Ideas for Every Member
Groups are a powerful way to connect with like-minded people, share knowledge, and build a community around your passion for books. Here are some ideas to inspire you.
Readers
Readers can create groups to find others who share their taste in books and enjoy richer conversations than a simple review allows.
Group ideas and what to discuss:
- Book clubs by genre — Romance, thriller, sci-fi, historical fiction. Discuss monthly reads, share reactions, vote on the next book.
- Reading challenges — Track annual reading goals together, share progress, recommend books to fill gaps (e.g. "a book set in another country").
- Buddy reads — Read a specific book at the same pace as others, chapter by chapter discussions, share theories and reactions in real time.
- Favourite authors fan groups — Discuss an author's back catalogue, anticipate new releases, share news and interviews.
- Mood reading groups — Connect around reading moods like "cosy reads", "dark and twisty", or "books that made me cry".
- Diverse voices — Groups focused on books by underrepresented authors, specific cultures, or marginalised perspectives.
Authors
Authors can use groups to build community around their work, connect with peers, and develop their craft in a supportive environment.
Group ideas and what to discuss:
- Genre-specific author groups — Connect with fellow authors writing in the same genre, share market trends, reader expectations, and cover design norms.
- Work in progress (WIP) groups — Share chapter excerpts, get early feedback, discuss plot problems and character development.
- Publishing journey groups — Navigate the road to publication together — querying agents, submission timelines, rejection support, and celebration of wins.
- Series writers — Groups for authors writing multi-book series, discussing continuity, world-building, pacing across books, and reader retention.
- Writing accountability groups — Set word count goals, check in regularly, motivate each other through drafting and editing phases.
- Author marketing — Discuss building an author platform, growing a mailing list, running launch campaigns, and working with ARC readers.
Writers
Writers — whether unpublished, emerging, or writing outside the traditional book space — have distinct needs around craft development and finding their voice.
Group ideas and what to discuss:
- Craft development groups — Focused discussions on specific skills: dialogue, point of view, show vs tell, pacing, and prose style.
- Short fiction and flash fiction — Share and discuss short stories, flash fiction, and competitions. A great space for writers who aren't yet working on a full manuscript.
- Writing prompt groups — Regular prompts to spark creativity, share responses, and give constructive feedback.
- Genre exploration — Groups for writers trying out a new genre, sharing what they're learning and experimenting with.
- Sensitivity and authenticity reading — Discuss writing outside your own experience, finding sensitivity readers, and handling research responsibly.
- First manuscript groups — Support for writers working on their very first book — normalising the messy first draft, building confidence, and celebrating milestones.
Publishers
Publishers can use groups to engage directly with the reading and writing community, build visibility, and spot emerging talent.
Group ideas and what to discuss:
- Imprint spotlight groups — A group dedicated to a specific imprint, sharing new releases, author news, and behind-the-scenes content.
- Submission window announcements — Keep a group of interested writers informed about open submission periods, what you're looking for, and manuscript wishlist updates.
- Genre communities — Build a reader and writer community around a genre your imprint specialises in.
- Industry conversations — Discuss publishing trends, the changing retail landscape, audiobooks, and AI's impact on the industry.
- Author support hub — A private or semi-private group for your published authors to connect with each other and with your team.
- Reader feedback panels — Invite engaged readers to share opinions on covers, blurbs, or upcoming titles to inform publishing decisions.
Book Clubs
Book clubs can use the platform to extend their conversations beyond their regular meeting and welcome new members.
Group ideas and what to discuss:
- Online-only book clubs — For members who can't meet in person, or want to connect across geographies.
- Theme-based clubs — Annual themes like "books in translation", "debut novels only", or "Booker Prize longlist".
- Speed book clubs — Short books or novellas, faster turnover, great for busy readers.
- Hybrid club support groups — For clubs that meet in person but want a space to share links, resources, and between-meeting chat.
- Discussion question banks — Collaboratively build a library of great discussion questions for different books.
- Book club admin groups — Practical discussions on running a club: how to choose books fairly, managing different tastes, facilitating great discussions.
Reviewers
Reviewers are focused on reading critically and sharing informed opinions, and groups help them develop standards, find ARCs, and build their credibility.
Group ideas and what to discuss:
- ARC and NetGalley groups — Share tips on getting approved, managing review commitments, and writing timely reviews.
- Review writing craft — Discuss how to write a great review — spoiler etiquette, star rating consistency, balancing personal taste with objectivity.
- Genre specialist reviewer groups — Connect with reviewers who focus on the same genre to share reads, compare opinions, and cross-promote reviews.
- Review platforms and reach — Discuss Goodreads, Amazon, BookTok, and blog strategy for growing a reviewer platform.
- Ethical reviewing — Navigating relationships with authors and publishers, disclosure of free copies, and maintaining editorial independence.
- Review swaps and beta reading — Connect with authors looking for honest reviews in exchange for early access.
Bloggers
Book bloggers have a content creation angle that sets them apart, and groups help them grow their platform, collaborate, and stay inspired.
Group ideas and what to discuss:
- Blog growth and SEO — Discuss growing blog traffic, keyword strategy, newsletter building, and social media for book bloggers.
- Content planning groups — Share editorial calendars, seasonal content ideas, and how to plan around publishing schedules and book releases.
- Blog tour coordination — Organise and participate in blog tours, share best practices, and connect with publishers offering tour spots.
- Photography and aesthetics — Flat lay photography, bookstagram styling, Canva tips, and creating eye-catching visuals for posts.
- Monetisation and partnerships — Discuss affiliate links, sponsored content, working with publishers, and making blogging sustainable.
- Blogger support and motivation — Combat blogging burnout, share wins, troubleshoot slumps, and keep the passion for reading and writing alive.