Useful Websites for Authors and Readers
I've been bookmarking useful websites for authors and readers as I've been going along on this self-publishing journey. Below, you'll find a list of websites that have caught my interest. There is a small description for each site, but it's worth taking a look at each separate one, to see what they have to offer you.
To help you keep track of websites you have viewed, each link should turn to grey after you've clicked it.
THE CREATIVE PENN
- This website is chock-full of articles and FAQs that are useful for any writer or aspiring author, at any stage of the process. The website has a really positive atmosphere to it, and lots of tips from managing your time through to the psychology of writing!
Click this link to be taken to The Creative Penn: http://www.thecreativepenn.com/writing/
CREATIVE WRITING NOW
- Creative writing now has free online courses, tips on how to write a story, how to write a novel, poetry, a script, and how to write a memoir! I came across this site when I Googled the term 'character questionnaire'. There's an awesome character questionnaire on this website where you can fill out in-depth info about your characters to help improve your writing and character depth.
Click this link to be taken to Creative Writing Now: http://www.creative-writing-now.com/
TERRIBLEMINDS
- Terribleminds is Chuck Wendig's website, an author who has written multiple books on writing advice, such as '500 Ways to be a Better Writer', and '250 Things You Should Know About Writing.' He has a blog that receives a lot of regular comments, and is worth checking out. WARNING: If you can't deal with vulgar language and a lot of crude jokes, then avoid this site!
Click this link to be taken to Terribleminds: http://terribleminds.com/ramble/
TV TROPES
- If you're stuck on inspiration for characters, this is a great website for getting your creativity going.
Click this link to be taken to TV Tropes: http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/Characters
THE ELECTRONIC TEXT & LITERATURE CLOUD
- This site only lists eBooks that are not under contract with a major publisher, so it's a great place for readers who want to find new indie books. Also, authors can submit their work for consideration to be included on the website.
Click this link to be take to The Electronic Text & Literature Cloud: http://www.etlc.info/index.php/
DIGITAL BOOK TODAY
- Digital Book Today lists FREE books every day, and also has a lot of affordable marketing packages for authors. If you'd like to have your book featured on a website that gets a lot of views each day, then check out this website.
Click this link to be taken to Digital Book Today: http://digitalbooktoday.com/
INDIE REVIEW TRACKER
- I first came across this website because it had a really useful post on where to submit your KDP Select eBook on its Free Day, but it turns out there's loads of great posts on here that are useful for writers. There are also advertising options and time-saving features for authors. But, remember to think about your budget!
Click here to be taken to Indie Review Tracker: http://indiereviewtracker.com/
COALITION INDEPENDENT AUTHORS
- Another website chock-full of writing-related info. It's all presented in an easy-to-navigate format, and you'll find lots of books across all genres, and also book trailers and author interviews, etc.
Click this link to be taken to Coalition Independent Authors: http://www.coalition-independent-authors.com/
DVW BOOK CLUB
- DVW Book Club is a website 'dedicated to bringing authors and readers together.' They post books across all genres and also have free ads for authors. It's a lovely website and easy to navigate.
Click this link to be taken to DVW Book Club: https://sites.google.com/site/dvwbooksorg/home
YAPC - YOUNG ADULT PROMO CENTRAL
- As I'm sure you can tell from the title, this website is for Young Adult books. They aim to help expose your work through cross-promotion and KDP Free Days. They have a range of affordable packages ... but, think before you spend! There's lots of free marketing opportunities out there on the web if you take the time to look for it.
Click this link to be taken to YAPC: http://yapromocentral.com/
THE KINDLE BOOK REVIEW
- Readers looking for great books: it's worth checking the reviews on this site. The Kindle Book Review are top reviewers on Amazon, so authors looking for trusted critiquing on their work, check out this site. They also list FREEBIES; good for readers, and even better for authors who want to submit the KDP books on their Free Days.
Click here for The Kindle Book Review: http://www.thekindlebookreview.net/
STEP-BY-STEP SELF-PUBLISHING: GET BOOK REVIEWS
- This website is for helping authors get reviews for their work. There is other useful information on the website, too, but the main attraction on this site seems to be the comprehensive Reviewer List. If you need book reviews, then take a look!
Click this link to be taken to Step-by-Step Self-Publishing: http://www.stepbystepselfpublishing.net/index.html
BOOK TWEETING SERVICE: LIKE A FREE REVIEW?
- Book Tweeting Service is a useful website for authors. There's not only book marketing and promotion packages, but also a page that lists reviewers who are willing to consider reviewing your work if you submit and email with details to them. If you're considering making you book FREE with KDP, then maybe co-ordinate free days with a tweeting service? But, I don't want you to go spending all your money! Set a budget you can afford, and stick to it.
