By Cynthia Shannon,  Goodreads Author Marketing Coordinator

“Go where the readers are” is the standard advice for authors contemplating how to best market their books. With more than 30 million members, Goodreads is the world’s largest community of readers. Even better, Goodreads’ mission is to help readers find and share books they love. For authors, it provides a platform to   Continue Reading

Source: www.smithpublicity.com

“With more than 30 million members, Goodreads is the world’s largest community of readers.”  Every self-published author interested in marketing their book should have an account on Goodreads.

1. Facebook
Facebook is a must for all authors. Facebook is the largest social media network in the world, with more than over 845 million active users. It allows you to connect with people who share your interests on a personal level and it is free to join.

If you haven’t already, you should read my posts Facebook for Authors – Part I and Facebook for Authors – Part II.

2. Goodreads
Goodreads is also a must for all authors. Goodreads is the largest site for readers and book recommendations in the world. They more than 12 milllion members. It is where passionate readers go. It is also free to join.

Of particular interest to authors is the Goodreads Author Program, which is completely free and features tools designed to help authors reach their target audience — passionate readers. It is a great place for both new and established authors to promote their books.

In addition, GiveAways on Goodreads is a great way to get advance reviews and create buzz for your book. View this slideshow about using Giveaways on Goodreads.

3. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network, with more than 175 million members. If you are in the workforce or looking for work you should be on LinkedIn. It is free to join. If your book is related to your profession or your business, your book should be prominently featured on your LinkedIn account.

If you wrote under a pen name, or if your book is controversial or otherwise might be perceived by some as reflecting poorly on your professional image, then you should NOT list it on LinkedIn. (For example, if you are an accountant and you wrote a book about your personal experiences with aliens and UFOs, you probably should NOT put this book on LinkedIn as the book may hurt your chances of being hired.)

If you are retired or have left the workforce you may still want to consider setting up a LinkedIn account and list your profession as Author.

4. Twitter
Twitter is a micro-blogging service that allows you to send short messages (140 characters or less) to your followers on a regular basis. It has more than 500 million active users. It is free to join.

Twitter is a must for any author who has written a “how-to” book. You should be tweeting your advice and tips every other day on Twitter, and from time to time, you should plug your book. This tweeting helps establish you as an expert, attracts followers interested in your topic, and gives you the chance to promote your expertise and your book to a potentially large audience.

Twitter can also be useful to promote other types of books as well, but don’t plan on using Twitter unless you plan on tweeting at least every other day.