There’s no question book clubs can be a defining moment in an author’s career. And we’re not just talking Oprah here (though that’s the most stellar example). Fact is, the success of a book can be greatly magnified if the book club crowds get hold of it and begin spreading the news.
Don’t believe us, just take a look at this article from the Independent Book Publishers Association https://www.ibpa-online.org/article/book-clubs-part-1-the-benefits/#.UUXCPxn1eDo or a bit more about how book clubs’ word-of-mouth put Water for Elephants on top (yes, even above the Oprah selections of the day!) in the NYT: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/11/books/11elep.html?_r=0.
Goodreads, with over 15 million members, can boast the biggest gathered group of readers and the most online book clubs. But online book clubs are only part of the story… Virtual (a la Skype or video chat room hangouts) and the live, sitting around in the living room, sipping tea or wine variety are alive and well and can be an author’s best friend. So, how do we get to them?
Spoiler alert: the WWW team is working round the clock on a soon-to-be-released project (to coincide with our one year anniversary in May) that will include as one of its features, a list of book clubs around the country. But we realized that list would be incomplete if we didn’t at least ask our own tribe for their input.
So here comes that dreaded word: Survey. But look – we’ve put the survey right here – it’s seven brief questions – and you’re under NO obligation to answer… But if any of you do, well then we’ll be glad we asked and grateful for your input…
Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world’s leading questionnaire tool.
I got the tip about Meetup.com months ago, but never followed through…my bad.:(
But now I will.:) Thanks for the heads-up…and I’ll be looking forward to the book club listing!
Every once in a while, my mole like behavior sees the light of day. Book Clubs are such a stellar idea. I have heard of them, but have had no idea how to connect. Thank you so much for this–an excellent tribute to your first anniversary.
Thank you and stay tuned; we’re going to have some FUN!
This is GREAT! Thank you so much. Never thought of meetups for book clubs. Best, Rochelle
Book clubs are a huge reason why my first book did so well in sales. They can start a massive buzz in a number of ways, even passively. One book club is using my book as their Facebook profile pic right now (indicating it’s their book of the month). I’ve met with about 25 bookclubs over the past three years, in-person, via SKYPE, and phone conferences. Someone already mentioned Meetup.com, which is how I’ve found a few bookclubs (also, from social media and conferences).
Thanks, James! Do share any of those willing to be contacted, and continued success to you!
Wonderful idea. Thank you so much. I was wondering how to make book clubs aware of my latest book, Mint Tea and Minarets: a banquet of Moroccan memories.
I just wanted to mention that you should probably use meetup.com to find book clubs. There are thousands. Also, when your list is available, it will be valuable. I for one, would be willing to pay something for it. I would be interested in an excel file that had contact name, email, physical address and phone. I will look forward to hearing about your progress on this project.
Geva Salerno
Thanks, Geva and yes, that’s exactly what we’re working on… including the meetups! Stay tuned… it’s going to be cool 🙂
This is a GREAT way to expose any book club to wonderful new authors and books that they haven’t otherwise been exposed to. And most often authors would love to participate in a discussion about their work. What’s to lose? Selection is solely up to the club. Come on! Give up the book clubs already! It’s a win-win