Click this link to be taken to Book Tweeting Service: http://www.booktweetingservice.com/
URBAN FANTASY REVIEWS
- As the title says, this site is for people looking to find urban fantasy books that have been reviewed on this website. If you're an author in this genre, there is a submission page to have your book considered for review. The website also posts interviews and hosts giveaways! If you like your Urban Fantasy, then it's worth checking out.
Click this link to be taken to Urban Fantasy Reviews: http://www.ufreviews.com/
PARANORMAL ROMANCE GUILD
- This one's a useful website for authors and readers who are into the paranormal romance genre. They have a page where you can submit your book for review. They also have free and paid membership options for those interested, and many other author services.
Click this link to be taken to Paranormal Romance Guild: http://www.paranormalromanceguild.com/
FREE KINDLE BOOKS AND TIPS
- Here's a great website for readers to find the latest free kindle books and more. For authors it's a great place to advertise your books, especially if you plan to give your book away for free in a promotion.
Click this link to be taken to Free Kindle Books and Tips: http://www.fkbooksandtips.com/
FREE BOOKS HUB
- This one's a good'un for readers looking for free books, and also for authors looking to submit their free books. If your book is going FREE on KDP, then you want it to be listed on this website.
Click this link to be taken to Free Books Hub: http://www.freebookshub.co.uk/
FREE KINDLE FICTION
- This website posts free Kindle books every day. Readers: take a look to find some awesome free books. Authors: be sure to submit your KDP Select book to this website on its Free Days!
Click here to be taken to Free Kindle Fiction: http://freekindlefiction.blogspot.co.uk/
CENTS-IBLE EREADS
- This website's a big one for KDP Free Days. If you're an author, be sure to submit your book in time for when it's free. There are also other options for promoting your work. If you're a reader, then you'll find loads of quality free books here.
Click here to be taken to Cents-ible eReads: http://www.centsibleereads.com/
SAVVY WRITERS & E-BOOKS ONLINE
- This website aims to help authors along the journey of publishing. It's got tips on building an author platform and brand, and how to make use of social media packages and websites in an effective way, and a lot more. There's a great page on this site listing 46 Top Websites to Promote Your Book for Free, so be sure to look out for that.
Click this link to be taken to SAVVY WRITERS & E-BOKS ONLINE: http://savvybookwriters.wordpress.com/
GALLEYCAT
- As it says in their header: 'The First Word on the Book Publishing Industry'. I don't know a whole lot about Galleycat, so I'll let you take a look at this website yourself and decide how useful it is for authors and readers. I do remember once seeing on Galleycat a list of websites to submit Free books to, though. Which was useful. Take a look around.
Click this link to be taken to GalleyCat: http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/
GOODREADS
- An awesome website with a lively community of both authors and readers. If you're a reader, you can sign up, rate a few books you've read, and then get instant recommendations on similar titles that you might like. If you're a writer, you can set up and author profile and connect with your fans. Join in in discussions, make lists of books in certain themes, host Q&A sessions with your fans, and a lot more.
Click this link to be taken to Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/
BEST INDIE BOOKS
- Readers can find loads of indie titles here; so, enjoy! And authors can submit their books to this website, and Best Indie Books will promote the work for the authors. Make sure to check out price of promotions and to think about your budget before you buy.
Click this link to go to Best Indie Books: http://bestindiebooks.com/
BEST INDIE AUTHORS
- The header on this website reads this: 'Looking for a fresh new self published book? Look no further. The best of the best are just a click away!' This website features self-published books and also has book trailers, author interviews, and author spotlights. It's worth checking out.
Click this link to be taken to Best Indie Authors: http://bestindieauthors.com/
YOUR BOOK AUTHORS
- A place for readers to connect with their favourite authors, and for authors to connect with avid readers!
Click this link to be taken to Your Book Authors: http://yourbookauthors.com/
MOBILEREAD FORUMS
- This forum has a lot of members. The topics include Author Self-Promotions, a Writers' Corner, Reading Recommendations, and a lot more. Make sure to check out the website's policies before signing up and posting content.
Click here to be taken to MobileRead Forums: http://www.mobileread.com/forums/
GOODKINDLES
- This websites helps authors to reach new readers. They have advertising options, like a main banner ad, or a sidebar banner ad. Take a look!
Click here to be taken to GOODKINDLES: http://www.goodkindles.net
KINDLE BOARDS
- Kindle Boards has a really active community and is a great place for writers to connect and trade tips, talking writing techniques, talk promotion, talk marketing, editing, cover designs, etc. Make sure you check out the website's policies.
Click here to be taken to Kindle Boards - The Book Bazaar: http://www.kindleboards.com/index.php/board,42.0.html
AUTHOR MARKETING CLUB
- This website is excellent for promoting & selling tips for Authors. They also have a page where they've brought together all of the top websites to submit your KDP free days to, making it sooooo easy and stress-free to advertise your free days.
