My back is slowly starting to get better. I still walk a bit crouched and I can’t do certain movements, nor sudden movements but it’s better… And it’s time for #selfpub corner! Since I’ve been updating my business plans and doing more research and all that, I thought it was high time to start again. Plus, I love reading others’ experiences . Time to give back 🙂
MY EXPERIENCE WITH NETGALLEY
- How to put up your book on Netgalley as a selfpub author?
There are different options for selfpub authors. You can book a spot for different lengths where someone else is handling everything for you. I used Patchwork Press in the past and loved working with them. And I know that Xpresso Book Tours is also offering this service now. You can also try to find a co-op where you can put as many books as you want within a year (one at a time) and where you need to handle some of the requesting and so on… I love being in a co-op. I love being able to switch my books easily and to know that I have a spot for each of them without having to worry. I think the co-op works best when you have a lot of books coming out in one year. And if you like being hands-on on certain aspects. You can also “rent” your spot when you’re not using it.
- Is it expensive?
It’s always relative, isn’t it? 🙂 I think that having a book on Netgalley really helps to get your book in front of thousands of readers/reviewers. For a month, $60 seems to be the price on both Patchwork Press & Xpresso Book Tours. The co-op is for a year and I pay $350 I think the co-op works well for me, because I already had two books up and I have 5 more planned before May next year. And it gives me quite a bit flexibility, when it comes to adding things to each book’s profile. For example, I now have files in the press kit section. Among other things.
- What did I want to achieve with Netgalley?
I am not going to lie. Netgalley is scary. https://twitter.com/ENowodazkij/status/621281019937824768 Having your book up for review is even more nerve-wracking than having your book up for sale. I’m not sure why. And on Netgalley, you have people that review books, which means some are reading to review. I review when I read books that I really really love, so it’s not the same perspective. And it’s perfectly fine. It’s just getting used to, especially since you can opt to receive the feedback directly into your email. With Netgalley though you can really connect with readers. Whenever a reader clicks they wouldn’t mind connecting with the author, I send them an email. I am so grateful for them to take the time to review my little book and it’s a great way to inform them of what else I have going on and the fun things they can join and that I’m open for interviews and so on. Of course, early reviews are also important. And one of the easiest way to get them is to put your book up on Netgalley. In addition, cross-reviewing to sites like Amazon, B&N and Goodreads really helps authors. Of course, not sure how everything is evolving on Amazon since those reviews are not from verified purchases but that’s another story and I really am thankful when reviewers take the time to cross post their thoughts on my books. ❤
- How did it go?
I had lots of requests. LOTS of request. At least it felt like it 🙂 The first time around, I had 310 requests for review The second time, I had 193 requests for review. Overall, on Goodreads I had about 65 reviews from Netgalley and on Amazon, I think more than half of my reviews are from Netgalley members.
- What happened after the book was no longer on Netgalley?
I am still getting reviews for One, Two, Three, and I am so happy it enabled me to connect with readers and reviewers.
- Was it worth it?
Yes. Definitely yes.
- Will I do it again?
Actually, I am. Right now. A SUMMER LIKE NO OTHER is up on Netgalley (it was first available to my Facebook Group Members – Elodie’s Cozy Nook :))
Hope this was helpful/interesting.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to let me know 🙂 I’d love to hear your own experience with Netgalley if you’ve used it…and if you want me to tackle a certain topic, just ask and I’ll try my best 🙂
Elodie Nowodazkij 