LibraryThing, therefore, is another necessity. This free (there is also a paid version with perks) membership allows you to catalog every book you own, have read or even hope to read. It allows you to connect with other readers and sometimes the authors. There are links allowing you to trade books or, if you’re that adventurous, leave a book behind somewhere conspicuous and track it as it makes it’s way into other people’s lives.

One of the biggest perks is the “Early Reviewers” list. The librarians at LT have worked a deal with publishers worldwide (and their list is growing) to release previews of upcoming books to a lottery list of readers. The books are mailed out to the winners, free of charge and without any obligations whatsoever. Of course, if you review the book your chances of receiving future books increases (the content of the review, LT states in their FAQ, is not relevant.)

Kathie is a LibraryThing member and an Early Reviewer. The second time she entered the lottery, she “won” the book Danny Gospel. It took a while to get through the book, but she did review it and two draws later was informed she should be expecting another book coming in the mail soon.

An added perk of using LibraryThing is that you get in at ground level with a potentially powerful marketing program when you do publish your own writing. So get on over there and sign up today, sign up for Early Reviewers and watch your email for announcements new books are up for “grabs.”