NetGalley - is it worth the price?

[E.G.]

As far as I can tell, NetGalley is forum for generating 'reviews' without needing to personally send ARCs around and it provides DRM controls to limit the risk of loosing control of the 'free' copies. It may also be useful for connecting with bloggers. The thing is, it's fairly pricey. Does anyone have words of wisdom they can offer?

[Lily]

Short answer: no.

I've seen a million websites like this one. The sole purpose to make money off people who don't want to interact with other people. Basically, just do everything with a click of a button. It never pays off in sales for the author.

[E.G.]

Thanks Lily,

The math looked off to me. I could 'gift' via apple, amazon, etc., north of 70 copies before I'd hit their price. I just wondered if I was missing something.

[Lily]

You're not missing anything :)

[Michael]

never heard of it, never even seen anything like it, but i'm with Lily. No. haha
far as it goes, interacting with potential readers is part of the fun in the advertising. but that's just me

[Library Lady 📚]

I read and review for them. I didn't even know they took self-published books. Or maybe they don't? Most of the ones I've received are Big 5 pubbed.

I've looked into Book Bub and a few other sites that advertise for a fee. They are pricey, with questionable results.

[E.G.]

According to NetGalley they serve over 300 publishers, indie authors and small publishers . The fact that you are only aware of the Big 5 pretty much confirms my suspicions. They market the big five and take money from the others. * disappointed sigh*

[Lily]

Aw, sorry EG. Wish there has been better news.

[Library Lady 📚]

E.G. wrote: "According to NetGalley they serve over 300 publishers, indie authors and small publishers . The fact that you are only aware of the Big 5 pretty much confirms my suspicions. They market the big..."

This may be true. I've only been reading for them for a couple months, and there are tons of books to scroll through. But I'm guessing the first few pages of arcs are probably big 5, and I've never made it past the first few pages before something caught my eye. The indies may be at the bottom of the pile, so to speak.

[S.W.]

I looked into this when initially looking for reviews for my book. The consensus does seem to be that it can be worth it in terms of getting reviews from bigger and established publications/sites.
They are legitimate and a lot of the bigger bloggers only take NetGalley books so you will have better exposure, and exposure you might not get otherwise.

That said, it is really expensive to sign up. I can't remember the cost -- something like $300?
It is possible to split the costs. You can go in as a publisher or syndicate (something like that) with other indie authors and split the price between you.

However my decision on it, was that it ultimately wasn't worth it. There are plenty of small bloggers and reviewers who are happy to review for free.
If you've got the cash to splash then go for it, but otherwise I wouldn't bother.

[E.G.]

The price they quoted me was $399 for a six month listing. Totally not worth it based on what you all have said. I sounds like I would still need to put in all the work to submit to bloggers, etc.

Even with S.W.'s note that the bigger bloggers only take NetGalley books, I'm finding it hard to translate a blog or two into the kind of sales that justify that cost.

[Sara]

I've read with NetGalley for a couple of years now. I have to tell you the reason I only get my ARCs from them is because I was absolutely burned by indie authors. I was very open to reviewing and had my own review site but I was getting a lot of crap books.
NetGalley weeds out a lot of the crap. They do have indie authors and even promote them. I get a monthly email promoting new indie authors. I think the price keeps more of the unpolished, quickly put out indie books.
The reality is that reviewers get picky because they have to. There are a lot of indie authors who feel like they can put out a book and make money. They don't take the time to make sure they have a well crafted book.
Now I will say that I get pickier and pickier as the years go on. Even publishers I expect to be "perfect" put out bad books.

[E.G.]

Hey Sara,

Thanks for chiming in. It's interesting that you have the impression that NetGalley has a quality filter for submission. That would actually be worth something since, as you note, there is a lot of poorly edited/written material available these days.

My communications have pretty much run that if I'll pay the $399, they will list. The marketing programs are additional $$.

This is directly from their site and you will note that they expect publishers to add their own contacts and the 'value add' they are promoting relates to intellectual property protection.

