How to Add Your Book to Goodreads (Step-by-Step Guide for Authors)

If you’re publishing a book, getting it listed on Goodreads is one of the most important early visibility steps you can take.

At the end of this tutorial, your book will be live on Goodreads, connected to your author profile, and ready for readers to discover, shelve, and review.

Let’s do it together.

Why You Should Add Your Book to Goodreads

Think of Goodreads as a global library database for readers.

Readers use it to:

• Discover new books

• Track what they’re reading

• Leave reviews and ratings

• Follow authors

If your book isn’t on Goodreads, many readers simply won’t find it.

Before You Start: Requirements

Before adding your book, make sure it is available for sale on a retail platform.

Your book must already exist on at least one retailer, such as:

• Amazon

• Kobo

• Barnes & Noble

• Apple Books

Goodreads needs confirmation that your book is a real, purchasable edition.

Step 1: Search for Your Book First (Important)

Always search Goodreads before adding a new listing.

Sometimes:

• Amazon automatically imports books

• Readers add books themselves

• Another edition already exists

If your book is already listed — great. Later, you’ll link it to your author profile.

For now, let’s assume your book is not yet on Goodreads.

Step 2: Go to the Add Book Page

You have two options:

Option 1:
Go to your Author Dashboard and select Add a Book.

Option 2 (fastest):
Type this directly into your browser:

goodreads.com/book/new

Both take you to the same submission form.

Step 3: Fill in the Book Details Correctly

Accuracy matters here. Goodreads functions like a catalog system.

Title

Enter your exact book title.

If your book is part of a series, include it in parentheses:

Example:
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy #1)

Author Name

Enter your name exactly as it appears on your book.

✅ First name first
✅ Last name second
✅ Must match retailer listings

Consistency ensures your book links correctly to your author profile.

ISBN or ASIN (Required)

You must include one of the following:

• ISBN (print or ebook)

• ASIN (for Kindle ebooks)

To find it:

1. Go to your Amazon book page

2. Scroll down to Product Details

3. Copy the ISBN or ASIN

Publisher

If you’re self-published, you can use:

• Your own name, or

• Your publishing imprint/company name

Publication Details

Complete the remaining fields:

• Publication year

• Number of pages

• Book format (ebook, paperback, hardcover, etc.)

• Language edition

Book Description

Use the same description you use on Amazon or other retailers.

This keeps your branding and marketing consistent across platforms.

Upload Your Book Cover (Important Tip)

Use a high-resolution original cover file.

Do NOT:

• Download the cover from Amazon

• Upload a compressed web image

Instead:

• Upload your original JPEG or PNG export

A high-quality cover looks more professional and improves reader trust.

Step 4: Submit Your Book

Scroll down and click Create Book.

Processing typically takes:

✅ 1–3 days before your book appears live on Goodreads.

Backup Method: Request Goodreads Librarians

If your book doesn’t appear after submission, you can request help from Goodreads Librarians.

Here’s how:

1. Go to the Goodreads Librarians group

2. Select Add New Books & Editions

3. Create a new topic

4. Title it: Add a Book to Goodreads

5. Paste your book information

6. Click Post

Librarians usually update listings within 1–3 days.

If that still doesn’t work, you can contact Goodreads directly through the Ask a Question support option.

Step 5: If Your Book Is Already on Goodreads

Sometimes your book is already there.

Here’s what to do:

1. Search for your book

2. Open the book page

3. Click Edit Book Details

4. Goodreads will ask: “Is this you?”

5. Click Yes

That links the book to your author account.

Done.

What Happens Next?

Once your book is listed, you can:

• Set up your Goodreads Author Profile

• Connect all editions of your book

• Start collecting reader reviews

• Build early visibility before or after launch

Your book is now discoverable by millions of readers.

Final Thoughts

Adding your book to Goodreads is simple, but it’s a critical step many new authors skip.

In just a few minutes, you create:

• A searchable book listing

• Reader discovery opportunities

• A foundation for reviews and long-term visibility

And once your book is live, you’re ready for the next step: building your author profile.

Happy writing.