Using Goodreads as an Author

Goodreads is one of the largest concentrations of active readers online, and — since it’s owned by Amazon — activity there can feed directly into your book’s broader discoverability. The free Goodreads Author Program is the starting point for using it effec>Claim Your Author Profile

1. Create a Goodreads account (or sign in) and search for your book by ISBN, ASIN, or title.
2. Click your author name on the book’s page, then scroll to the bottom of your author profile.
3. Click “Is this you? Let us know!” and submit the verification request.
4. Approval typically comes within about 2 business days.

Once verified, you can update your bio and photo, correct your book listings, and access the tools below.

What the Author Program Gives You

• Giveaways — Run a giveaway for print copies or, as of a recent update, Kindle ebooks too. Every entrant automatically adds your book to their “Want to Read” shelf, which is one of the strongest discovery signals on the platform.
• Ask the Author — Readers can submit questions directly to you, which helps build a more personal connection with your audience.
• Blog Integration — Connect your blog’s RSS feed so updates post automatically to your Goodreads profile.
• Status Updates — Share what you’re reading or working on to keep your profile active.

The One Thing That Matters Most: “Want to Read” Adds

Goodreads’ discovery algorithm weighs shelf adds, ratings, and reviews heavily — every reader who adds your book to “Want to Read” signals real interest, which can surface your book in recommendations and similar-book pages. Giveaways are effective largely because of this mechanism, not just because of the free copies themselves.

Don’t Overlook Listopia

Listopia is Goodreads’ user-generated list system (e.g., “Best Cozy Mysteries of 2026”). Search for lists relevant to your genre or themes, add your book where it genuinely fits, and encourage readers to vote it up. It’s a slow-building source of discovery, but it compounds over time.

Goodreads reviews are free, but if you want a more formal, citable review for press or library outreach, see our guide to paid book review services.