Bookish Musings is a feature here at Beautiful Bookish Butterflies that allows one of us to share our thoughts and opinions, talk and discuss things happening in the book and blogging community or share a personal book related issue we have. Today, Amanda is talking about Netgalley and the negative things that she personally has against the site. Does it mean she won't use it? Of course not, but it's not a perfect formula. See why..
My biggest problem with NetGalley is time
I've lost count of the amount of times I've requested a book months in advance and heard back having been accepted either right before the release date or waaaaaay past the release date and oh my lord you wouldn't believe how much this frustrates me. I've taken the time to choose your book out of all the books available and I've set up a system so that if I do get accepted then I'll have time to read it and review it, but some of the most recent examples show just how difficult it is as a blogger to make the time for these requested books when there's no time to spare. Here's some of the biggest examples I've been through recently..
Starstruck Scala Face Time Perfect Lies
Released: 31st Mar. Released: 13th May. Released: 25th. Apr. Released: 30th Jan.
Accepted: 8th May. Accepted: 7th May. Accepted: 6th May. Accepted: 4th Jun.
In normal circumstances for somebody else, this might not be a problem. Yeah 'poor me' receiving ARC's after the release date, I'm totally selfish about the entire thing but as somebody who goes to college and is a part-time career I don't have the time to read every book before the release date but I will always do my up-most, however, being two months ahead of schedule also means that if I get a late ARC, I either have to abandon it or shuffle posts around which turns a hobby into a job and that's something I don't want to happen. Finding the time to read, review and blog is already pretty stressful at times, so getting these late ARC's can really throw a spanner into my preparation which effects my review for both the author and publisher.
The second big problem is legal restrictions
At what point did it make it acceptable for certain books to only be available as ARC's to specific countries and not others? Granted, I can understand it from a publishers side of things; if you're set in one country, you'd like to stay in one country, but don't you think that's a little unfair to those people who live elsewhere and would really love to read that book and they can't because of country restrictions? I mean, come on guys, really? The amount of times I haven't been able to read a book because it's specific for American bloggers, or Australians bloggers is crazy. Is having British bloggers really that unusual? Are we a dying out species? Will we be kept in blogger zoos under strict surveillance because we're becoming extinct? No, of course not, so why do these restrictions exist and from some of the biggest authors around? Once again, I have some fitting examples..
The Julian Chapter Hexed My Best Friend In The Shadows
All of these books were books that interested me and that I am still convinced to this day that I would have and will enjoy, and the reason these restrictions bother me more than they probably should is money. I don't have the cash each month to go out and buy these new releases off the shelves and I don't have the ability to make my bedroom better to make room to house them and it's why I love NetGalley so much. It gives me the opportunity to read books that I'd had to wait months if not years to read and not only that, it gives me the opportunity to spread the word about these books and I haven't been able to do this. Damn this shit gets me down..
The third and final problem is being unfairly rejected.
Now I understand that 'unfairly' might be up for interpretation, but tell me, what does on blogger have to do when every book she receives, she reads, rates and reviews for their system, when she works through and dedicates time away from other hobbies and life activities to make it to 80% ratio, when she makes sure that her profile contains as much information as publishers, the site and any other randoms could possibly want? I worked hard to make my profile as pleasing as possible, writing complex and detailed reviews and being honest and forthcoming with my thoughts, and in the past, I've had very few problems gaining these arc copies, but ever since I gained an 80% 'recommended' ratio, I've been rejected at almost every turn, for books that are either sequels to books I've read, companions, or that I've been in the right region for, the first few to request and even talked about on my blog specifically. What do I have to do to gain these arcs? Must I lap-dance? Must I perform 'My Heart Will Go On' that resembles my feelings towards these rejections? Or am I overreacting because these are books I really wanted and was rejected for? I honestly don't think it's the latter and I can't help but feel my hard work is being ignored..