Click this link to visit the site: http://www.authormarketingclub.com/
To help you keep track of websites you have viewed, each link should turn to grey after you've clicked it.
THE CREATIVE PENN
- This website is chock-full of articles and FAQs that are useful for any writer or aspiring author, at any stage of the process. The website has a really positive atmosphere to it, and lots of tips from managing your time through to the psychology of writing!
Click this link to be taken to The Creative Penn: http://www.thecreativepenn.com/writing/
CREATIVE WRITING NOW
- Creative writing now has free online courses, tips on how to write a story, how to write a novel, poetry, a script, and how to write a memoir! I came across this site when I Googled the term 'character questionnaire'. There's an awesome character questionnaire on this website where you can fill out in-depth info about your characters to help improve your writing and character depth.
Click this link to be taken to Creative Writing Now: http://www.creative-writing-now.com/
TERRIBLEMINDS
- Terribleminds is Chuck Wendig's website, an author who has written multiple books on writing advice, such as '500 Ways to be a Better Writer', and '250 Things You Should Know About Writing.' He has a blog that receives a lot of regular comments, and is worth checking out. WARNING: If you can't deal with vulgar language and a lot of crude jokes, then avoid this site!
Click this link to be taken to Terribleminds: http://terribleminds.com/ramble/
TV TROPES
- If you're stuck on inspiration for characters, this is a great website for getting your creativity going.
Click this link to be taken to TV Tropes: http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/Characters
THE ELECTRONIC TEXT & LITERATURE CLOUD
- This site only lists eBooks that are not under contract with a major publisher, so it's a great place for readers who want to find new indie books. Also, authors can submit their work for consideration to be included on the website.
Click this link to be take to The Electronic Text & Literature Cloud: http://www.etlc.info/index.php/
DIGITAL BOOK TODAY
- Digital Book Today lists FREE books every day, and also has a lot of affordable marketing packages for authors. If you'd like to have your book featured on a website that gets a lot of views each day, then check out this website.
Click this link to be taken to Digital Book Today: http://digitalbooktoday.com/
INDIE REVIEW TRACKER
- I first came across this website because it had a really useful post on where to submit your KDP Select eBook on its Free Day, but it turns out there's loads of great posts on here that are useful for writers. There are also advertising options and time-saving features for authors. But, remember to think about your budget!
Click here to be taken to Indie Review Tracker: http://indiereviewtracker.com/
COALITION INDEPENDENT AUTHORS
- Another website chock-full of writing-related info. It's all presented in an easy-to-navigate format, and you'll find lots of books across all genres, and also book trailers and author interviews, etc.
Click this link to be taken to Coalition Independent Authors: http://www.coalition-independent-authors.com/
DVW BOOK CLUB
- DVW Book Club is a website 'dedicated to bringing authors and readers together.' They post books across all genres and also have free ads for authors. It's a lovely website and easy to navigate.
Click this link to be taken to DVW Book Club: https://sites.google.com/site/dvwbooksorg/home
YAPC - YOUNG ADULT PROMO CENTRAL
- As I'm sure you can tell from the title, this website is for Young Adult books. They aim to help expose your work through cross-promotion and KDP Free Days. They have a range of affordable packages ... but, think before you spend! There's lots of free marketing opportunities out there on the web if you take the time to look for it.
Click this link to be taken to YAPC: http://yapromocentral.com/
THE KINDLE BOOK REVIEW
- Readers looking for great books: it's worth checking the reviews on this site. The Kindle Book Review are top reviewers on Amazon, so authors looking for trusted critiquing on their work, check out this site. They also list FREEBIES; good for readers, and even better for authors who want to submit the KDP books on their Free Days.
Click here for The Kindle Book Review: http://www.thekindlebookreview.net/
STEP-BY-STEP SELF-PUBLISHING: GET BOOK REVIEWS
- This website is for helping authors get reviews for their work. There is other useful information on the website, too, but the main attraction on this site seems to be the comprehensive Reviewer List. If you need book reviews, then take a look!
Click this link to be taken to Step-by-Step Self-Publishing: http://www.stepbystepselfpublishing.net/index.html
BOOK TWEETING SERVICE: LIKE A FREE REVIEW?
- Book Tweeting Service is a useful website for authors. There's not only book marketing and promotion packages, but also a page that lists reviewers who are willing to consider reviewing your work if you submit and email with details to them. If you're considering making you book FREE with KDP, then maybe co-ordinate free days with a tweeting service? But, I don't want you to go spending all your money! Set a budget you can afford, and stick to it.
