Review Sources

BookLife is a website from Publishers Weekly dedicated to indie authors. The site provides a free and easy way to submit self-published books to Publishers Weekly for review, and offers editorial content -- success stories, interviews, author profiles, how-to pieces, news, and features -- geared toward aid indie authors achieve their goals.
If you are not using a service like Booklife and sending your book directly to review sources, select review sources that target your specific market in terms of genre and intended audience. Market guides such as Writers Digest and Writer's Market can assist you with your research. Be certain to read and follow the specific guidelines for each source before submitting your work. Local newspapers or magazines often review works published by local authors.

One of the best ways to have your work included in Harford County Public Library's circulating collection is for it to be positively reviewed.  The review sources we use include:

Library Journal
School Library Journal
Publishers Weekly
Booklist
Horn Book
Kirkus Reviews
NYTimes Book Review
Entertainment Weekly
NPR

Social Media For Authors

Goodreads users don't like marketing; Facebook is one of your best bets for PAID advertising; Instagram video may make more sense for authors than YouTube. Take time to understand the audience and what works on each platform then use it.  If you don't do some homework, you may be wasting your time.

WattPad has 16 million engaged readers every month -- a captive audience looking for their next great read. Wattpad is leading the way in social reading by enabling its readers and writers to be interactive.  Share a short story or prequel to whet your readers' appetite; collaborate with another author; serialize a story; ask for suggestions!  Similar sites include Figment, Miss Literati, and Booksie.

Author's Den allows you to create an author bio with links to your books, articles, news and blog posts.

GoodReads gives you a way to reach readers who READ and like to connect with other readers. Post information about yourself, what books you are reading and have written (with sales links to Amazon).

Library Thing. If you are an author with a book that can be found online e.g. on Amazon, you can have an author page that links to your book and find readers who read what you write.

Word Press provides a free and easy way to get blogging.  Word of caution: If you decide to do this, DO IT.  Keep it up to date with regular, interesting posts.   

 

Author Oriented Crowd Funding

Inkshares invites authors to submit a manuscript for crowdfunding and offers the publishing and support services needed once the work is funded.

Kickstarter is the world's largest funding platform for creative projects. Reach millions of people who can pledge money to help fund your book!

Pubslush is a crowdfunding platform focused on the literary world. It services authors, publishing professionals and literary trendsetters.