Working at BN we get quite a few arcs into the store from publishers for booksellers to read and hand sell/ be able to discuss with our customers. I did manage to snag the arc of Babel we received lol. After reading we return to store so another bookseller has the opportunity to read. A useful tool for us as booksellers.
So, I was a book blogger for about 5 years and basically quit because of ARCs. I just got so, so, so many unsolicited books, it was overwhelming - and then for the ones I did ask for, I always felt pressured to meet deadlines and send bloody follow up emails. It was no longer fun. It was a second job. I hated it. Genuinely never thought I'd complain about too many books but it was too many books.
Can you really blame them if you’re the one asking for them in the first place? ARCs are free for a reason, they’re a marketing strategy and not everyone gets their hands on them. Surely, you knew that before requesting multiple at the same time?
@@avy466 as I mentioned in the original comment, I got a lot of books I did not ask for. Not blaming publishers for wanting to promote their book - just that it was stressful for me.
I have no book tube, & one tiny bookstagram page. I was approved for the Babel ARC. (declined for others). The lesson: request what you think you’ll love & have time for, & don’t take it personally if you’re passed over. 📖
I love this video! And I absolutely agree with everything you said. I have a bookstagram and a booktube and have not requested arcs, because I don't have the time to read and review books not on my never-ending TBR. The pressure would get to me and I already feel behind on my own TBR goals. So it is one of the many reasons I love your channel! I really appreciate you reviewing new releases so I can make an informed decision on which books I should spend my money on.
I love that you’ve been doing these dedicated videos on releases as they’ve come out. I may be on the fence about one or some and I see your videos and I literally pause the video to go order it and then come back. I’m petty. Sometimes it’s in check. Sometimes, it isn’t. I can understand authors and publishers wanting to send arcs to people with large followings and influence. But then I see these people get the arcs, not read it, then unbox a finished copy (sometimes two!) And okay.. that sucks but that isn’t where my petty comes out to play. I’ve personally seen videos or shorts where an influencer talks about not getting one and you can tell it’s them phishing (fishing?) (now fishing sounds funny to me) to try to get them to send it anyway. But even that isn’t what makes me literally unsubscribe from people. It’s expecting their followers or publishers or authors to send them random books because they just don’t want to spend the money themselves. One person talking about an older title that had recently been being discussed because of a readathon says “I don’t know how I’m going to get my hands on this book.” Uhh.. it was painfully obvious to me. I’d literally bought it myself the week before so I just commented and said, it’s on Amazon. But it.. I just did. This is a person that does a ton of hauls and there’s rarely a section of “books I bought myself.” That just rubbed me wrong. I understand if you’re only able to do this because you can secure books free or cheap but it felt icky to me. Because most of us out here are buying our books, outright, with our money. So it’s the entitlement for me. And before anyone thinks I’m saying this video is you trying to get them, there’s actually a negative percentage of that being true. I have never, not once, felt a sense of bragging or entitlement for you. You’re one of the few booktubers that I know I can watch and know you’re not gloating or even humble bragging. You are one of the most genuine people on here. And I love that you thrift like the rest of us commoners. But booktubers that most get and talk about arcs should dial it back because it’s giving “elitist.” This is just my opinion. You can agree or disagree with all of it, some of it, or none of it. ❤️
I really enjoy your work of keeping track of new releases and reviewing them ! I am a bookseller so reading new releases is actually my job but I am currently not in charge of SF/Fantasy section which really bumms me out since this it is my favorite genre (and my colleague who is in charge of doesn't like it). I am in charge of the adult contemporary/literary section. Basically I have to read books for my job but not SF/Fantasy books and your channel allows me to sort through all the new releases because I no longer have much reading time dedicated to Fantasy. I get a lot of ARCs through my job and it can be fun or the very opposite. A lot of the time, I get ARCs that I didn't request but not the one that I did. I stopped feeling pressure for not reading the ones that I didn't request but it still feels like a lot of pressure to read even the ones I requested sometimes (probably because it is my job and because I am like "But I want to read fantasyyyy !"). And sometimes publishers do weird things : we received at the store an unsollicited ARC copy of The Atlas Six (whose translation is coming out in my country in october), the ARC copy is only the first half of the book ("we will send you the second half in ebook if you like it !"). But there are cute stories about publishers paying attention : my colleague left a little note on a fantasy book that she loved. A few days ago, the publisher came at the bookstore with the author (he lives close by). They were so happy about the note that they went to get her an ARC of the author upcoming new release.