Click this link to be taken to Book Tweeting Service: http://www.booktweetingservice.com/
URBAN FANTASY REVIEWS
- As the title says, this site is for people looking to find urban fantasy books that have been reviewed on this website. If you're an author in this genre, there is a submission page to have your book considered for review. The website also posts interviews and hosts giveaways! If you like your Urban Fantasy, then it's worth checking out.
Click this link to be taken to Urban Fantasy Reviews: http://www.ufreviews.com/
PARANORMAL ROMANCE GUILD
- This one's a useful website for authors and readers who are into the paranormal romance genre. They have a page where you can submit your book for review. They also have free and paid membership options for those interested, and many other author services.
Click this link to be taken to Paranormal Romance Guild: http://www.paranormalromanceguild.com/
FREE KINDLE BOOKS AND TIPS
- Here's a great website for readers to find the latest free kindle books and more. For authors it's a great place to advertise your books, especially if you plan to give your book away for free in a promotion.
Click this link to be taken to Free Kindle Books and Tips: http://www.fkbooksandtips.com/
FREE BOOKS HUB
- This one's a good'un for readers looking for free books, and also for authors looking to submit their free books. If your book is going FREE on KDP, then you want it to be listed on this website.
Click this link to be taken to Free Books Hub: http://www.freebookshub.co.uk/
FREE KINDLE FICTION
- This website posts free Kindle books every day. Readers: take a look to find some awesome free books. Authors: be sure to submit your KDP Select book to this website on its Free Days!
Click here to be taken to Free Kindle Fiction: http://freekindlefiction.blogspot.co.uk/
CENTS-IBLE EREADS
- This website's a big one for KDP Free Days. If you're an author, be sure to submit your book in time for when it's free. There are also other options for promoting your work. If you're a reader, then you'll find loads of quality free books here.
Click here to be taken to Cents-ible eReads: http://www.centsibleereads.com/
SAVVY WRITERS & E-BOOKS ONLINE
- This website aims to help authors along the journey of publishing. It's got tips on building an author platform and brand, and how to make use of social media packages and websites in an effective way, and a lot more. There's a great page on this site listing 46 Top Websites to Promote Your Book for Free, so be sure to look out for that.
Click this link to be taken to SAVVY WRITERS & E-BOKS ONLINE: http://savvybookwriters.wordpress.com/
GALLEYCAT
- As it says in their header: 'The First Word on the Book Publishing Industry'. I don't know a whole lot about Galleycat, so I'll let you take a look at this website yourself and decide how useful it is for authors and readers. I do remember once seeing on Galleycat a list of websites to submit Free books to, though. Which was useful. Take a look around.
Click this link to be taken to GalleyCat: http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/
GOODREADS
- An awesome website with a lively community of both authors and readers. If you're a reader, you can sign up, rate a few books you've read, and then get instant recommendations on similar titles that you might like. If you're a writer, you can set up and author profile and connect with your fans. Join in in discussions, make lists of books in certain themes, host Q&A sessions with your fans, and a lot more.
Click this link to be taken to Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/
BEST INDIE BOOKS
- Readers can find loads of indie titles here; so, enjoy! And authors can submit their books to this website, and Best Indie Books will promote the work for the authors. Make sure to check out price of promotions and to think about your budget before you buy.
Click this link to go to Best Indie Books: http://bestindiebooks.com/
BEST INDIE AUTHORS
- The header on this website reads this: 'Looking for a fresh new self published book? Look no further. The best of the best are just a click away!' This website features self-published books and also has book trailers, author interviews, and author spotlights. It's worth checking out.
Click this link to be taken to Best Indie Authors: http://bestindieauthors.com/
YOUR BOOK AUTHORS
- A place for readers to connect with their favourite authors, and for authors to connect with avid readers!
Click this link to be taken to Your Book Authors: http://yourbookauthors.com/
MOBILEREAD FORUMS
- This forum has a lot of members. The topics include Author Self-Promotions, a Writers' Corner, Reading Recommendations, and a lot more. Make sure to check out the website's policies before signing up and posting content.
Click here to be taken to MobileRead Forums: http://www.mobileread.com/forums/
GOODKINDLES
- This websites helps authors to reach new readers. They have advertising options, like a main banner ad, or a sidebar banner ad. Take a look!
Click here to be taken to GOODKINDLES: http://www.goodkindles.net
KINDLE BOARDS
- Kindle Boards has a really active community and is a great place for writers to connect and trade tips, talking writing techniques, talk promotion, talk marketing, editing, cover designs, etc. Make sure you check out the website's policies.
Click here to be taken to Kindle Boards - The Book Bazaar: http://www.kindleboards.com/index.php/board,42.0.html
AUTHOR MARKETING CLUB
- This website is excellent for promoting & selling tips for Authors. They also have a page where they've brought together all of the top websites to submit your KDP free days to, making it sooooo easy and stress-free to advertise your free days.
Click this link to visit the site: http://www.authormarketingclub.com/
