Aspiring Authors Need to Join Goodreads

In 2021, I finally joined Goodreads. Yeah…yeah…I know…I’m a bit late to the party. And now, I want everyone to join! I love what I’ve experienced on the site and I’m hooked. It’s a great website for ALL readers and book enthusiasts. Authors and fellow readers appreciate your book reviews. If you don’t know what Goodreads is, check out this past Storyteller Squad blog post. CLICK HERE!

However, it is my opinion that ALL aspiring authors MUST join Goodreads! There are so many reasons for aspiring authors to join, but I will outline my top four below. (And enjoy a few of my Goodreads reviews of Storyteller Squad books as you scroll!)

1. Writers are Readers

If you aren’t reading in your genre, you aren’t going to write a good book. Period. Writers need to stay on top of the trends, writing styles, and story elements of RECENTLY published books. It’s okay to read the occasional book published a decade ago, especially if it is trending again. However, if you want to be published now, you need to know what is being published now.

Also, writing a book review is an amazing writing exercise. Can you summarize a book and share what you loved/disliked without giving a spoiler? If you love a book, challenge yourself to write just one or two sentences that would entice other potential readers to pick up the book. Think of the many one-sentence reviews on the back cover of the books you read. If you become a successful author, someday, you may need to write these endorsements. It doesn’t hurt to practice now.

Here is another great Storyteller Squad blog post to refer to if you aren’t convinced about the importance of reading while writing. CLICK HERE!

2. Find Your Future Readers

Make friends on Goodreads! And encourage your bookish friends to join Goodreads. It is very similar to other social media platforms. You can comment on other people’s reviews and follow/friend people. When you find other like-minded readers, you can see what they are reading. Then follow them on other social media platforms. And once you build relationships, you may have an instant group of future beta readers or launch team members.

Building these relationships takes time. So, if you are just starting your writing journey, be intentional now. Start with us! Look up the Storyteller Squad authors and let’s connect!

As future authors, Goodreads is just one way to build your “platform.” Read about more ways HERE!

3. Know What Your Future Readers Want

Read a book, hop on Goodreads to write your review, and then take some time to read others’ reviews. Do they agree with your opinion? What did they like? What did they hate? Take notes if you must. Seeing what other readers are saying may open your eyes to underlying issues and “triggers” in the book that you didn’t think about.

Of course, all reading is subjective, and everyone is entitled to their opinion. But it is good to see what tropes, character arcs, and plots are resonating with today’s readers. Then, take what you’ve learned and apply it to your book.

4. Find Comparable Reads

When you write your book proposal, you need to list a few “comp reads” of currently published books and write how they compare to the novel you’ve written. I’ve found various comp reads for my proposal thanks to the help of Goodreads and the bookstagram community on Instagram.

It is important to read in your genre. Have I mentioned that yet? 😊

So, what are you waiting for? Join Goodreads and find your next book to read. Find inspiration for your writing. Enjoy the fun bookish community. And, hopefully, someday you will be on this website not only as a reader but as an AUTHOR! I’m cheering you on!

Let’s be friends on Goodreads! FIND ME HERE!