I love getting ARCs. When I get approved, it's always fun. I totally agree with you that sometimes it seems so random what I'm approved for and what I'm rejected for. My ARC success story is one time I was really looking forward to a book release, but then got rejected for it on Netgalley. Then, I emailed the publisher politely requesting a copy and they mailed me the book! Why would they approve me for the costly (paperback production and shipping cost) version but not for the free ebook? 🤷 But I am glad they did.
I just started out on booktube and got my first ebook arc last night, at first I was excited but as I’ve thought about it I’ve realized it’s a big responsibility that I’ve taken up and there’s a pressure there that wasn’t there when I selected the book for possible review
a lot of people should understand this, also thanks for always supporting authors in your own way ... I for one will try to support self-pub authors that I don't see or hear reviews from booktube influencers like you and next year would probably read more fantasy and sci-fi books from the 1980s who are not popular mainstream-wise, but have niche readers rave about ...
Very interesting video! I remember when I started receiving arcs, I got so excited! However, I very rarely request arcs nowadays. I found it quite overwhelming to have so many arcs that I 'had' to read. I am really enjoying prioritising books on my shelves over new releases but receiving arcs every now and again is still fun! I also didn't get Babel 😅
I still need to get to The Bone Maker as it has been on my shelves for a while. This video was very insightful and interesting to realise that it can be difficult to get some arcs.
Thank you Elliot for this video. As a person who reads a lot, but has never asked NetGalley or any big company for an ARC...I didn't know the process and this video has been really enlightening. I've received ARCs from independent authors, but have never requested any from any other source...so there was this understanding (wrongly, I see now) that people like yourself would automatically get said ARC. As always, your videos are very engaging and informative. Thank you.
I made a bookstagram in February and have only really applied for 10ish things on Netgalley. But my biggest shock was when I hadn’t been approved for anything yet and got an eARC of Daughter of Redwinter by Ed McDonald. I still have no idea why they gave it to me, but it was nice to know that you can sometimes get arcs for known authors even when you’re first getting atarted
I've been blogging since 2016 and I've gotten denied for tons of big titles over the years, but I've also gotten tons of approvals (like Babel) and have even gotten several of the coveted Auto Approvals from publishers. I love seeing book/ARC haul posts from folks just to see who gets what!
This is so interesting! I’m not a booktuber/ blogger/ whatever else in any way, I just watch everyone else’s videos and so don’t really know the behind the scenes of it so this is really interesting! People getting arcs does seem very random, I watch some booktubers with subs waaaay lower than yours who got Babel! Edited to say: I would have thought you were also part of the target audience for it. Wouldn’t expect just because of numbers
This might be a silly comment, but I really appreciate how you think and just everything you do and your reasoning for what you do. So yeah 😅 just wanna say Im proud and respect you a lot. ❤️ (Good thing it's online I would have look and sounded so awkward 🙈) NOT that I thought you weren't genuine!! I just found today's video very well done and discussed..😬❤️❤️❤️ I truly love your channel
As a bookblogger, I’ve been noticing which bookbloggers, BookTubers, Bookstagramers, etc., have been receiving and not receiving ARCs and eARCs. There are times I receive ARCs when other reviewers do not, and some of those reviewers have higher ratios of feedback and/or have larger followings than I do. There are times when publishers know certain books will become bestsellers, so they’ll limit how many ARCs they send out for early reviews. At this point, it’s a hit-or-miss when it comes to galleys.
I'm not a book reviewer but I'm so glad I was not aware of the bone maker early because I got it for a really good price later on. I really love Sarah Beth dursts "Race the sands" it's one of my favourite books ever! I really want to know your thoughts on it. I also really want to read an old stand alone of hers called "Vessel" I think her standalones and even Queens of renthia have such unique settings and worlds. She is such an underrated author.
