SelfShelf questions and answers
The things readers most often ask about SelfShelf.
What is SelfShelf?
SelfShelf is a virtual bookshelf and reading tracker. You put the books you love on real-looking shelves in a room you decorate, track what you’re reading, and keep a journal for every book.
Is SelfShelf free?
Yes, SelfShelf is free to use. Create an account with your email to keep your shelf on every device.
Is my bookshelf private?
Yes, your shelf is private by default and only you can see it. If you turn on Public shelf in Edit profile, anyone with your link can view it (but never change it), and it may be suggested to other readers on SelfShelf’s Discover page. You can also choose whether visitors see your reviews and quotes. Public shelves are not put in search engine results.
How do I add books?
Tap Add a book and search by title, author or ISBN. Book details and covers come from Open Library and Google Books. If a book isn’t listed, you can add it by hand and upload a photo of its cover.
Can I import my books from Goodreads?
Yes. Export your library from Goodreads as a CSV file, then choose Import from Goodreads in SelfShelf. Your ratings, reviews, dates read and shelves come with it. Step-by-step guide.
What can I save from a book?
As well as a rating and your thoughts, you can keep quotes and passages with page numbers, and your own reflections, characters, scenes, lessons and memories. Each one stays with its book, and the Journal’s memory archive lets you filter and search them all. You can pin favourites to your profile.
Can I group books into collections?
Yes. Open a book and add it to a collection, such as comfort reads, book club or books that made you cry. A book can be in several collections, and you can rename or delete a collection at any time; deleting one never removes the books.
Can I turn the animations off?
Yes. In Settings, Animations can be Full, Gentle or Off, and SelfShelf follows your phone’s reduce motion setting until you choose. Soft book sounds are off unless you switch them on.
Can I use SelfShelf without an account?
Yes, you can try it as a guest. A guest shelf is saved only in that browser, so create an account (free) to keep it safe and to share it.
Does SelfShelf work on my phone?
Yes. SelfShelf works in any modern phone, tablet or computer browser. To open it like an app, use your browser’s Add to Home screen option.
How can I share my bookshelf?
Turn on Public shelf in Edit profile and share your link, such as selfshelf.in/s/@yourname. You can also download a picture of your shelf sized for Instagram stories. Visitors can leave you a note in your guest book.
Start your shelf
SelfShelf is free, and your shelf is private unless you choose to share it.
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