I’ve been a member of Goodreads for years. I love being able to keep track of what I’ve read and what I haven’t. I’ve even looked at a book on my “read” list and think, “I read that?” But it has stars, so I know I did.
Goodreads has also been fantastic for spreading the word about Witch Song. As of right now (4:4:11 @ 9am MST) nearly 1,850 readers have requested to win Witch Song, while another 1,400 people have added it to their “to read” list. And that’s not counting how high Witch Song is on many of the lists where members have voted it to the top 5 of 15 different lists (mostly featuring debut authors or beautiful covers). It’s also # 15 on the most requested Goodread’s giveaway list.
So ya, Goodreads has been an awesome medium to spread the word about Witch Song *insert girlie squeal*. So I wondered if other sites like Goodreads would expose the book to new readers in the same way. I decided to try LibraryThing. Honestly, it’s beyond me. It’s more like a forum. I’ve never been very good at forums (they seem too time consuming). But I decided to at least add all the information I could about Witch Song to the site.
Since the book went up on March 24th, ZERO people have added it. Type in the exact title in a search, and it’s still 8th down without the BEAUTIFUL cover showing (though it appears when you click on it).
Epic Fail. 😉
I know this is partially my fault. I need to get the book out there as I did on Goodreads. But that would require me to learn the ins and outs of yet another social networking site. Not to mention trying to keep up on it.
So I turn to you, dear blog reader. How the heck do you work LibraryThing? Any ideas for marketing the book on LibraryThing’s site? Which site do you prefer: LibraryThing or Goodreads? (I’m, um . . . leaning heavily towards Goodreads)
PS Don’t forget to enter my contest.
Author
I'm a Goodreads fan through and through. I've tried Library Thing and wasn't impressed. I got confused at the whole thing, and like you, I'm not a huge fan of forums. Goodreads is the way to go for sure! 🙂
Goodreads all the way, Amber! I too have tried Library Thing and didn't like it at all. If you think you need to try another site, I would suggest Shelfari since it is comparable (yet still not as good) as goodreads.
Chantele: LibraryThing just made me work to hard to figure it out. I only have so many brain cells to spare.
Theresa: I'm going to try Shelfari at some point, but it still doesn't have Witch Song on there at all. Apparently, Ingram messed up with a whole bunch of books, which is why Witch Song isn't on Amazon and a whole bunch of other sites, and why it doesn't have any info loaded on Barnes and Noble.
I just started using goodreads but I have to ask, is it necessary to do the whole "I intend to read it" thing? I mean, I intend to read your book "Witch Song" but I see no reason why I have to mark it as such. Isn't it enough that I'm going to quietly buy a copy when it's made available? I guess I don't understand all the uber "tracking" that goes on behind the scenes. It all seems to be about money which in my mind takes away from the pleasure of appreciating art.
Amber, I'm a huge Goodreads fan. I tried Shelfari, but liked Goodreads better.
Michael, I think that the biggest reason for adding a book to the to-read list is to keep track of what you want to read. For example, I have over 1000 books on my to-read shelf. It would be impossible to keep track of all those books in my head. Plus, being a blogger, it helps with organizing for things like future releases. Hope that helps you understand. (:
Michael: Lindsay is exactly right. It's a way to keep track of the books you've read. As an author, it's also super fun to see people add your book–it makes it feel real. And it's so rewarding to see people excited about something that I've worked so hard for.
It has nothing to do with making money–I don't make any money from Goodreads. It's about seeing your readership grow.
If I was in this for the money, I would have quite five years ago. 🙂
Lindsay: Thanks for explaining to Michael.
I have both. In fact, I just went onto Goodreads and friended you! 🙂
I'm more active on Goodreads. With Library Thing, you have to pay when you go above 100 books, so I never mark things to read. At first, I marked books I read and enjoyed, but now I delete them whenever I want to add a review! Goodreads is much easier to use and I love how social it is!
interesant
I have never tried Goodreads but I use LibraryThing. I found librarything easy to use but I may not use it in the same way that you want it to be used. I will say the one thing that appeals to me as a reader when it comes to librarything is that they offer books to review. You may want to look into that aspect – sharing your book for reviewers through the site.
Um, can't help you with Library Thing. I just wanted to say I'm totally with you on joining yet another social network. You sign up, get inundated with emails, your inbox is cluttered and you still don't know how to make it work…
I should say I'm on Shelfari and Goodreads. I like Goodreads better; it seems more intuitive and user-friendly.
THanks for friending me, Bonnie. I didn't know you had to pay once you were over 100.
Taio: Isn't it though.
Sara: I've looked at the early reviewer program–in fact I've won a few. But it seems geared toward nonfiction or literary. For April, I didn't see any fantasy. So it might not be the best medium. In addition to the fact that you have to donate at least 20 books.
JoLynne: I'm on Shelfari too. i like it better than LibraryThing. Does it have a giveaway program???
There's also Shelfari (I hardly use it). I have to say tho, I never add 'to read' books in my Library Thing account, I only add the ones I've read. I don't know why really hehe I love LT for getting ARC tho 😉
Samita: I've joined Shelfari as well. I haven't started marketing the book there because it's not on their site yet. :/