Speaking to my experience getting a arcs, I don’t understand the logic sometimes either. I use to read predominantly romance but have shifted tastes in the last couple of years. I don’t blow through other genres like I can romance. There was a highly, maybe the most beloved romance ever out and I’d never read it. No idea why I decided to request the second book but I was shocked when I was approved. So I went and read the first book. Then there was a little known YA horror book with a very low number of reviews that I read and reviewed immediately when it came out last year. I hardly heard anyone discussing it. But I loved it! Book two of it became available, I thought with so few having read this, I’ll probably get it. Nope. It was okay because I purposely don’t request books that come out before a season I know I’ll want to save them for and that isn’t fair to anyone and I know I’d enjoy it more if I waited for the right season (for me) to read it anyway. The one that gets me is Christmas or holiday themed books that release in like September and October. Which I don’t read holiday books like that anyway. But there are people out there that love them enough I guess to want to read them that far out for the holiday. It may also have something to do with the fact I love Halloween SO MUCH. I know we say we all do but I remember asking my mom in 4th grade if I could take over making the trick or treat bags for Halloween. I turned 36 last month and I still to this day look forward to making them every year for my parents house. And I never once dressed up for Halloween. No idea why. But I didn’t. But I just love it.
I really liked the Queens of Renthia, and I enjoyed Race the Sands quite a bit, but unfortunately The Bone Maker fell flat for me. I have it rated as a 5.5/10. Can't remember what bothered me precisely, though. 😅 I guess it wasn't too memorable for me at the end of the day.
One of my favourite romance author, Chloe Liese, somehow I never get approved her e-arcs on netgalley 😆I wonder if it's because my geographical region is not a target or something
It is interesting, I would have assumed you'd get an arc for almost anything you want with the size of you channel haha. NetGalley never really makes sense maybe it's just a timing thing and they accept in waves starting with a first come first serve mentality?
I use netgalley sometimes, but I mostly read ARCs of indie authors. I only request five arcs per month/season depending if I get approved. I mostly like ARCs of indie authors or small/new authors to help talk about their books. Even though I don’t have a big following. I just wanna help whatever way I can.
I live in a country where it is harder to get books that are a little on the fringes of the community and it can get so, so incredibly irritating because some of them aren't available in any other format either.
I forgot Castles in Their Bones 😅, I need to read that, I also enjoyed Ash Princess. I have a youtube channel but I never get arcs 😅 though a main part is that I tend to focus on more backlist books and classics
This is a great subject for discussion! I have been doing NetGalley for 3-4 years and have gradually built up my percentage reviewed and my ability (luck) in getting ARCs that I actually think sound interesting. My percentage is 89-90% (finally) so this has helped. Also, some publishers seem to be more of an automatic yes versus others that are rarely if ever a yes. Not sure why and the yes publishers are not listed as auto-reads. I do wish they would share the algorithm that is used. I’m glad they finally have a method of withdrawal of requests for ARCs that seem like they will be rejected or that you change your mind about. I did receive Babel (surprisingly). I have Goodreads and Instagram and a small blog. Nothing like the numbers of followers that you have and I certainly don’t specialize in fantasy. So who knows. I almost didn’t request it because it is a commitment. I reviewed earlier books by her in the Poppy War series. Not sure if that is relevant at all or just dumb luck. I’ve discovered that some authors have their stuff on NetGalley and seem to reject almost everyone and others are more generous. I enjoy getting arcs but I wish the process was more clear. Definitely take the time to read Babel. You will probably love it.
The final book in the river enchanted / elements of cadence duology is out in December so maybe you have a second chance to get to it, I loved it so much
I’ve never requested an ARC because I don’t post videos so I thought it wouldn’t be right to request a book I knew I wouldn’t post a review on. I guess I thought a written review wouldn’t count. I love your channel so much that while I understand where you’re coming from, I think they missed the boat entirely declining you😊
Written reviews definitely count. I exclusively do write and have gotten accepted for my most anticipated books of the year. Go for it if you're interested the worst they can say is no.
I’m actually only about 50 pages from finishing The Bone Maker and I really like it! I loved the Queens of Renthia series so much, Race the Sands was good, and I also read one of her YAs called Fire & Heist. My order would be 1) Queens 2) Bone Maker 3) Deepest Blue 4) Race the Sands 5) Fire & Heist.
Sometimes I feel like they throw darts at a wall to pick who gets the arc lol Especially at Netgalley! Somehow I got Babel... like why? But got rejected for arcs that were book 2 in a series where I read and reviewed the arc for book 1 in that series lol Also, the Bone Maker is fantastic, as are all of Sarah Beth Durst's books really.
I don't like arcs because I have realized that I usually don't like the books I get accepted for. I used to get review copies through a German page because I also have a German blog. Then I recently did the "worst books I have read according to GR" video and realized that a lot of those were the arcs I had gotten. So I am glad I quit. I like knowing what I will get into with a book because I don't have a lot of time for reading. I prefer reading books when they have been out for a while.
