How to Find New Novels

How To Discover New Novels

Finding new books can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. Use this handy guide to find several online and offline ways to discover new novels.

GoodReads.com
GoodReads makes it very convenient to find new novels based on your interests and previous reading lists. Set-up a free account to get started. Then begin rating and reviewing your favorite books. This helps the search function provide intuitive results based on similar genres or themes as the books you’ve given a high rating for in the past. Read reviews and decide for yourself if that book is a good match. If you’re still not sure, ask a question about the book and let the community provide an answer to help you decide.

You can also make friends on the GoodReads social system and see what others are reading. If you connect via your Facebook profile, a friend list will be imported on your behalf.

Book Clubs
Book clubs are a group of people who meet together in a home or public location to discuss a particular book that the group is reading simultaneously. Often, books clubs will pick a yearly theme to discover new works or they may take input from the group. Either way, you’ll likely discover new titles in a book club. Try the social website Meetup to find out what groups may be near you. Also, some local libraries, community centers, and churches host book clubs. Stop in to ask of any events calendars.

Local Library
Speaking of the library, there remains yet the option to walk in and physically browse the walls. If you’re not sure where to start, ask a librarian or front-desk assistant to show you the location of the fiction section. From there, most libraries are categorized alphabetically by author last name. The library may also have a digital catalog to make the search more efficient.

If you own an E-reader such as a Kindle, Nook, or other tablet device, modern libraries are beginning to offer digitized books as part of their lending program. Inquire locally to find out if this option is available in your neighborhood.

Film & Theater
Many of today’s most popular films are based on well-written books. If you’ve recently seen a good movie, do a quick internet search with the title and “book” to find out the author. Chances are high that if you enjoyed the movie, the book will be even better!

Theatrical works are also often an enjoyable read. Plays of new and old may be available in your local library or online book store.

Amazon Lending Library
For Kindle owners who are also members of Amazon’s Prime program, the Amazon Lending Library is an excellent benefit. Browse thousands of novels to find a title that interests you. Many contemporary and classic options are available. Although there are no due dates on the borrowed e-books, you can only borrow one free title per month with your membership. You must return any previously borrowed selections before obtaining a new one.
Become a Reviewer

Some publishing companies offer a review program. These programs allow screened reviewers to receive books for free in exchange for public reviews. Reviewers must post their true opinions and ratings about the books in a variety of ways — personal blog, printed magazines and journals, GoodReads or Amazon websites, and other similar places approved by the publisher. Check out Moody Publishers’ book review program for an example.

There are pros and cons for signing up for a program such as this. The primary benefit is receiving new books for free. However, one disadvantage is that often there are deadlines to meet, forcing you to finish reading in a specific time frame. Occasionally you may even get a book you really don’t enjoy, but must finish reading in order to maintain your reviewer status. Keep all this in mind before signing up, and try to choose a publishing house that produces the kinds of books you typically enjoy.

What ways have you found to discover new novels? Share in the comments! Ready to try a new adventure or sci-fi book? Of course to find the latest novels by Leif Erickson check out www.leifericksonwriting.com for a selection of fiction titles.