by Sherrie Wilkolaski
Today we’re talking about Shelfari, another social media vehicle authors can use to connect with readers. We’ve already taken a look at GoodReads and LibraryThing, both being similar to Shelfari, in that it targets the reader. The importance of Shelfari is that it’s connection to Amazon. As an author promoting your work, you just have to be a part of it.
What is Shelfari*?
Shelfari introduces readers to our global community of book lovers and encourages them to share their literary inclinations and passions with peers, friends, and total strangers (for now). Shelfari is a gathering place for authors, aspiring authors, publishers, and readers, and has many tools and features to help these groups connect with each other in a fun and engaging way. Our mission is to enhance the experience of reading by connecting readers in meaningful conversations about the published word.
Shelfari’s members:
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Build virtual bookshelves to express themselves to their friends and to the world
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Discover books that are popular in their trusted circles of friends
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Influence peers by rating and discussing books online
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Discover and learn from people with similar reading tastes
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Participate in online book groups to further explore literature and share ideas
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Interact with and learn from authors
Shelfari was officially launched in October 2006 and was acquired by Amazon.com in August 2008. * Information provided by Shelfari.com
How should you use Shelfari?
Once you've created your account, start connecting with readers who are looking for books in your genre. You can send them an invite to become a friend. The more people you're connected with, the more exposure you will have. If you find readers that have read your book, reach out to them and get their opinion. People love to hear from authors. Also, once you have your account established, you will want to select books that you are reading and add them to your collection. Don’t forget that you can easy add books to your shelf by importing from your purchases on Amazon.
What NOT to do as an author on Shelfari?
You should include your own book(s) in your list of what you have read but do NOT rate or review your own book(s). Readers and Shelfari does not like that. Never rate or review your book(s) on any site.
How to set-up your author account at Shelfari?
Shelfari has author detail pages for all published authors with a book in their catalog. You can find your detail page by clicking your name beneath the title of your book. If your book does not correctly show your name, click on the cover or title which takes you to the book page. On the book page, edit the Authors & Contributors section. Once the change is approved by Shelfari Librarians and then your book will be updated with the correct author information. Click through your name to your author detail page and begin adding and editing biographical and other information that would be interesting to readers
Shelfari provides authors who participate on Author Central with an "Amazon Author" badge on their avatars.
They have an extensive FAQs section so be sure to utilize it. http://www.shelfari.com/help
Today’s social media challenge task of the day.
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Create an account at www.Shelfari.com.
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Set-up your profile in your Shelfari account. Be sure to add your author photo and a link back to your own personal website.
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Follow the instructions to set-up your author account as provided above.
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Set-up your authorcentral.amazon.com account if you don’t already have one, it will give you more exposure both at Amazon and on Shelfari.
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Once you have your account set-up, connect with Infinity Publishing and become our friend. http://www.shelfari.com/infinitypublishing
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Post a link to your Shelfari profile page below in the comments section so you get added exposure.
Infinity Publishing’s gift to you. We will friend you back on Shelfari!
Tomorrow we’re going to get LinkedIn (Challenge #10).