I recently hit 1k subs! And I just started trying to get arcs. One of them was Stephen Graham Jones' new book The Babysitter Lives. I've talked a lot about Stephen Graham Jones on my channel, I even made a top 10 SGJ books video, he's one of my favorite authors. So I was a little discouraged when I wasn't approved for the arc. But oh well!!! Luckily, I was able to get an ARC for Mothered by Zoje Stage, another one of my favorite horror authors, I'll be reading that in October, even though it doesn't come out until March. It'll be the first time I get to read a book early and I'm excited!
😅 I did forget the series you were talking about it until you said 'a forest setting'. And the Bone Maker does sounds interesting... Sucks you didn't get the ARC. EDIT: A bit random but this is what I do to 'help'. If someone on social media made me interested in a book I try to link the video or URL to the person who got me interested in the review bit on Goodreads. My hope is that this will help the person who put so much work into making or writing something about the book! Sometimes authors will read reviews so I am always hoping they will see who talks about their book on the interwebs (like for example I mentioned this video in a review on the Bone Maker) and maybe that will help out the person who got me interested. I don't know if it actually works this way but it doesn't hurt anyone so my conscience is clear.
I get suprised over what I get as arcs, but I allso get declined on some I really hoped for. But it's funny i got some you didn't get. O.o But yea book here on my country cost minimum like 15usd. And I'm a student sooo..... Monty is something that need to be prioriteres.
I find the Sarah Beth Durst "deny" hilarious because I was denied for an Anthony Ryan book and I'm the biggest Ryan Stan that I've seen. I was like, what?!? You're kidding?!?
As a reviewer of sorts, I typically only focus on self published books(word of mouth) arcs, usually a word or a PDF, because self published authors don't usually pay for Netgalley because, it isn't exactly affordable. As someone who publishes books: small press, slowly expanding, when I have a book published on Netgalley, well, I accept everyone who requests them. Some won't read them anyway, some will hate them, others love them, but it is what it is. I'm fatalistic in that approach. Speaking of books needing something. . .my book needs you! If you like Tragedy. But no, not really, but sort of.
So sad that you are not getting ARCs, because I would read the worst-rated book on Goodreads, just based on your recommendation. Also, I just added more books to my TBR because of this video. 🤣
I didn’t like the trash trilogy neither two stars ⭐️ love you and your amazing channel and really enjoyed this video prayers and thoughts for you and your family love your family friend John xxxx
Can someone help recommend me a book I can get my girlfriend. Ideally a girls perspective story with not many povs. She likes horror/fantasy. Not too much romance. Help pls lol 🙏🏻
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I think readers need to know you don't have to be a bookstgrammer or a booktuber to get ARCs.
Oooh I loved The Bone Maker
You don’t?
@@FreyaWarr All you have to be is a reviewer. Exclusively GoodReads reviews are eligible to get arcs
@@booksvsmovies omg I didn’t know???
Working at BN we get quite a few arcs into the store from publishers for booksellers to read and hand sell/ be able to discuss with our customers. I did manage to snag the arc of Babel we received lol. After reading we return to store so another bookseller has the opportunity to read. A useful tool for us as booksellers.
I didn’t know that! Thank you for sharing 😄
So, I was a book blogger for about 5 years and basically quit because of ARCs. I just got so, so, so many unsolicited books, it was overwhelming - and then for the ones I did ask for, I always felt pressured to meet deadlines and send bloody follow up emails. It was no longer fun. It was a second job. I hated it. Genuinely never thought I'd complain about too many books but it was too many books.
Had the same feeling as you, but I only could go this way for one year. You can't read the books anymore that you want to read...
Can you really blame them if you’re the one asking for them in the first place? ARCs are free for a reason, they’re a marketing strategy and not everyone gets their hands on them. Surely, you knew that before requesting multiple at the same time?
@@avy466 not all are asked for. I've reviewed for some imprints and then they started sending others I didn't request.
@@avy466 as I mentioned in the original comment, I got a lot of books I did not ask for. Not blaming publishers for wanting to promote their book - just that it was stressful for me.
I have no book tube, & one tiny bookstagram page. I was approved for the Babel ARC. (declined for others). The lesson: request what you think you’ll love & have time for, & don’t take it personally if you’re passed over. 📖
This is nice to know.
