Patricia Stoltey

Author

Library Thing — For Readers, Librarians, and Authors

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Yesterday I created a presence on Library Thing, which calls itself the world’s largest book club. Members are readers, authors, and librarians.

The first thing I did upon signing up was to create my profile. Here I entered the information I’d like to have other members know about me, including my website and blog urls. My Library Thing name is PatriciaStoltey. Readers may leave comments for me at the bottom of my Profile page, and these comments will be forwarded to my e-mail address.

From there I began to add some of the permanent books in my collection. This will be an ongoing task for a few weeks if I enter only a few at a time, but is a way to connect with other members who have similar tastes.

The additional networking opportunities through Library Thing are:

(1) A Local site where an author’s appearances and events can be listed, favorite bookstores and libraries can be added, and readers may connect with other members in their community.

(2) Authors may establish their author identifies, have an author logo added to their profiles, and participate in Author Chats with members. I have applied for the author designation.

(3) As a member, you may join one of the many existing groups formed by topic or may start a new group. I took a quick look at the options, and am considering: Write-Readers, What Are You Reading Now?, and Crime/Thriller/Mystery.

(4) A talk room where you can read and respond to posted threads.

(5) You can post reviews for books you’ve read, and you can also sign up to be an Early Reviewer of upcoming releases. In this program, you enter a lottery for the advance copies you want to read, and the lucky winners get to read and review (for free). I checked out the July list and was wishing I had the time to sign up for this program.

The basic membership, which allows you to catalog up to 200 books, is free. For a small fee, there are other benefits, including an option for authors to give away books and promotional materials (such as bookmarks) according to Library Thing rules. As I use this site, I suspect I’ll find more opportunities. I’ll keep you posted. For a more information about Library Thing, visit the Press Information page.

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Comments

  1. Thanks for the heads up. I just recently heard of Author’s Den and put it on my list of things to do. I’ll check this one out while I’m at it.

    When I first started getting involved with all of these online communities, I got so carried away that (I’m embarrassed to admit) I have actually forgotten which ones I signed up for.

    Now I’m trying to be a little more realistic about the amount of time and attention I can give to these online ventures in order to maximize my results. Quality versus Quantity.

    Kimberly
    http://kbkeilbach.blogspot.com

  3. I’ve been on Library Thing for a few years but haven’t done much with it. Soooo many online communities these days to get involved in. Looks like you’ve got a good idea how to maximize this one, though. 🙂

    The Old Silly

  4. It’ll be interesting to see how this works for you. There are just so many things to get on or get involved with online! I’m glad you’re blazing the trail and letting the rest of us know how it goes for you.

    Helen
    Straight From Hel

  5. I joined Red Room and a few others and just don’t have time to even go back and visit. I guess we really have to pick and choose these online venues carefully. Good luck.
    Karen

  6. Thanks for the tip, Patricia. I’ll be interested to hear your further impressions as to whether it’s worth the time and effort. Like others who’ve already commented, I feel overwhelmed by all the options out there.

    There’s still time to win a copy of my mystery Eldercide, though! You were the first to guess, and I quoted you in today’s blog, but Beth Groundwater wasn’t the author in my dream, deserving as she may be. Try again today!

    Julie Lomoe’s Musings Mysterioso
    http://julielomoe.wordpress.com

  7. I’m holding off for the moment. Writing the little bio blurb for everything is beginning to get tiresome. I’m tired of thinking!!

    Actually, am keyed up about the booksigning tomorrow and waiting to hear back from the publisher gal whether or not she wants my novel and and and. sigh.

  9. Terry, I had to pick and choose because there are simply too many of these opportunities. I haven’t done any of the ones you listed, although I did visit their sites. I found Library Thing through a librarian/author friend.

    Finding the time, Elizabeth, is the key. I just grabbed a day and ran with it.