# Goodreads

Goodreads is Amazon's reader community and review site where authors can claim a profile and run paid Kindle or print book giveaways.

- Canonical page: https://kdp123.com/t/goodreads/
- Official site: https://www.goodreads.com
- Categories: Reviews & ARC, Ads & Promotion
- Price: Free tier, paid from $119 one-time (Author Program is free. Giveaways cost $119 (Standard) or $599 (Premium) per giveaway, per Amazon's KDP setup guide; print copies and postage are extra.)
- Platforms: web
- Outputs KDP-ready files: No
- Touches your KDP account: Not stated
- Amazon marketplaces: us, ca
- Official Amazon product: Yes
- Last checked: 2026-11-09

## Summary

Goodreads is owned by Amazon. Authors can join the free Author Program to claim their profile, and run Giveaways in Kindle or print format before or after publication; every entrant adds the book to their Want to Read shelf. Kindle giveaways require linking your KDP account and are open to US entrants only, while for print giveaways you mail the books yourself to winners in the US and/or Canada. Goodreads sends winners a review reminder; any review request of your own must stay optional, since Amazon allows free copies only when a review is not required or influenced.

## Pros

- Kindle giveaways deliver copies automatically, with no shipping
- Entrants must shelve the book as Want to Read, and Goodreads emails your followers and those shelvers

## Cons

- Kindle giveaways are open to US entrants only
- Entrants are giveaway hunters; many never read or review

## Alternatives

- [NetGalley](https://kdp123.com/t/netgalley/)
- [Booksprout](https://kdp123.com/t/booksprout/)
- [BookBub Partners](https://kdp123.com/t/bookbub/)
- [Amazon Ads](https://kdp123.com/t/amazon-ads/)

## Sources

- https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/about
- https://m.media-amazon.com/images/G/01/kindle-publication/webinars/Goodreads_Giveaways_Author_PrintAndKindle_SetupGuide_v41.pdf
- https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G202101910