Interesting! Where do you go to request ARCs?
I love this video! And I absolutely agree with everything you said. I have a bookstagram and a booktube and have not requested arcs, because I don't have the time to read and review books not on my never-ending TBR. The pressure would get to me and I already feel behind on my own TBR goals. So it is one of the many reasons I love your channel! I really appreciate you reviewing new releases so I can make an informed decision on which books I should spend my money on.
The pressure can definitely be there! And if this isn’t a job for most people, reading can end up feeling like an obligation rather than a hobby
I love that you’ve been doing these dedicated videos on releases as they’ve come out. I may be on the fence about one or some and I see your videos and I literally pause the video to go order it and then come back.
I’m petty. Sometimes it’s in check. Sometimes, it isn’t. I can understand authors and publishers wanting to send arcs to people with large followings and influence. But then I see these people get the arcs, not read it, then unbox a finished copy (sometimes two!) And okay.. that sucks but that isn’t where my petty comes out to play. I’ve personally seen videos or shorts where an influencer talks about not getting one and you can tell it’s them phishing (fishing?) (now fishing sounds funny to me) to try to get them to send it anyway. But even that isn’t what makes me literally unsubscribe from people. It’s expecting their followers or publishers or authors to send them random books because they just don’t want to spend the money themselves. One person talking about an older title that had recently been being discussed because of a readathon says “I don’t know how I’m going to get my hands on this book.” Uhh.. it was painfully obvious to me. I’d literally bought it myself the week before so I just commented and said, it’s on Amazon. But it.. I just did. This is a person that does a ton of hauls and there’s rarely a section of “books I bought myself.” That just rubbed me wrong. I understand if you’re only able to do this because you can secure books free or cheap but it felt icky to me. Because most of us out here are buying our books, outright, with our money. So it’s the entitlement for me.
And before anyone thinks I’m saying this video is you trying to get them, there’s actually a negative percentage of that being true. I have never, not once, felt a sense of bragging or entitlement for you. You’re one of the few booktubers that I know I can watch and know you’re not gloating or even humble bragging. You are one of the most genuine people on here. And I love that you thrift like the rest of us commoners.
But booktubers that most get and talk about arcs should dial it back because it’s giving “elitist.”
This is just my opinion. You can agree or disagree with all of it, some of it, or none of it. ❤️
I really enjoy your work of keeping track of new releases and reviewing them ! I am a bookseller so reading new releases is actually my job but I am currently not in charge of SF/Fantasy section which really bumms me out since this it is my favorite genre (and my colleague who is in charge of doesn't like it). I am in charge of the adult contemporary/literary section. Basically I have to read books for my job but not SF/Fantasy books and your channel allows me to sort through all the new releases because I no longer have much reading time dedicated to Fantasy.
I get a lot of ARCs through my job and it can be fun or the very opposite. A lot of the time, I get ARCs that I didn't request but not the one that I did. I stopped feeling pressure for not reading the ones that I didn't request but it still feels like a lot of pressure to read even the ones I requested sometimes (probably because it is my job and because I am like "But I want to read fantasyyyy !").
And sometimes publishers do weird things : we received at the store an unsollicited ARC copy of The Atlas Six (whose translation is coming out in my country in october), the ARC copy is only the first half of the book ("we will send you the second half in ebook if you like it !").
But there are cute stories about publishers paying attention : my colleague left a little note on a fantasy book that she loved. A few days ago, the publisher came at the bookstore with the author (he lives close by). They were so happy about the note that they went to get her an ARC of the author upcoming new release.
I love getting ARCs. When I get approved, it's always fun. I totally agree with you that sometimes it seems so random what I'm approved for and what I'm rejected for.
My ARC success story is one time I was really looking forward to a book release, but then got rejected for it on Netgalley. Then, I emailed the publisher politely requesting a copy and they mailed me the book! Why would they approve me for the costly (paperback production and shipping cost) version but not for the free ebook? 🤷 But I am glad they did.
Where do you go to ask for ARCs? Email the publisher?
I just started out on booktube and got my first ebook arc last night, at first I was excited but as I’ve thought about it I’ve realized it’s a big responsibility that I’ve taken up and there’s a pressure there that wasn’t there when I selected the book for possible review
Super interesting to learn more about how ARCs work! Thanks for sharing :)
Really enjoying your increased output! Keep it up (I know it must be hard)!