I suppose in the end my problems with NetGalley are very personal to me, and they might not be problems for everyone, but they do effect how much I use the feature and how much I enjoy it. I have however been able to read some fantastic books with the use of NetGalley, found series I'm really enjoyed and found a spark for authors I never knew existed, and whenever I've had a problem with NetGalley or ARC's, there's always been somebody on hand to see to the problem, but these three negatives are just things that get to me and change my experience of NetGalley as a whole
Great discussion and rant Amanda! I don't think we will ever get a formula for who gets accepted for what on Netgalley and Edelweiss, because each publisher, even publishers located in different countries is different. I think they need to have that country restriction because some publishers have rights to sell the book in their particular jurisdiction, whereas in other countries it may end up crossing over to another publisher. It's a confusing world, definitely not straightforward to us readers!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jeann! I can understand now why the restrictions, but it still doesn't quite seem far that specific countries should get ARC's and other's shouldn't, crosses me as prejudice, but maybe that's just me? It's definitely not straight forward for any of us is it? We manage though :)
DeleteThe first one is definitely a big problem. I'm not one of those speed readers who can get through a book in a day or two, and sometimes you still have other books to finish (maybe for school, or another ARC) before you can read it! For the second one, I get why they have to do it, but didn't they not have that before? I'm not sure. I feel you for the last one, Amanda. Even if we think we've hit all of the requirements, there's always a reason why we apparently aren't. Awesome discussion!
ReplyDeleteAimee @ Deadly Darlings
Thank you Aimme! So glad we agree on these things! :)
DeleteUgh, Netgalley, I've long given up on it! When I just started out blogging and heard of ARCs, I was so excited and began exploring Netgalley. But, well, I mean, I was a newbie and got rejected at every turn, and it took some time before I've finally gotten accepted. Then I've started facing the same problems as you've mentioned! The time thing is seriously unfair to book reviewers, and what's the purpose of ARCs once it's past the release date? I certainly remember publishers state their preference for ARC reviews to be slated a month before the release to build hype. As for the country restriction... It is frustrating to be rejected simply because of where we live, but I understand that there are legal issues regarding this, especially if the book is not yet allowed for publication in other countries.
ReplyDeleteIt's been some years since I've started blogging and I've come to embrace that ARCs are a privilege, and they aren't my priority anymore. For books which I really really want to read but for some reason can't be approved for an ARC, I'll just show my support by getting the book after it's release! I'm sure one day, your efforts will be appreciated =) Al the best!
Alicia @ Summer Next Top Story
Great comment Alicia! I have to admit, I previously went made on requesting and I confess, I still do sometimes, but I'm much more careful to just request books that I do genuinely believe I'll want to read and will enjoy, and it's a shame when I can't do that I think. I still get requests to review it before the release date, even when there's like 7 days until that date! It's unfair and unreasonable sometimes.. Thank you hunny! :)
DeleteCompletely feel you in terms of the country-thing! I'm in South Africa and I just keep thinking, you know, there are SO FEW South African bloggers, wouldn't you WANT to have your book more popular on this side of the world? Wouldn't that be a GOOD thing? Not? Okay fine. But it's not fine. Uggggh!
ReplyDeleteSo glad I'm not alone! I've not come across someone blogging from South Africa, so this is a first, lovely to meet you hunny, hope those mean publishers consider you more in the future! :)
DeleteI think I agree with you about the ratio thing, it's weird as while I'm not quite at the 80% ratio yet (I am working on it though) I seem to be getting declined for books more often as my ratio rises which I find odd. When it was low I getting accepted for most of the books I was requesting...... odd! I've also experienced the getting accepted for books long after they have been requested and after they have gone on general release, it's frustrating to say the least!
ReplyDeleteThea @ Gizzimomo's Book Shelf
It is very odd, I've heard of a few people having this happen and none of us understand it it either!
DeleteWelcome to the annoyed club Thea, and here's hoping we can all learn a few things, right? :)
So funny, I also blogged about NetGalley. Mine is more a list if wishes. The accept/decline delay was my #1 wish as well.
ReplyDeletehttp://advancereadingcopy.wordpress.com/2014/06/14/i-love-netgalley-but/
What a coincidence! I'll be checking out your post tomorrow! :)
DeleteI completely understand about the country restriction thing. That's frustrating. And the timing is annoying, and the rejection is annoying. Totally agreed. But again grateful for the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteVery much so, it's a wonderful feature to have for ARC's.
