In this episode, Beth and Lisa welcome Ben Fox, a serial entrepreneur and the founder of Shepherd.com, an innovative platform aiming to revolutionize online book discoverability. As avid readers and critics of Goodreads, the hosts delve into Shepherd.com's unique approach to connecting readers with books through curated lists and positive recommendations.
Key Topics Discussed:
1. Introduction to Shepherd.com: Ben explains how Shepherd.com introduces curiosity and serendipity into the online book-finding experience, mirroring the feel of browsing in a local bookstore.
2. The Concept of Positive Recommendations: Unlike Goodreads, Shepherd.com focuses exclusively on positive book recommendations, avoiding review bombing and negativity.
3. Leveraging Shepherd.com for Emerging Authors: Ben outlines how authors can use Shepherd.com to gain visibility and connect with their target audience by sharing their favorite books related to their writing themes.
4. The Role of Shepherd.com in the Publishing Ecosystem: Discussion on how Shepherd.com serves as a tool for authors and readers, fostering a community of book lovers and providing an alternative to traditional book discovery methods.
5. Challenges Faced by New Authors: Ben talks about the challenges in the publishing industry, emphasizing the importance of staying optimistic and persistent.
6. Future Developments: Sneak peek into 'Book DNA', an upcoming project by Shepherd.com aimed at enhancing book discovery based on reader preferences and book characteristics.
- Visit Shepherd.com to discover new books and authors.
- Support Writers with Wrinkles by subscribing, following, and recommending the podcast.
- Tune in on January 29th for a special top five deep dive episode.
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