This was a great discussion! ☺️🌻
a lot of people should understand this, also thanks for always supporting authors in your own way ... I for one will try to support self-pub authors that I don't see or hear reviews from booktube influencers like you and next year would probably read more fantasy and sci-fi books from the 1980s who are not popular mainstream-wise, but have niche readers rave about ...
Very interesting video! I remember when I started receiving arcs, I got so excited! However, I very rarely request arcs nowadays. I found it quite overwhelming to have so many arcs that I 'had' to read. I am really enjoying prioritising books on my shelves over new releases but receiving arcs every now and again is still fun!
I also didn't get Babel 😅
I appreciate this video! Such good content as a way to balance the accidental flaunting and materialism that comes with collecting books 😅
I appreciate this insight!!
like I always assumed they were v open with arcs to anyone with any following, and it was ytber choice to review/not. but this makes sense.
I still need to get to The Bone Maker as it has been on my shelves for a while. This video was very insightful and interesting to realise that it can be difficult to get some arcs.
Great video!
Thank you for being so! informative 🐾🦉🐾
Thank you Elliot for this video. As a person who reads a lot, but has never asked NetGalley or any big company for an ARC...I didn't know the process and this video has been really enlightening.
I've received ARCs from independent authors, but have never requested any from any other source...so there was this understanding (wrongly, I see now) that people like yourself would automatically get said ARC.
As always, your videos are very engaging and informative. Thank you.
You’re very welcome! I’m glad it was helpful :D
I made a bookstagram in February and have only really applied for 10ish things on Netgalley. But my biggest shock was when I hadn’t been approved for anything yet and got an eARC of Daughter of Redwinter by Ed McDonald. I still have no idea why they gave it to me, but it was nice to know that you can sometimes get arcs for known authors even when you’re first getting atarted
I've been blogging since 2016 and I've gotten denied for tons of big titles over the years, but I've also gotten tons of approvals (like Babel) and have even gotten several of the coveted Auto Approvals from publishers. I love seeing book/ARC haul posts from folks just to see who gets what!
Great video, I love your glasses and lip color btw. "On Wednesdays we wear pink" lol
This is so interesting! I’m not a booktuber/ blogger/ whatever else in any way, I just watch everyone else’s videos and so don’t really know the behind the scenes of it so this is really interesting! People getting arcs does seem very random, I watch some booktubers with subs waaaay lower than yours who got Babel!
Edited to say: I would have thought you were also part of the target audience for it. Wouldn’t expect just because of numbers
This might be a silly comment, but I really appreciate how you think and just everything you do and your reasoning for what you do. So yeah 😅 just wanna say Im proud and respect you a lot. ❤️
(Good thing it's online I would have look and sounded so awkward 🙈)
NOT that I thought you weren't genuine!! I just found today's video very well done and discussed..😬❤️❤️❤️ I truly love your channel
The Bone Maker definitely sounds like something I need to pick up!
As a bookblogger, I’ve been noticing which bookbloggers, BookTubers, Bookstagramers, etc., have been receiving and not receiving ARCs and eARCs. There are times I receive ARCs when other reviewers do not, and some of those reviewers have higher ratios of feedback and/or have larger followings than I do. There are times when publishers know certain books will become bestsellers, so they’ll limit how many ARCs they send out for early reviews. At this point, it’s a hit-or-miss when it comes to galleys.
I'm not a book reviewer but I'm so glad I was not aware of the bone maker early because I got it for a really good price later on. I really love Sarah Beth dursts "Race the sands" it's one of my favourite books ever! I really want to know your thoughts on it. I also really want to read an old stand alone of hers called "Vessel" I think her standalones and even Queens of renthia have such unique settings and worlds. She is such an underrated author.
I don't mind not getting ARCs. And I enjoy hearing about new releases. Am I weird for not wanting to get a book early? Idk. Anyway. Good video. :)
Speaking to my experience getting a arcs, I don’t understand the logic sometimes either. I use to read predominantly romance but have shifted tastes in the last couple of years. I don’t blow through other genres like I can romance. There was a highly, maybe the most beloved romance ever out and I’d never read it. No idea why I decided to request the second book but I was shocked when I was approved. So I went and read the first book. Then there was a little known YA horror book with a very low number of reviews that I read and reviewed immediately when it came out last year. I hardly heard anyone discussing it. But I loved it! Book two of it became available, I thought with so few having read this, I’ll probably get it. Nope. It was okay because I purposely don’t request books that come out before a season I know I’ll want to save them for and that isn’t fair to anyone and I know I’d enjoy it more if I waited for the right season (for me) to read it anyway.
