Goodreads is a powerful platform for authors to get book reviews, connect with readers, and boost your book’s visibility.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use Goodreads effectively to get more reviews:
1. Set Up Your Goodreads Author Profile
- Sign up for a Goodreads account and apply for the Goodreads Author Program.
- Fill out your author profile completely, including a professional photo, bio, and links to your website and social media. Your Goodreads Author Bio is key to making a strong first impression. Keep it concise, engaging, and informative with these tips:
A. Keep It Short & Impactful
- Aim for 100–200 words.
- Start with a strong opening that highlights your genre or achievements.
📌 Example: “Jane Smith is a bestselling fantasy author known for her immersive world-building and gripping twists.”
B. Showcase Your Writing Achievements
- Mention your books, awards, or what makes your writing unique.
📌 Example: “Her latest novel, The Moonlit Curse, was a finalist for the 2024 Fantasy Book Awards.”
C. Add a Personal Touch
- Share a fun fact or hobby to make you relatable.
📌 Example: “When she’s not writing, Jane enjoys coffee, hiking, and devouring thrillers.”
D. End with a Call to Action
- Encourage readers to follow you or visit your website.
📌 Example: “Follow Jane on Goodreads or visit [YOUR-WEBSITE] for updates.”
E. Where to Edit Your Bio
- To edit your Goodreads bio, go to your profile under Author Settings.
2. Add Your Book and Claim It
- If your book is already on Goodreads (added via ISBN or by a reader), claim it under your author profile.
- If it’s not listed, manually add it with the “Add a New Book” feature.
- Include all relevant information – cover, description, ISBN, and links to where it can be purchased.
3. Engage with the Goodreads Community
- Join Goodreads groups related to your book’s genre and participate in discussions (without spamming your book).
- Engage in conversations naturally, providing insights and recommendations.
- Offer to swap ARCs (Advance Reader Copies) with other authors to gain reviews.
4. Connect with Readers & Reviewers
- Message readers who have marked your book as “Want to Read” and offer a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
- Use Goodreads’ Ask the Author feature to answer reader questions and build engagement.
- Look for active reviewers in your genre by checking similar books and reaching out to them.
5. Use Lists and Recommendations
- Encourage fans to add your book to Goodreads Lists (found under “Listopia”).
- Get involved in book recommendation discussions and suggest your book when appropriate.
6. Leverage Goodreads Blog & Updates
- Post blog updates about your book’s journey, behind-the-scenes content, and special promotions.
- Use Goodreads status updates to inform readers about book discounts, new releases, or giveaways.
7. Encourage Reviews from Existing Readers
- If you have a mailing list, ask readers to leave a Goodreads review after they finish your book.
- Mention Goodreads reviews in your social media, website, and book’s back matter (blurb).
- Run a special event where readers who review your book are entered into a giveaway.
8. Join the Goodreads Review Exchange (Carefully)
- Some Goodreads groups allow review exchanges where authors review each other’s books.
- Ensure the group follows Goodreads guidelines to avoid violating review policies.
9. Run Goodreads Ads (Optional)
- Goodreads offers affordable advertising for authors to target readers in their book’s genre.
- While this isn’t free, it can help get more people to add your book, which increases the chances of getting reviews.
Be Patient & Consistent
Getting reviews on Goodreads takes time. Keep engaging with readers, participating in groups, and promoting your book. The more active you are, the more likely readers will leave reviews.
Goodreads also has these reources:
Bonus tip: Run a Goodreads Giveaway
Goodreads allows authors to run giveaways for free or paid options. Giving away free copies of your book (physical or eBook) increases visibility and encourages reviews. Many readers who win a copy leave reviews and add your book to their “Want to Read” list, exposing it to more potential readers.