NetGalley for Publishers

Publishers in the United States, Canada, the UK and Australia are using NetGalley to interact with our growing member community, and to invite their own contacts to view titles using the NetGalley widget. Ask us about security options for protecting your content and how to use the widget to provide direct, pre-approved access to your titles. We provide prompt, friendly support for you and for readers, and best practices for using digital proofs in your marketing and publicity campaigns.

There is no charge for professional readers to use the service; publishers pay a set-up fee plus a monthly cost depending on the number of titles you have on the site. We also have an option for publishers and authors who are interested in listing a single title. Finally, there are many ways to connect with the NetGalley reader community through our Marketing Programs. Please fill out this form for more information about listing your titles.

[Lily]

I find all of that odd. A reviewer for say, New York Times, would be paid for writing reviews. So, for this site to make the reviewers pay instead of paying them, seems really backward to me.

And there isn't a guarantee with any product. A 399$ won't make a difference. It would take me about 10 years to make that money back, based on just one little novella.

[Sara]

I know that it's a site that people pay for and it means that more of the publishing companies use it vs independent authors but the site I used prior to NetGalley charged very little for authors to share their books. I got books that were so badly written and some that were actually scams. It was an absolute nightmare. I get that not all authors have the funds to promote their books through places such as NetGalley. I've reviewed authors outside of that program and have been very pleased with the results. However, as an independent author, you have to be willing to pay for the services you'd get through a publishing house. To be successful, your book should be professionally edited and formatted. Many people feel like they can throw together a book and sell it through a site like Amazon without having to do the work. While I'm not saying you are that way, but it is the reason that many reviewers use programs like NetGalley. I'm not opposed to reviewing an independent author but I don't have the time or energy to promote someone's half completed project.

[Sara]

Lily - there is no charge to the reviewers. It's the publisher that takes on the expense.

[Lily]

Sara wrote: "Lily - there is no charge to the reviewers. It's the publisher that takes on the expense."

Ah, thanks for cleaing that up!

[E.G.]

Sara wrote: "I know that it's a site that people pay for and it means that more of the publishing companies use it vs independent authors but the site I used prior to NetGalley charged very little for authors t..."

Sara, I think everyone in Fringe Fiction agrees that our publications should be professional quality, including paying for services as necessary. The purpose of this thread was to identify whether or not NetGalley offers small indies services worth $399 for a six month listing.

From what I have been able to discover, it does not offer quality review services or marketing services for the $399 tag. Basically, it's another forum where the individual author will need to promote for results. So while I can see how it serves a purpose in the larger publishing community, I don't think its 'single title' offering will address either my 'promotion' needs or your very reasonable requirements for a 'quality' filter.

I really appreciate your joining this conversation. It's been really helpful.

[Sara]

Not a problem. Your comment about everyone agreeing that the publications should be of professional quality made me feel like I should clarify a little. I don't want you to think I was saying your work was not professional, I'm just trying to make it clear that it is that reason that many indie authors have difficulty getting professional reviews. While I agree nearly $400 for a format that still requires a good deal of promotion may not be worth it for you at this time, you should note that cheaper services may be plagued with poorly constructed books.
Now, promoting the book yourself would probably be the most cost effective. Two authors I have worked with started "street teams" - these are groups of readers willing to help promote their book through blogs and other avenues. In return, they get something free - one gave out her book and the other sent out promotional items. The team members blog, post, tweet or whatever when the book is published and any promotions. They both work to build an audience on facebook, google, and through their blogs. (I can't say anything about other formats.) That may be a better way to go for you.

[E.G.]

Thanks Sara, I think you are right. A more 'grass roots' approach is probably best.

[Justin]

My cousin is a member of NetGalley, They are always sending him books and he reads and reviews them. He's always telling me to submit my work to them or become a reviewer but ehh...it's not my type of crowd.

[T.A.]

I'm so glad I found this thread. I was considering NetGalley but wasn't really sure if the ROI would be worth it.

[Justin]

They ask for a shit ton of money in order to submit a book to them,

[Yolanda]

I looked into them and well just too expensive for me.