What I wished I knew before I started for Netgalley is that the publishers can see both how often you're approved (%), and how often they've approved you. It would have made me more cautious about requesting books from big publishers before I got some good Netgalley stats, so I would be able to start on a better foot with the bigger publishers
I signed up for the first time this year after 12 years of reviewing books. I've been enjoying it. I've been pretty good about keeping on top of my reviews. Even when I dnf a book I provide feedback on why I dnfed it but I won't review it on any other platform.
Great tips on NetGalley. Independent authors pay NetGalley and they wait for reviews more so than big publishers. Also, remember there are Children's books.
I think you are better than most of the bigger reviewers. Your honesty and earnestness shine through. There is nothing pretentious about your views, which I find refreshing and very appealing - unlike some of those with a bigger fan base. Keep up the good work.
It’s also interesting to look at your refusal rate by publisher. Each one has different criteria. I have some that will always refuse me, so if I’m not getting arcs it’s usually because I forgot and requested from them again
I love watching your reviews because it never feels like you're giving us your opinion because you want to post something for Netgalley. Genuine opinions are so valuable.
These are great tips! I always struggle with Netgalley as a mood reader. I always end up getting approved for more than I expect and can't keep up. I need to go back and read the pile I never got to so I can clear it out and just be more realistic with what I request.
This happens a lot! Members request not sure they are going to be approved for any then end up with a bunch! I will say though that being someone who has been a journal review editor as well as working for a small publisher review copies given always exceed reviews published. We were inundated with physical books and only a handful could be reviewed per magazine.
Again, the publisher still gets plenty out of reviews that come out after the publication date. Especially if you are doing reviews on commercial sites. It’s not prepublication buzz but people continue to buy books after publication dates and a considered review will bump up a book. Make readers curious. I too don’t review DNF books if I haven’t read a substantial. It doesn’t make a huge dent in ratio once you get into higher numbers of books approved and reviewed.
