Virtual Book Club Best Practices for Remote Readers

The Virtual Revolution

Virtual book clubs aren't just a pandemic necessity—they're a permanent evolution in how readers connect. With the right approach, online meetings can be just as meaningful (and sometimes more inclusive) than in-person gatherings.

Choosing Your Platform

Popular Options

Zoom

• Familiar to most people
• Breakout rooms for small group discussion
• Screen sharing for visuals
• Recording capability

Google Meet

• Simple and accessible
• Good for shorter meetings
• Easy calendar integration

Discord

• Great for ongoing community
• Text and voice channels
• Casual, always-on presence

Readfeed

• Purpose-built for book clubs
• Integrated discussion tools
• AI-powered conversation prompts
• Reading progress tracking

Platform Considerations

• Technical skill of members
• Features needed
• Cost and accessibility
• Security and privacy

Setting Up for Success

Technical Preparation

• Test your setup before meetings
• Have backup communication method
• Prepare screen shares in advance
• Check audio and lighting
• Close unnecessary applications

Meeting Structure

Virtual meetings need more structure than in-person:

Pre-Meeting (5 min)

• Tech check
• Informal chat as people join

Welcome (5 min)

• Ground rules reminder
• Meeting overview

Check-In (10 min)

• Brief personal updates
• Building connection

Discussion (35-40 min)

• Structured questions
• Active facilitation

Wrap-Up (5 min)

• Next meeting details
• Final thoughts

Engagement Strategies

Combat Zoom Fatigue

• Keep meetings to 60-90 minutes maximum
• Build in breaks for longer sessions
• Use engaging visuals
• Encourage cameras on (but don't require)
• Vary discussion formats

Encourage Participation

• Use the chat for additional thoughts
• Call on specific people (kindly)
• Use polls and reactions
• Create breakout room discussions
• Ask for raised hands

Create Visual Interest

• Share relevant images
• Display discussion questions
• Show book covers
• Use collaborative whiteboards
• Share author interviews or reviews

Building Community Online

Between-Meeting Engagement

• Create a group chat for ongoing conversation
• Share reading progress updates
• Post discussion questions mid-book
• Share related articles and content
• Celebrate member milestones

Virtual Social Events

• Online book swaps
• Virtual author events
• Trivia nights about books read
• "Show your bookshelf" sessions
• Watch parties for adaptations

Personal Connection

• Learn about members' lives
• Remember details and follow up
• Create space for non-book chat
• Celebrate achievements

Accessibility Advantages

Virtual clubs offer unique accessibility benefits:

• No transportation barriers
• Flexible for those with disabilities
• Caregiver-friendly scheduling
• Comfortable home environment
• Recording for those who can't attend live

Overcoming Virtual Challenges

Technical Issues

• Have a backup communication channel
• Send clear joining instructions
• Designate a tech helper
• Be patient and gracious

Lower Energy

• Use energetic facilitation
• Incorporate interactive elements
• Keep pace moving
• Take breaks when needed

Harder to Read the Room

• Ask explicitly for reactions
• Use visual cues (reactions, chat)
• Check in frequently
• Create safe spaces for feedback

Hybrid Meetings

When some members are in-person and others virtual:

Equipment Needs

• Good quality webcam and microphone
• Large screen for virtual attendees
• Speakers that pick up room audio

Inclusion Strategies

• Face the camera when speaking
• Repeat in-room comments
• Actively involve virtual members
• Consider alternating all-virtual meetings

Time Zone Considerations

Global clubs face scheduling challenges:

Solutions

• Rotate meeting times fairly
• Record sessions for those who can't attend
• Create async discussion channels
• Consider regional sub-groups
• Use tools that handle time zone conversion

Virtual Book Club Etiquette

For Members

• Join on time
• Use mute when not speaking
• Use video when possible
• Stay engaged (avoid multitasking)
• Use chat respectfully

For Facilitators

• Start and end on time
• Manage speakers fairly
• Watch for raised hands
• Read the chat regularly
• Follow up on technical issues

The Future of Virtual Book Clubs

Virtual elements will likely remain even as in-person options return:

• Hybrid models for flexibility
• Global community access
• Digital tools for discussion
• Recorded sessions for archives
• AI-enhanced facilitation

Your Virtual Book Club Toolkit

Essentials for success:

• Reliable platform
• Clear joining instructions
• Structured meeting format
• Engagement strategies
• Community-building activities
• Patience and flexibility

Join Readfeed's virtual book clubs and experience the best of online reading communities!