Publishing Your Novel on Goodreads: A Comprehensive Guide

Goodreads is a platform that has become synonymous with book enthusiasts and authors. It serves as a comprehensive database and community for readers, featuring book reviews, author interviews, and discussion forums. Here's a detailed guide on how to list your novel on Goodreads, especially if it's already available on Amazon.

Why List Your Novel on Goodreads?

Listing your novel on Goodreads can be instrumental in increasing visibility and engagement among readers. This platform allows you to connect with potential readers through book discussions, reviews, and recommendations. However, the process varies depending on whether your book is already published or still in the pre-order stage.

Manually Adding a Book to Goodreads

If your novel is already published and listed on Amazon, it will automatically appear on Goodreads within a few days. This seamless integration is due to the ownership relationship between Goodreads and Amazon. However, if your book was released by a micro publisher who did not list it on Amazon, or if your novel is still in the pre-order stage, you can manually add it to Goodreads. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Create or Verify Your Goodreads Account

Ensure you have a Goodreads account. If someone else has an account with the same author name, contact a librarian who can help transfer your novel to your account. This is crucial to avoid any confusion or duplicated listings.

Step 2: Activate Your Kindle Device or App

If you are self-published or traditionally published, using a Kindle device or app can help with listing your novel. Sync your device/app with your Goodreads account to upload your reading history and assign ratings to each book. This information will appear publicly on your Goodreads profile and can enhance credibility.

Self-Publishing and Listing on Goodreads

For self-published authors, the process is slightly different. If your book is from a micro publisher or has not been listed on Amazon, you can still manually add it to Goodreads. Visit the Goodreads help page for detailed instructions on how to add such books manually.

Pre-Ordering and Listing on Goodreads

If your book is available for pre-order, you need not worry about the manual addition process. Simply ensure your book is listed on Amazon, and Goodreads will automatically include it. This integration is seamless and ensures your book reaches a wider audience.

FAQ and Additional Tips

Q1: Can I post a novel that’s already on Goodreads?
If the book is someone else’s, it will be there already. Support their book by syncing your Kindle device/app and uploading your reading history, assigning ratings to each book.

Q2: What if I want to remove my book from Goodreads?
There is a book add form you can use to request removal. Make sure to fill it in completely and provide any necessary details.

Q3: How can I reach out to Goodreads for specific inquiries?
If you need to post your novel on Goodreads, it is recommended to send an email to their support team to understand their policy and further instructions.

Conclusion

Goodreads is a powerful tool for authors, offering a comprehensive platform to engage with readers and promote their novels. Whether you are a self-published or traditionally published author, ensuring your book is listed on Goodreads is an important step in your book promotion strategy. Use the detailed steps provided in this guide to effectively list your novel on Goodreads and reach a wider audience.