Why Form Goodreads Groups?

If you're not on Goodreads, please consider it. You'll find me (Sandra) there. Besides being a great place to go as a reader, it's helpful in connecting readers with writers. 

While you're there, don't pass up joining a few groups for discussion. I'm a member of several. One of them is run by author Camy Tang. She's wonderful at relating to those who take the time to connect with her. So I asked Camy:

“You formed an active group on Goodreads. What do you enjoy about it? Have you found it helpful in getting to know your readers? Any recommendations for writers who want to form their own groups?” - Sandy

Camy - First off, let me confess that I am a Goodreads junkie. I am on Goodreads as much as I am on Facebook and more than I am on Twitter or Pinterest. I absolutely love the reader discussions on other groups I belong to and checking out the book recommendations from people. I don’t always comment as much as I used to, but I still love reading the forums and looking up more books to put on my TBR pile.

I think I enjoy surfing around Goodreads because I feel like a Klingon at a Comicon convention. I’m surrounded by my peeps. I can stop at any forum and jump in because these are readers just like me. They “get” the way I think about books--about having a favorite reading spot, about always needing a book with me when I leave the house, about my obsession over having an accurate book catalog.

As an author, I decided to focus more on Goodreads than Twitter or Pinterest in terms of my marketing simply because I love being on Goodreads so much. I formed a Goodreads group (which is super easy) and just started talking. I also linked to my Goodreads group from my blog and Facebook page.

I’ve met so many great people on Goodreads through my group. Now, my interactions on my group has not propelled me to the NYT bestseller list, but I’ve had great discussions with readers, some of whom have read my books, others who become interested in my books through my group. I’m especially touched by readers who tell me that some aspect of my character’s struggles has impacted their lives or encouraged them in some way.

For writers wanting to form their own groups, Goodreads makes it really easy. If you’re an author, check out their Author Program page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/program. If you want to form a reader or writer group, go to their Groups page and click on “Create a Group” on the right side: http://www.goodreads.com/group.

I hope to see you all on Goodreads! Be sure to join my group!

http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/49078-camy-tang 

Are you in any Goodreads groups? Have you formed any? What are they and what do you like about them? 

~~~

Camy Tang writes romance with a kick of wasabi. She grew up in Hawaii and now lives in California with her engineer husband and rambunctious mutt, Snickers. She used to be a biologist, but now she writes full time, is a staff worker for her church youth group, and leads a worship team for Sunday service. She loves knitting and she’s training to run a (very slow) marathon.