Tips and guidelines for authors

LibraryThing is a great place for readers and writers to connect. It's not an advertising platform, though, and attempts to use it as one won't go over well. There are a number of ways authors can use LibraryThing to great success.

Every author has an "author page" on LibraryThing—it's created by the system as soon as someone adds a book written by that author to their library. Any member (including you!) can add a photo, links and basic facts to the "Common Knowledge."
LibraryThing is also a great place for authors to connect on a personal level with their readers. Showcase some of your personal books for interested readers and become an official LibraryThing Author.
Sign up to participate in an Author Chat. It's not "real-time", but takes place in one of our forums, the Author Chat Group, over a two-week period. Members ask questions, and the author checks in about once a day and responds. We promote author chats by sending profile comments to every member who has listed one of the author's books. We also maintain a list of upcoming chats, so members can plan ahead.
Use LibraryThing Local to your advantage. Add readings and upcoming talks to the "Events" section on your author page, so readers know where to find you.
Convince your publisher to participate in our Early Reviewers program, distributing advance copies of your new book to LibraryThing members in exchange for reviews. Or skip the middle man and give away copies of your books yourself, through the Member Giveaways program!

Don't

LibraryThing is a place to connect with readers, not a place to advertise. As we say in our Terms of Use,

Do not use LibraryThing as an advertising medium. Egregious commercial solicitation is forbidden. No matter how great your novel, this does apply to authors.

To that end, the following activities are not tolerated, and are considered spamming. Members will be more likely to avoid your book than to buy it.

Do not send out friend requests to hundreds of people.
Do not send unsolicited profile comments to everyone who has listed a book similar to your book.
Do not post messages in Talk advertising your book.