Dawn McGuigan

If you run a reading group, you need these five free resources in your life.

1. Reading Groups for Everyone noticeboard

Reading Groups for Everyone is a fantastic resource set up by The Reading Agency. You can list your reading groups in its directory and get the latest news and information about book club reads.

The hidden gem is the noticeboard – a place where you can apply to receive review copies of upcoming and published books for your group. All you need to do in return is share your reading journey on social media and provide a review of the book. It’s also the place where The Reading Agency puts out calls for book clubs to shadow judge literary prizes and get involved in other bookish activities. What are you waiting for?

Check out the noticeboard here.

2. Book Riot book club in a box

Book Riot’s book club in a box guide is a great introduction to starting a book club – including how to find a good venue, what to read and how to get the conversation started.

You can also sign up to its reading group newsletter for ongoing advice on keeping your club going.

Find out more here.

3. Love Reading recommendations

Love Reading has a searchable database to help you find your next reading group read. You can register on the list to build your own online TBR pile and can print off extracts from your favourite titles to preview with your group.

Start searching here.

4. Penguin Random House reading group guides

PRH is one of the biggest publishers in the UK so you’ll probably be reading one of their titles at your book club soon. They have a fantastic directory of reading group guides to accompany their bestselling books, which includes extracts and talking points for each title.

Search the guides here.

5. Simon and Schuster book club favourites

Another huge publisher with a great online repository of bookish content. Find book club-friendly books, browse reading guides, enter competitions and get the chance to bag some free e-books.

Check it out here.

Find out how I did it…

I set up the Book and Brew book club in 2015 and we’ve been going strong ever since. Find out how I set it up and get my tips for running your own book club here.