It’s a tough lesson learned for many authors that if you write it, they won’t necessarily come..  so here are some great ways to kick start your online self promotion, and get involved with a community of like-minded individuals at the same time:

1. Shelfari.  This site (owned by Amazon) allows you to connect with other authors and readers over what each of you is reading.  By creating a virtual bookshelf online, participants can easily see what you’re reading and they make it easy to start up a discussion.
2. GoodReads.  “Imagine it as a large library that you can wander through and see everyone’s bookshelves, their reviews, and their ratings. You can also post your own reviews and catalog what you have read, are currently reading, and plan to read in the future. Don’t stop there – join a discussion group, start a book club, contact an author, and even post your own writing.”
3. LibraryThing.  “LibraryThing helps you create a library-quality catalog of your books. You can do all of them or just what you’re reading now.  And because everyone catalogs online, they also catalog together.  LibraryThing connects people based on the books they share.”
4. AuthorsDen.com.  “The largest most vibrant free online literary community of authors and readers!  Visited by 1,400,000+ readers/mo.”
5. Nothing Binding.  “The Leading Global Social Networking Site for writers, authors, readers and book buyers, Nothing Binding unites these groups everywhere around the world. When you join, You can promote your books; connect with fellow writers and authors, hungry readers and book buyers; and discover great new writing.”
6. FiledBy.  “Any author with a book published in the U.S. or Canada can join for free, manage and enhance their pages, promote their books, check for accuracy, provide corrections and much more.”
7. Readers Place & Authors Place.  Created by Random House as an online book club community and place to find out more about authors and their books.
8. Red Room.  “For years, writers have joined the Red Room Writers Society to get their writing done in a supportive environment. Most people don’t need more instruction; they need to write. The Red Room Writers Society is the only writers society or school focused on writing rather than focused on reading and talking.”

Each of these sites has a slightly different angle on a similar model, so create a profile wherever you can and try them out!  See which one you like the best and get out there and participate!