them first hand. But she managed to be detailed enough, using clear language, that most of it seemed to sink it. Which is saying a lot because it's not easy explaining the functions of a dense, sometimes complicated site like this one.