5 Free Platforms Where Authors Should List Their Books

It's vital that online "mentions" exist for you as an author. When a reader searches for you or your book, the more results that come up in the search engine, the better. Ensuring your book(/s) are mentioned online is even more important if you have not cultivated an email list of subscribers. They do not take a lot of effort, and once you've ensured the information is correct, you're pretty much done! Here are 5 of the most useful places for you to do this. These platforms are free, although some do offer various paid services (which I'm not 100% sure I'd recommend).

1. Goodreads

This is the most popular resource for readers to catalogue, keep track of and rate their books. Readers are able to put books into to-be-read lists, and much more. While Goodreads is a little clunky (even with the recent visual "overhaul" that I personally don't think is an improvement), it's a must have. Make sure to add your book(/s) here if the details have not been automatically pulled in, and create your author profile page.

2. BookBub

BookBub serves a similar purpose to Goodreads, although it is a little more niche, and more geared towards helping readers discover books (as well as informing them of fresh releases and price promotions). That said, it takes very little time to setup a profile on BookBub, so go ahead! Anyone who "follows" you on BookBub will receive an email whenever you publish a new book, providing you make sure that it appears on the BookBub platform.

3. LibraryThing

If I'm honest, I barely use LibraryThing. I hate its UI/UX and think it's a bit of a dead zone (maybe it will be retired or is in the process, I don't know). However, some readers do use it in a similar, even more niche way to Goodreads. Also, dislike aside, the more arrows pointing your way online, and in reputable book-loving places that have some degree of clout, the better.

4. Amazon Author Central

Amazon Author Central is an Amazon-owned platform where you can add information about yourself and your book(/s) to augment what's displayed by default. This information populates Amazon's product pages for (1) your book and (2) your author page (accessed if a reader on Amazon clicks your name). Overall, you and your work will appear more professional. Plus, Amazon Author Central gives you additional tools to monitor your progress (in terms of book ranks, reviews etc).

5. Your own website

Finally, but very importantly, you need a website if you are serious about writing. While the above platforms are easier to get started on (which is why I ranked them in that order), I believe this is the second most important platform to establish, after Goodreads. Websites can be pretty cost effective, and there are a variety of website builders to use, which are essentially drag-and-drop mediums. I use Weebly, for example. Take a look at high-flying authors in your genres and peruse their websites for inspiration.

Good luck!