The one that gets me is Christmas or holiday themed books that release in like September and October. Which I don’t read holiday books like that anyway. But there are people out there that love them enough I guess to want to read them that far out for the holiday. It may also have something to do with the fact I love Halloween SO MUCH. I know we say we all do but I remember asking my mom in 4th grade if I could take over making the trick or treat bags for Halloween. I turned 36 last month and I still to this day look forward to making them every year for my parents house. And I never once dressed up for Halloween. No idea why. But I didn’t. But I just love it.
I really liked the Queens of Renthia, and I enjoyed Race the Sands quite a bit, but unfortunately The Bone Maker fell flat for me. I have it rated as a 5.5/10. Can't remember what bothered me precisely, though. 😅 I guess it wasn't too memorable for me at the end of the day.
I once found an ARC of 'Raybearer' in a random Hostel in Belize. The only ARC I ever had :D
One of my favourite romance author, Chloe Liese, somehow I never get approved her e-arcs on netgalley 😆I wonder if it's because my geographical region is not a target or something
It is interesting, I would have assumed you'd get an arc for almost anything you want with the size of you channel haha. NetGalley never really makes sense maybe it's just a timing thing and they accept in waves starting with a first come first serve mentality?
I got the Illumicrate edition for Babel it's gorgeous
I use netgalley sometimes, but I mostly read ARCs of indie authors. I only request five arcs per month/season depending if I get approved. I mostly like ARCs of indie authors or small/new authors to help talk about their books. Even though I don’t have a big following. I just wanna help whatever way I can.
I live in a country where it is harder to get books that are a little on the fringes of the community and it can get so, so incredibly irritating because some of them aren't available in any other format either.
I forgot Castles in Their Bones 😅, I need to read that, I also enjoyed Ash Princess. I have a youtube channel but I never get arcs 😅 though a main part is that I tend to focus on more backlist books and classics
This is a great subject for discussion! I have been doing NetGalley for 3-4 years and have gradually built up my percentage reviewed and my ability (luck) in getting ARCs that I actually think sound interesting. My percentage is 89-90% (finally) so this has helped. Also, some publishers seem to be more of an automatic yes versus others that are rarely if ever a yes. Not sure why and the yes publishers are not listed as auto-reads. I do wish they would share the algorithm that is used. I’m glad they finally have a method of withdrawal of requests for ARCs that seem like they will be rejected or that you change your mind about.
I did receive Babel (surprisingly). I have Goodreads and Instagram and a small blog. Nothing like the numbers of followers that you have and I certainly don’t specialize in fantasy. So who knows. I almost didn’t request it because it is a commitment. I reviewed earlier books by her in the Poppy War series. Not sure if that is relevant at all or just dumb luck.
I’ve discovered that some authors have their stuff on NetGalley and seem to reject almost everyone and others are more generous. I enjoy getting arcs but I wish the process was more clear.
Definitely take the time to read Babel. You will probably love it.
The final book in the river enchanted / elements of cadence duology is out in December so maybe you have a second chance to get to it, I loved it so much
That’s good to know! Thanks 😄
I’ve never requested an ARC because I don’t post videos so I thought it wouldn’t be right to request a book I knew I wouldn’t post a review on. I guess I thought a written review wouldn’t count. I love your channel so much that while I understand where you’re coming from, I think they missed the boat entirely declining you😊
Well that’s very nice! And yeah, written reviews definitely count 😄
Written reviews definitely count. I exclusively do write and have gotten accepted for my most anticipated books of the year. Go for it if you're interested the worst they can say is no.
I’m actually only about 50 pages from finishing The Bone Maker and I really like it! I loved the Queens of Renthia series so much, Race the Sands was good, and I also read one of her YAs called Fire & Heist. My order would be 1) Queens 2) Bone Maker 3) Deepest Blue 4) Race the Sands 5) Fire & Heist.
