Is NetGalley the Secret to More Book Reviews? Self-Published Author’s Guide to NetGalley

[@MandiLynnWrites]

This video has a TON of info! I put my book on NetGalley at an attempt to get more reviews of my book on Amazon! If you find it helpful, please be sure to share it with your fellow self-published author!

[@constantwanderlust]

I appreciate you being transparent about your mistakes or regrets, this helps future self-publishers so much! It's obvious you really care about helping others. Thank you for all the info!

[@MandiLynnWrites]

Thank you so much!

[@destresswithyoga]

What an incredible amount of information!!!! I love your honesty of the good and bad. It’s now a learning experience shared to others to help them. I bought another copy of your book and gave it to a friend today. I asked her to write a review on Amazon and then pass it to someone else who may be interested or leave it in the company library. I also wrote on the inside of the front cover, so when it’s passed to someone else, to leave a review if you enjoyed this book - and also wrote to purchase your book if they want to keep a copy for themselves.

[@KyrieW]

Arrggghh I`m having increased heart rate hearing about your (BAD) copy-editor experience and then the posting on NetGalley!! So sorry this happened to you and thanks for sharing this honest experience!

[@aspenflashrocky]

Thanks for your honesty. I can only imagine the turmoil you went through with Netgally and the copy-edits. Yet you have helped so many through your experience- there are no real mistakes, just lessons along the way. I am curious with misspellings,why didn't spell check highlight those? I am counting on at least, that. Thanks so much-enjoying your sharaholic offerings! You far outweigh the blunder with what you are teaching us and protecting the rest of us from. Bravo!

[@TAC-hq3il]

Hey Mandi! Thanks for all the insight, it's very much appreciated. I'm not sure you're aware, but there's a much better price-point you can get if you use a netgalley co-op instead of directly with Netgalley. Also, it does seem like the editing was by and large what pushed the review rating down, so don't beat yourself up about it! These things happen and we can only learn and keep pushing on. The cover for meet me at the summit is gorgeous, those colors just work really well together.

[@MandiLynnWrites]

I didn't know that was an option at all! Thanks for letting me know!

[@TiyanaMarieWrites]

Yes! I worked with Anne at Victory Editing, and she was wonderful! Her co-op also lets you control the approval process for who gets to download your book(s), so definitely a bonus over some other co-ops.

[@ericarowanarts]

Thank you for all this info! I was vaguely aware of netgalley but I thought it was just for trad pub books. This was super helpful! Thank you so much.

[@zatazhamaat8098]

OMG, I had a similar experience with my editors. After the copy edit, there were so many errors, I had to hire two proofreaders and I re-read through the book twice... and still found copious amounts of errors each time. Thanks for the info Mandi! You're really helping others navigate their way through the self-publishing world and this video has lots of information.

[@authorjgamber]

Yeah, I don't mean offense to anyone, but I fully expect anyone in the editing industry to KNOW THEIR STUFF. If they don't, or don't care, or don't take the time to actually edit like their job title says (be it copy editor, proofreader, anything)... idk, that's just unacceptable.

[@zatazhamaat8098]

The problem is, especially for my debut novel, I didn't know at the time how to find a good editor. She'd done a sample edit and caught so many errors that I thought she was good, but the manuscript was a mess after finishing the entire thing. The ones I have now seem to do a good job, but then I get readers e-mailing me saying, "there's errors here and there." Then I begin to question their true abilities. Even if they perform well on a sample edit, how do you find quality copy editors? @@authorjgamber

[@MisterHarris-j5t]

Pros: this video was very insightful regarding the benefits of netgalley. Cons: the author wasn’t accountable. You bad experience was of no fault to the it was a user error. Your back office wasn’t together.

[@michaelgentle2595]

Thanks so much for sharing Mandi, and for giving us the opportunity to avoid making the same mistakes. Really good stuff!!!

[@douglasroff4131]

Excellent vid, and super helpful. I feel your pain, as much of what you described I have gone through myself over the past 10 years as an indie author. Stay strong, work on your craft and continue being as honest with yourself, as you are with us. Haters are often outliers, and you should not let the few affect what was good for the many. I think your feedback was pretty encouraging. I once got a one-star review on amazon from a guy who said he only read a few pages of my book. He judged the whole book on the first ten pages? You can't take people like that seriously. The vid was excellent and not too long at all. I watched from beginning to end. I learned a lot. Thank you.

