New reader-focused platforms are gaining popularity. Author Development’s summer intern, Natalie Peña-Galvis, shares insights into two recently introduced spaces and the opportunities they offer authors.
Goodreads set the standard for readers to track and review books online, but recently two new reader-focused platforms, Fable and StoryGraph, have become increasingly popular. This month, Author Development’s summer intern, Natalie Peña-Galvis, shares her insights into these spaces, how they differ, and potential opportunities for authors to benefit from their services.
A note: Fable and StoryGraph are platforms that involve commentary and book reviews, so if you find that those kinds of spaces are uncomfortable for you, it’s okay to steer clear. Our goal is to let you know what features you can find and some of the best ways to interact—if you want to.
StoryGraph: Data-Driven Reading
Built with a sleek interface and no ads, StoryGraph has quickly gained traction among readers who want deep insight into their personal reading habits. Users can track moods, download shareable graphs, and set challenges that move beyond the standard “books per year” goal. Offering AI-powered recommendations and the ability to rate books in precise quarter-star increments, StoryGraph transforms reading into both a journey and a dataset.
Another notable feature is community-curated content warnings submitted by both readers and authors, clearly categorized as minor, moderate, or graphic. This system helps readers make informed choices while maintaining transparency around subject matter. With seamless Goodreads data imports and a clean design, the platform is positioned as a reader-first alternative that emphasizes usability and personalization.
StoryGraph appeals to readers who want to form a deeper, more intentional relationship with their reading lives by tracking patterns, setting goals, and making data-driven choices about what to pick up next. While the app does not offer dedicated author profiles or robust interaction tools, there are valuable points of entry for authors. Authors can participate in beta testing giveaways or contribute to the platform’s evolving features through the StoryGraph roadmap forum, a space where both users and authors can suggest improvements and get a glimpse of upcoming rollouts.
Fable: Book Clubs Go Digital
If StoryGraph is centered on personal insight, Fable emphasizes shared discussion. Readers today are craving connection just as much as content, and Fable is leaning in to that desire with a platform designed to bring people together around books. Positioned as a “less toxic” alternative to traditional social media with a bookish twist, Fable distinguishes itself from other book-tracking apps through its robust virtual book club features: spoiler-free chapter rooms, book clubs run by celebrities, and even the option “Read in Social Mode,” where club members can see each other’s highlights and reactions in real time.
Beyond conversation, the app integrates ebook shopping and reading tools directly into the experience: 20 percent of every in-app purchase is donated to the World Literacy Foundation, and users can highlight, annotate, and react with emojis while they read. The platform also incorporates content warnings and nuanced shelving options, including a dedicated DNF (did not finish) category and the flexibility of half-star ratings, giving readers greater control over how they engage with their libraries.
Fable attracts readers who want a sense of community without the distractions of traditional social media—no friend/follower count here! The emphasis is on genuine discussion, shared reading experiences, and prioritizing meaningful engagement instead of algorithm-driven visibility.
The app also offers a unique way for authors to step directly into these conversations. Authors can moderate their own clubs, whether centered on their latest release or on a curated reading list that complements their work. The interactive environment makes it easier to foster authentic connections, helping authors sustain meaningful engagement with their readership.
Natalie Peña-Galvis was the summer intern in Author Development at Penguin Random House.