I consider myself a neophyte when comes to new media (though I have been an avid email user for years) but it should not come as a surprise to anybody of any generation that the Internet is an amazingly bountiful resource for authors (or any vocation for that matter). And it has been and continues to be a wonderful journey of discovery.

Since I’m sure I am not the only “newbie” out here, thought I’d share my Top 5 Sites for Authors (and people who love what authors do).

1. Amazon (www.amazon.com) – This site is in a class of its own. Besides being the largest online bookseller in the world, Amazon helps authors connect with readers through such tools as reviews, search inside, and recommendations. They make it easy to sell/promote your book (for a significant percentage but no worst than any other seller). They now have a self-publishing tool called Digital Text Platform for those interested in selling ebooks.

2. Shelfari (www.shelfari.com) – Is a bookshelf site where your books are displayed on a bookshelf for others to view. The site looks great and easy to use. You can search for an author and then add books by the click of a button. Each book has a page where you can rate it, write/read reviews, see other members who own it, groups that discuss it and more.  There are many ways to explore the community and discover books.

3. LibraryThing (www.librarything.com) – Another bookshelf site that has been around awhile. It is not pretty but what it lacks in looks it makes up in brains. It is easy to organize your books with tags and you can sort them any way you want. LibraryThing is probably the most comprehensive of the book sites. You can of course review books, read other peoples’ reviews, check out other people’s libraries, and start a book club. LibraryThing can be set up to search the Library of Congress or any of a number of national libraries in addition to Amazon.com worldwide.

4. Goodreads (www.goodreads.com) – This bookshelf site is the new kid on the block. It has all the social community feature you would expect (e.g. reviews, friend lists, recommend) but is little more “conscientious” to its members than the other sites. 

5. AuthorsDen (www.authorsden.com) – This is truly a site for new and self-published authors. I am relatively new to this community and still exploring but so far found easy to use. It has a features that help publicize your book online with links to reviewers and booksellers, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble (you can add others).

No doubt, some of you out there know many more resources for authors and book lovers; and I would love to know what they are. Feel free to comment and recommend your own Top 5.