[@aaliyahlunan876]

17:39 also, in trad publishing they have whole editing teams. Ppl review edits multiple times after each round so nothin gets missed. That may be why she missed some stuff? Plausible

[@katelyncostello2429]

I feel you on typos haha that was the biggest thing recently on my job review! I am the EXACT same way

[@MandiLynnWrites]

So glad I'm not the only one!

[@peblezQ]

Thank you for this!!! I couldn't find any tips for it for self pub authors!

[@MandiLynnWrites]

Glad it was helpful!

[@josephcollins2679]

Thanks for the transparency regarding your experience - I learned alot!

[@Maliandjoe]

Your experience is super helpful to hear about-thank you so much!

[@angryotter9129]

This was very insightful!

[@kmjllfan2215]

This was an incredibly helpful and affirming video. Thank you!

[@derekb.4292]

Super helpful! I've been considering using it for Arcs so this gives me a lot more information to figure out whether or not that would be a good decision for me.

[@0Raiin0]

Can you recommend/name the experienced editors? Would love to have a recommended list of people who actually know what they are doing. :)

[@MandiLynnWrites]

She's not taking new clients. However, I can recommend Enchanted Ink Publishing. I've never worked with Natalia as an editor (the owner and fellow KZbinr) but I've seen her work in action and she is great! However, her schedule fills up fast so plan ahead!

[@jezzer1969]

I’ve had the exact same experience with a so called respected editor. She did a supposedly line by line edit and I’ve spent a week finding errors. Now my wife who works in PR and has a masters in linguistics is doing a final look over. But it’s annoying.

[@katiemarie8580]

Thank you for this well of information Mandi!! I've been curious if indie authors could get their book in Netgalley but wasn't sure. I'm so sorry you had such a bad experience! That really sucks. I wish there was a way to let readers know that all of the reviews saying it was horribly edited aren't true anymore.

[@MandiLynnWrites]

The good news is I don't think any of those reviews ended up on Amazon. They're just on NetGalley and Goodreads as far as I'm aware.

[@TheLawOfAttractionLady]

Mandy this is great. Packed with extremely helpful content. Thank you!

[@cynthialovesbooks]

This was a great video. Thank you for the information.

[@tinahickson6352]

Yes, you have given us tons of information. Thank you.

[@royhunt1493]

This is excellent thank you. I can identify with so much of it and learn from it.

[@andrev5992]

Amazing video and summary. Five stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@KeepingTheIronThroneWarm]

Great video. Your best. Tons of useful information. Thanks!

[@MandiLynnWrites]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rossmcpherson5887]

I was fully engaged with this video, as I have just started on NetGalley and recognise many of the symptoms, even if I only have 5 reviews so far. I'm averaging 4 stars at the moment but the last two were only 2 and 3. It's a great book and deserves better than that. I figure people are more committed to enjoying something if they have paid for it. If it's free, there is no commitment and they can be really lazy and careless in their responses. One girl said how she couldn't put the book down it was so exciting, the characters so wonderful etc etc, and she ended up giving me only 4 stars. I also get the feeling that they parrot reviews they have seen, just to get their own done quickly and out of the way. Is it worth it? Your video has lightened my anxiety and given me a lot of hope that this process can work to my benefit. Knowing what kind of beast we are dealing with in the reading public is itself a useful thing. Thanks.

[@rossmcpherson5887]

I'll just add this, since I only just now discovered it: three of my reviewers also reviewed my book on Goodreads and they included the 2 and 3 star reviewers. That's not what I needed!

[@MandiLynnWrites]

NetGalley can be hit or miss with the reviews for sure. Plus since they don't pay to read the book, they may read it even if it's not the type of story they typically enjoy. I highly suggest giving yourself some distance from the reviews and don't take them personally. If you can have a friend sift through the reviews for you, that may also be a big help. Best of luck with your book!

[@KrystinaLiberty]

Great info. Thanks!

[@dianewilliams5553]

This was so helpful. My question is what is the difference between the proofreader and copy editor?

[@cfshifflett2]

Looks like I'm gonna pass on NetGalley. Thanks for checking it out, Mandi.

[@detoxlady6777]

Mandi, your book has some VERY good reviews on amazon! Almost a 5 star rated! YEAH!!!

[@torgervedeler6949]

This is most helpful, and quite thorough. Thanks! I am curious: do you have any suggestions on how to get things like Amazon reviews after the book is published?

[@emileebeachy6841]

I've been interested I Net Gelleh, but didn't know if it would be worth it. Thanks for the info. Very helpful!

[@MandiLynnWrites]

Glad it was helpful!

