While attending a writers’ conference several years ago, wannabe authors were encouraged to make it a practice to review books even before having one of our own published. It’s turned into a delightful habit.
While copy-and-pasting my review (usually something short) on BookBub, Goodreads, and Amazon, I’ve begun to appreciate each site for different reasons.
BookBub
BookBub is becoming my favorite, mainly because it’s easier to make connections with readers and authors who enjoy the same kinds of books. BookBub also makes it handy to share a review on Twitter/X, which I do regularly.
Another feature I like to check every so often is which ebooks are on sale, ones recommended by a reader or author I follow. Some of them are even free! Once you’re signed up, those show up on your Notification page.
Goodreads
Goodreads has turned into a handy place to keep track of the books I’ve read, even the dates I finished them. At the beginning of the year, you can challenge yourself with the number of books you hope to read during the year. Goodreads will keep track of them and nudge you as the year winds down.
You may join a group of readers interested in the same kinds of books. It’s a great place to find comments about what they liked, or what they didn’t like.
Amazon
Amazon is what most people think about for leaving a review or rating for a book they’ve enjoyed. (If I don’t enjoy a book, I don’t finish it and don’t leave any kind of review.) Amazon is useful for authors because when a book reaches so many reviews, Amazon will boost the book in their own ads.
An Amazon Author Page is handy for readers to learn whether an author has written anything else. It’s useful to an author to have all her books in one place. Have a look at the bottom of this page for my recent book recommendations.
Do you have a favorite place to rate or review books you’ve enjoyed?
I leave reviews on all of these sites. You only have to write one and then copy paste it. Leaving a review is the bets gift you can give an author.
Amen, Darlene!
I love how generous you are in sharing tips and info, Joy! I’ve never heard of BookBub! So much I don’t know…
Xo! 🥰
Hey, Vicki, someone else told me about BookBub!
Love the sharing! 🥰❤️🥰
I don’t have a favorite, but I enjoy the features of each. It’s more habit than anything, but I always leave reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. I always look at the notifications from Book Bub and have found many great reads that way.
Thanks, Pete. I guess all three have become habits for me. . .
I use all three for reviews.
I just looked at your author page on BookBub. It not only lists your books (I’ve reviewed just a couple so far), it also shows your recent recommendations, which is handy for readers.
I really need to start paying more attention to it, Joy.
I was just thinking about your new book coming out later this year. BookBub could be handy for that!
Thank you, Joy! I need to check out out Bookbub!
Lori, I’m thankful someone pointed it out to me!
I have a separate blog on my author website for reviews of the books I read and like. (I never review books I didn’t like.) I should copy them to Goodreads and Amazon, but rarely do.
It’s sure be helpful to readers and authors if you would! I don’t review books I don’t like either, and some I don’t even finish. At my age, life is too short! ha
I post reviews on all three sites. I wouldn’t say that I have a favorite, although you made a good case for BookBub. As others have noted, I don’t review books I’ve found seriously flawed or lacking.
Amen, Liz!
This was good info. I am now rethinking. Maybe I should use Bookbub?
It’s just another copy and paste!
I did sign up once and then got rid of it when I felt overwhelmed. heh
Overwhelmed happens, doesn’t it!
It’s my natural state lately.
I’m still praying for you. You have been quiet lately.
I really appreciate that, Joy. Thank you. It’s been a lot of not-too-bad-but-overwhelming.
Thanks for this information, Joy. 🙂