Online Seminar on Goodreads Through Writer's Digest Univesity

I've long said that one of the keys to my success regarding marketing my works was figuring out the best way to utilize Goodreads. A site dedicated to reading is an obvious place to get your work known, but most authors I've talked to find it difficult because there is so much to do there. It also doesn't help that there are pitfalls that many stumble into which can hurt rather than help interactions at that site.

To try and educate writers on this important venue, I and Robin have done a number of things:

• Written an article for Writer's Digest Magazine (Feb 2015)
• Presented a seminar at the 2015 Writer's Digest  Annual  Conference in New York City
• Presented at last week's GenCon in Indianapolis Indiana
• Presented at Arlington's Central Library in the Metro Washington DC area

These have gone over extremely well but there have been issues. The article, which while great, can only scratch the surface.  The seminars have required travel and event fees that has put the seminar out of reach of a lot of writers.

Well, I've teamed up with Writer's Digest to do an online course to help that and try to get the information out to a wider audience. While I suggest you join the seminar live (so you can answer questions), Writer's Digest does usually record the sessions and makes them available after the fact if timing doesn't work for you.  Also, when you attend live, you'll have access to re-watch the session as often as you like.

Here are the particulars:

• What: Goodreads: The Venue That Can Make Your Writing Career
• When: Tuesday, August 18, 2015 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m EDT
• Where: Online - sign up here
• Who: Presented by Michael and Robin Sullivan
• Cost: $79.99

I should note that while the stop time is 2:30, I'll remain available until all questions are answered so there will be plenty of time for Q&A.

Full details can be found at the link, but here are some highlights:

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• How to build your Goodreads author page for maximum effectiveness
• How to utilize Goodreads pre-release to generate “book buzz”
• How to maximize the Goodreads' feeds to get your books noticed
• Avoid pitfalls when interacting in groups that can get you banned (or worse)
• How to build a Goodreads giveaway that stands out from the crowd
• How to build “rabid” fans that spread the news of your book far and wide
• How to utilize “fringe features” of the site to get even more exposure
• How to adjust your strategies as your audience grows

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

• Writers who want to foster word-of-mouth viral marketing
• Writers who have finished books or will be launching a title in the future
• Writers who aren't currently utilizing Goodreads
• Writers who have tried to use Goodreads but became confused or overwhelmed
• Writers who want to maximize results while minimizing time spent online
• Writers at all levels of their career who want to build a rapid fan base
• Writers who want to avoid pitfalls that have given some authors bad reputations with readers

I hope you'll check it out. I really think this is an amazing opportunity. I hope to see you there.