Shelfari is a great place for bloggers to express themselves, connect with readers, and show off their books. The site also offers tools that allow you to bring your bookshelf to your blog and show off what you’ve been reading.

Joining Shelfari is a quick process and be sure to invite your friends!

Four easy steps:

1. Create an account, consider using your blog’s name as the profile name.
2. Personalize your profile with interests and hobbies.
3. Add a link to your blog and feature it.
4. Add books, join groups and review books.
5. Add the widget to your blog.

Yes, we have a widget that lets you show off the books currently on your bookshelf. You can organize books by list (wish list, favorites) or by tag. To add the widget, click “Put your shelf on your blog” on your profile page. You can customize the widget, copy the code on that page, and paste it on your blog.

The Shelfari widget can be customized upon the widget setup page. Would-be widget users can change the size of the books, the size of the widget, background color, and add their Amazon Associates ID. Advanced features can be found in the widget documentation.

Widget users who add their Amazon Associates ID will receive all Amazon revenue earned for links to Amazon.com from the widget.

The best way to promote your blog is to be active on Shelfari: add friends, join groups and write book reviews. The more active you are, the more Shelfari members will see your profile and click the link to your blog.

Shelfari is a great place for writers, publishers, press, and publicists to connect and discuss their work. Add friends who are also in the business and join groups of like-minded individuals. Engage the community in discussions on groups and books, and connect one on one via notes. If you add value to the community and not just spam people with requests, you will find Shelfari a great place to get connected.

Shelfari has a blog located at http://shelfari.typepad.com.