DeleteIT'S NOT JUST YOU. And omg, don't get me started on the country-limitations. *shakes fist at the world in general* I'M PROUD TO BE AN AUSSIE BLOGGER...except....when I want to request review copies. It sucks, I think, because sure the book is being published in the USA but that doesn't mean the rest of the world won't enjoy it. And no one's promoting it to the rest of the world. It doesn't make sense at all. Especially when as soon as the book is published, you can buy it from Book Depository...yup. International. But no one but Americans know about it because we don't get to promote. *breathing in, breathing out* Yes, yes, I can get a bit ranty too.
ReplyDeleteI've reviewed less than 30 books on NetGalley and only missed putting up my review of one book. *winces* I DID review it, I just didn't get it sent in on time, which is an incredible bummer and a mar on my OCD reviewing brain, lol. But my stats aren't too bad either and I still get rejected about 80% of the time. :|
I loved your little rant there Cait, so cute but so honest too! It does suck to be rejected though, big time! :(
DeleteI looove this post! I wish so badly that you could withdraw request on Netgalley and Edelweiss. Sometimes I want a book but after reading some reviews I find out that the book isn't for me and I don't want it anymore. I have books that are pending for over year! Either I've already read and reviewed them on my own or I just lost interest in the book and moved on. I hate that the book is still on my dashboard. And the thing where they approve you right before (or after) the release is stupid and pointless.
ReplyDeleteThe location thing is stupid too. I hate how some books are only available for UK readers but UK readers get access to all the US books too. How is that fair???
I have some advice for you. Don't worry about your feedback ratio. I'm embarrassed to admit thing but I have like 35% feedback ration on NetGalley. Yeah I suck. Most of these are for books I lost interest in or in books I accidentally clicked on the link in my email, not knowing it was set to 'Read Now' and surprise, now it's on my shelf.
I think publishers don;t expect you to review every single book they approve you for. If I don't want a book anymore or end up DNF, I try to showcase it a different way. Like Deep Blue. I never asked for it but I got an ARC. I wasn't interested so I did a Book Look for it and didn't worry about it anymore once I found a good home for it.
I don't think approval ratio is that important because I get most of my books from NetGalley and EW and like I said, my feedback ratio blows! Stats don't have much to do with it either because I've been getting books from the same publishers from when my blog was less than a year old and my stats and followers were really low. Don't beat yourself up so much over feeling like you HAVE to review every book, especially when you've lost interest or they take forever to approve you.
FYI, my blogger friend and I have also discussed this and all our feedback ratios suck, our blogs and different in length of blog and stats and followers, yet we still get pretty much the same books...
I wish you could as well, the amount of times I've wanted to withdraw, only to find I've gotten it, it's a shame, but serves me right in a way, and the location thing is stupid for all involved; either for everyone or no-one, it's not fair otherwise..
DeleteThe Book Look ideas is great, I might have to start considering something like that myself..
Thank you for your thoughts Nereyda, I'll be sure to keep them in mind and not let the ratio thing get to me! :)
I've had the same problem with the late acceptance of my review request. In those cases, to avoid looking like I didn't give feedback, I will just type in the feedback form something like, "although I was very excited to review this book, I planned time to read it closer to when I made my review request and no longer have to time to fit it in". Definitely annoying!
ReplyDeleteOoo, that's a good idea actually, might have to try that next time! If it's got no Archive Date, then it's not too bad really, but when it's got one, it's a shame..
DeleteI was SO disappointed to see that Dangerous Boys was only being given to UK readers!!! It was an epic let down!! BUT Edelweiss hates me and rejects me for everything, so at least on Netgalley I get approved for most of what I request. And that's not always a good thing either bc Oh man I have way too many that I need to read now!!!
ReplyDeleteAww I know! I guess I was lucky living in the UK, but I was still originally rejected anyway, so it really was rubbish! I get that all the time though, I have good months and then terrible months, and this one was a terrible month! Oh dear..
