Over the last few years Goodreads has become a major resource for both readers and writers, effectively setting itself up as the Facebook of the book industry. It might not come as a surprise to some then that book giant Amazon has today announced an agreement to buy Goodreads.

Goodreads now has 16 million members and 30,000 book clubs. It is so popular that within the last 90 days members have added over four books per second to their “to-read” shelves.

Of course, some readers and writers may fear that Amazon is simply enhancing its already dominant position in the industry. There will be integration with Kindle, for example, but it is unlikely that Nook or Kobo readers will get similar treatment.

Something that is also likely to change is the default layout of the list of online bookstores to buy books. Currently the drop-down list puts Barnes & Noble at the top and Amazon at the bottom, a fact that Amazon might see as hurting sales.

One feature that some will want is the ability to post reviews to both Amazon or Goodreads in one go, but there is no word yet on this even being a consideration. In fact, it might never be implemented, as Amazon has been getting stricter with reviews on its website, requiring purchases be made from a reviewer’s account, while Goodreads is currently much more open.

In 2008 Amazon bought Shelfari, a similar book sharing website, but despite integration with Amazon’s website Shelfari has failed to attract the same support as Goodreads. This is unlikely to be its last acquisition as it attempts to retain its bookworm crown.

“Amazon and Goodreads share a passion for reinventing reading,” said Russ Grandinetti, VP of Kindle Content at Amazon. “Goodreads has helped change how we discover and discuss books and, with Kindle, Amazon has helped expand reading around the world. In addition, both Amazon and Goodreads have helped thousands of authors reach a wider audience and make a better living at their craft. Together we intend to build many new ways to delight readers and authors alike.”

Goodreads will maintain its name, and its headquarters will stay in San Francisco. The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of this year. The financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Check out The Call of Agon on Goodreads.


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