If you are short on funds and don't mind used books, PaperBack Swap is a great resource. I really like to utilize the wishlist feature and use my credits for hardcover books that I've already read and would like to own a copy. Another thing to check out with PaperBack Swap is the forums. I particularly like the ARC and Wishlisted Multiples threads. If you are vigilant and check back often, you can snag some really great books. Also, the ability to print postage right from the website is very helpful for busy people like me.
With a little bit of effort, Random Buzzers can be a great source of free books. I participate in a lot of the easier activities, and post every once in awhile on the forums. I haven't actually cashed in on my Buzz Bucks yet. I'm waiting for the perfect opportunity. But, I do participate in the ARC Friday giveaways.
This website is probably more useful to bloggers than readers, but it still has some great resources. Before I discovered how to use Edelweiss, I spent hours searching publisher catalogs online looking for the newest and greatest in YA books. Edelweiss is an online book catalog. While it's primary use is for booksellers and librarians, bloggers will find it's easy searches and detailed information to be invaluable when searching for review books. Some coming features will include a way to request galleys directly from the site. If you want a tutorial on how to use Edelweiss, you should get in touch with them. The 30 minutes that I spent in training with them was well worth the effort.
SwagbucksI love amazon gift cards. By using the swagbucks toolbar (or the actual website if you hate toolbars as much as I do), you have a chance to win points. These points can then be redeemed for prizes. A $5 Amazon egift card is only 450 points. I will usually do about 5 quick searches during the day and within a few weeks have enough for a $5 gift card. By using my husband's Amazon Prime account, I can usually get a book for free. And there's nothing I love more than free.
I am quite certain that most of you have at least heard of Goodreads. I have used both LibraryThing and Goodreads, and I keep coming back to Goodreads. I like the way that the shelves are set up, and I like seeing the reviews of my friends all in one place. I really don't use the groups or events feature very often. However, Goodreads has made it easier for me to track my reading and to organize what I'm going to read next. They also have a giveaway program that I really like. If you are on Goodreads, definitely add me as a friend.
This is another site that is similar to swagbucks, except requires less effort. You add your credit/debit cards to Offermatic, and they give you discounts and deals related to your recent transactions. Genius, no? And it's totally secure, and your info remains anonymous. I cashed in on the Amazon deal, which is $10 off a $20 purchase. There is no coupon code to use or print, and the discount is applied automatically to your card.
What book-related websites do you love?
Emily, thanks for the great information!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I love Paperbackswap!! It is awesome for getting books. All the books that I have received have all been in "like new" condition. I also love Goodreads. I check it every day. It is so easy to keep track of books that I want to read. I have a Random Buzzers account, but I don't use it. I don't think I really know how. I do use Swagbucks now and then, but not a ton. I should use it more to get Amazon stuff! Amazon is a great way to get books for cheap, and many other things.
ReplyDeleteI think I will check out Edelweiss.
ReplyDeleteWow, some of these are new to me so thanks for the scoop!
ReplyDeleteAh this is a good list! One of my all time favorite book sites that has since been disbanded, was actually the catalyst for my online reading and foray into blogging. It was www.readerville.com
ReplyDeleteIt isn't active anymore, so sad! I do like Librarything as an addition to this list, though.
Such an awesome list! I can't wait to check out Edelweiss.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't heard of Edelweiss before; thanks for the link!
ReplyDeleteAnd Swagbucks has been incredible for me! I tend to save up all my points and exchange them for Amazon.ca gift cards, and then save those up until I have enough to get an order with free shipping. I may only be able to place 2 or 3 orders per year for a couple of books per order, but hey, when it's entirely free, I'm not complaining!
I hadn't heard of Edelweiss either, so I really appreciate the information!
ReplyDeleteThe only one I'd heard of was Goodreads. I checked out Edelweiss . . . I couldn't find my book. Either I did it wrong, or they don't carry it (you'd think they would, since my books with the two biggies in distribution--Ingram and Baker and Taylor).
ReplyDeleteI might have to try Swagbucks.
Thanks!