DeleteHahaha, great post! I can't relate to the troubles of being International but my co-blogger (in AUS) says the exact same thing. It sucks sometimes. I can, however, relate to the rejections. Sometimes I just don't get it either. I don't even get upset that I didn't get the book, I just hate how they don't tell you why.
ReplyDeleteHow have I only just seen this post!?!
ReplyDeleteI have finally had some requests get either denied or accepted after about 6 months, but usually by then I don't care any more. I definitely think they need to allow you to take back a request, especially when they keep you waiting that long. Sometimes you change your mind after a week or two, so that would be a lot more helpful.
Netgalley reject me a lot, I've actually never been rejected by Edelweiss but I actually have auto-approval for a ton of publishers on there. I don't know why though because I never got an email letting me know or anything.
When I click on one and it says it's for specific countries then I do weep a little. But, sometimes, if I put in a request I get accepted which confuses me. The restriction thing is usually because a publisher in the UK has the rights to a title but the US rights are sold to a separate publisher for a separate release date. So if one publisher puts it on Netgalley then legally they can only be showing it people from that country. I don't know all the legal complications but, MEH, still BUGS ME! I WANTS THE BOOKS!
My ratio is in the 60-70% range I think, and my profile is really short because I heard from some blogger it was better to keep it to the point. I do get confused when I get rejected for something and can't work out why, but I get a lot of great books so I don't get too sad. I have to admit to using Edelweiss more just because I have auto-approval for the American publishers and don't get restricted from titles on there. AND titles seem to go up on EW way before they go up on NG.
I hope they start accepting more of your requests soon!
Myself and Edelweiss just don't compute, it hates my guts, hence I use NetGalley a lot, but the lack of cancelling requests is a shame, it means that we'll probably never review it, and it's a shame. I'm hoping a few more improvements come a long, but still, I'm going to use it anyway, just more carefully now :)
DeleteNG does have some ups and downs but overall it is a good way to get ARCs. Yes, the waiting forever to get accepted, only to be super close to release date is a bit annoying. BUT, to me that means they're not respecting our time, so why should we respect their release dates? I say read it whenever and review it whenever.
ReplyDeleteI do agree Julie, it is a fantastic way to gain ARC's, and I've never considered it that way before, thank you! :)
DeleteIt's funny, this post feels like something I could've written. I especially have a problem with #2 and I've experienced #1 a few times as well. Most publishers are great at responding to contact letting them know they archived the book before I could download it. Once I was even given the okay only to find out two of the books had been archived already.
ReplyDeleteI read so many different genres and some of my favorite authors are from overseas. It bother the heck out of me I can' read and review them. They're really undiscovered gems and I'd love to introduce readers here in the US to them. However I don't have any contacts in any of the publishing houses, yet.
Who knows why Netgalley is the way it is. I have a low feedback ratio about 40% but I'm working to get it up to 75%. It;s hard to keep reviews fresh and interesting. At least it is for me.
I do think these problems are something a few people suffer with, but I guess if we just keep ploughing through them, we may get those books we really want, never know? :)
DeleteI really happy it's not just me! The hardest thing of Netgalley at the moment are those restrictions. I'm an international blogger from The Netherlands, so that would make it impossible for me to have a shot at ARC's. Why don't you love me, publisher on Netgalley? Haha. I just don't get why they wouldn't allow me to read the book, since I'm a blogger like you and people all around the world..
ReplyDeleteI've also worked hard to get my 84% and my profile is completely up to date, but yes, I've also noticed that I get more declines lately. It's not that I feel I deserve those ARC's or that they owe it to me, but I don't get some of the reasons. Also the late acceptances are annoying. I often get a 'we already accepted to many bloggers', why did you let me wait so long then?
That's what happens to me! I get that, 'we accepted or handed out lots already', or they get back to me after the release date and are all 'it's past the release date now, nah' and you think, you could looked at my profile beforehand or stop making excuses! But it is a worthwhile site I think, as a whole, I do still use it a lot!
Delete