Sometimes I feel like they throw darts at a wall to pick who gets the arc lol Especially at Netgalley! Somehow I got Babel... like why? But got rejected for arcs that were book 2 in a series where I read and reviewed the arc for book 1 in that series lol
Also, the Bone Maker is fantastic, as are all of Sarah Beth Durst's books really.
i got the fairyloot edition a few days ago havent read it yet
I don't like arcs because I have realized that I usually don't like the books I get accepted for. I used to get review copies through a German page because I also have a German blog. Then I recently did the "worst books I have read according to GR" video and realized that a lot of those were the arcs I had gotten. So I am glad I quit. I like knowing what I will get into with a book because I don't have a lot of time for reading. I prefer reading books when they have been out for a while.
I recently hit 1k subs! And I just started trying to get arcs. One of them was Stephen Graham Jones' new book The Babysitter Lives. I've talked a lot about Stephen Graham Jones on my channel, I even made a top 10 SGJ books video, he's one of my favorite authors. So I was a little discouraged when I wasn't approved for the arc. But oh well!!! Luckily, I was able to get an ARC for Mothered by Zoje Stage, another one of my favorite horror authors, I'll be reading that in October, even though it doesn't come out until March. It'll be the first time I get to read a book early and I'm excited!
Congrats on getting your first arc! I hope you have fun reading it 😄😄😄
😅 I did forget the series you were talking about it until you said 'a forest setting'. And the Bone Maker does sounds interesting... Sucks you didn't get the ARC.
EDIT: A bit random but this is what I do to 'help'. If someone on social media made me interested in a book I try to link the video or URL to the person who got me interested in the review bit on Goodreads. My hope is that this will help the person who put so much work into making or writing something about the book!
Sometimes authors will read reviews so I am always hoping they will see who talks about their book on the interwebs (like for example I mentioned this video in a review on the Bone Maker) and maybe that will help out the person who got me interested. I don't know if it actually works this way but it doesn't hurt anyone so my conscience is clear.
I get suprised over what I get as arcs, but I allso get declined on some I really hoped for.
But it's funny i got some you didn't get. O.o
But yea book here on my country cost minimum like 15usd. And I'm a student sooo..... Monty is something that need to be prioriteres.
on a totally different subject. Are your books in the "Winnowing flame" series separated?
Oh please tell us more of your hubby’s names for the series you read. Personally, I plan on reading the Fog Birth trilogy in October.😉
Oh goodness, he changes all of them 😂 Not a book series, but he calls Fairyloot FairyTOOT 🤣
I find the Sarah Beth Durst "deny" hilarious because I was denied for an Anthony Ryan book and I'm the biggest Ryan Stan that I've seen. I was like, what?!? You're kidding?!?
I need to get my netgalley ratio up lawl 😅
My friend didn't get an ARC from Netgalley because we aren't from the UK... That seems quite random.
Do you get people send you arcs for books you aren't interested in? How do you handle it, ignore, politely decline, try anyway?
Oohh... advance reading copy... Not actual story arc. Was so confused for a minute.
Cool video.
You get declinded?!?! Okay :D that's crazy
I was so excited for a river enchanted due to the bardic fun of it... it was like.. bardish... ugh
As a reviewer of sorts, I typically only focus on self published books(word of mouth) arcs, usually a word or a PDF, because self published authors don't usually pay for Netgalley because, it isn't exactly affordable.
As someone who publishes books: small press, slowly expanding, when I have a book published on Netgalley, well, I accept everyone who requests them. Some won't read them anyway, some will hate them, others love them, but it is what it is. I'm fatalistic in that approach.
Speaking of books needing something. . .my book needs you! If you like Tragedy. But no, not really, but sort of.
Trash Princess, I laughed so hard.
So sad that you are not getting ARCs, because I would read the worst-rated book on Goodreads, just based on your recommendation. Also, I just added more books to my TBR because of this video. 🤣
It seems criminal that i was approved for the Babel arc and you were not. 😅
I didn’t like the trash trilogy neither two stars ⭐️ love you and your amazing channel and really enjoyed this video prayers and thoughts for you and your family love your family friend John xxxx
Weird theyd refuse you an arc. Makes little sense? Not like a digital arc costs them anything.
What does ARCs actually stand for?
Advanced Reader Copy
Advanced reader copy :)
Advanced reader copy or advanced review copy. They are also sometimes called proofs/proof copies or galleys.
Can someone help recommend me a book I can get my girlfriend. Ideally a girls perspective story with not many povs. She likes horror/fantasy.
Not too much romance.
Help pls lol 🙏🏻
What is an ARC?
Advanced reader copy
Advanced.Review.Copy!