[@luvsnursing9946]

First I read your book and your book is good. Second I have read traditionally published books with typos even textbooks. Why, humans look at them. Our brains see what they think it right (well mine does). Third, professional readers in my opinion reviews don’t hold as much weight compared to recreational readers. Finally likes and dislikes are subjective. I have read books that had typos but I still gave a good review because the content is good. A reader finds something in a book that relates to them or they identify with so if they don’t relate or have that experience they may not get what you are saying in a book. About copy editing. I found one on Reedsy. I paid her sent her a synopsis for a rather large sum. So I ended up deciding to rewrite a major part of the book. (Not a bad thing totally) but now I am worried about when it needs to be copyedited will the same thing happen again? Will I keep burning good money after bad based on emails and a 5 page synopsis? What is the best way to find a good editor? PS I love your stickers.

[@MandiLynnWrites]

Honestly it's really hard to find a good editor. I've had issues with editors with every book I've published. The only thing I can say is once you find a good editor, keep them in your back pocket.

[@taim1696]

Interesting take on Reedsy. I have had both good and bad experiences on there. Also have you looked into netgalley co-ops?

[@sinshenlong]

Based self publishing channel. Subscribed

[@TerryKitto]

This was a super informative video, thank you Mandi! I'm not too sure if you know this, but do NetGalley accept books that have already released or is it purely for advanced copies?

[@MandiLynnWrites]

I'm not sure. It's designed for advanced copies, but they might let you do a book that's already published. You'd have to ask them.

[@sinshenlong]

can you do netgalley post release?

[@cr4337]

I've found that Pro Writing Aid works great for copy editing.

[@arrickasanders4541]

I know this was a few weeks ago, but i don't see the $100 a month option?

[@MandiLynnWrites]

You have to contact NetGalley directly. I don't think it's listed on their website.

[@Manacanas]

I watch you on my TV unsubscribed had to subscribe on my phone and show you some love 💕 your information is Priceless

[@markkado]

Hi Mandi Lynn, Can you help us understand how you got 3600 impressions? That's a huge amount! My book has been on netgalley for three weeks and I have 300 impressions, and that is after paying $170 for one of the 1-week category promotions. How in the world did you get so many? Did you do any promos? if so, do you remember which ones?

[@cerebrumexcrement]

it looks like some of the readers shared the link on social media.

[@nikg3392]

Hi Mandi - is NetGalley suitable for illustrative books? My book is written for people all ages but contains quotes and illustrations on each page, so not sure if it's suitable. Thanks

[@tej7267]

It’s hard finding good editors though. I’ve had bad experiences with freelancers myself. Even editors 🙄😳🥺 I’m sorry you had that experience.

[@MandiLynnWrites]

It's sooo hard to find a good editor!

[@brickcruz5325]

Man, that bit about reedsy is scary. I used reedsy for my book cover. I hired an artist who does great work for a very famous author, and I had the same impression: he didn't seem that interested in the work he did for me and ultimately I'm not that happy with the work. Anyone or any advice you can give for getting a GOOD copy edit? PS thanks for making this video. Very informative.

[@jimschuler8830]

You can pretty much tell how many of each of those survey categories read the book by the percentages. So that would be three booksellers, seven educators, three librarians, and three "media," whatever that is.

[@marydezember_author]

Thank you.

[@realisticequestrian8229]

Aaaargh I received my manuscript back from a Reedsy copy editor and I CRIED because I knew I wasted my money. I have an editing diploma so I actually have a solid understanding of it. I paid this "professional" to edit with the wrong style manual and miss everything I knew needed to be fixed! I cried. I spent my savings on it and I had to go and re-edit it myself anyway! 🤦‍♀️😡 I am still so upset.

[@soggymoggytravels]

I’m sorry about your experience. I am not listed on Reedsy myself, but I would always recommend both authors and editors to undergo a sample edit with part of the manuscript to decide if you are both happy to go ahead with the rest of the manuscript.

[@artnunymiss2530]

I hired a couple of people off of Fiverr and for the most part they were also kind of trash. The girl I hired to write my blurb, she just put in minimal effort and tossed it back. I also don't think she's very good. That was a waste of $25. I just wrote it myself.

[@jesdrew]

I also did not get 50 Amazon reviews on my NetGalley book. And the reviews almost broke my spirit 😢

[@ignacioramirezbautista2056]

I just started using net galley. Hopefully i don't become clinically depressed.

[@Manacanas]

Hello, I just published on Kindle Direct it's Free if you have that kindle thing or whatever it's called, Quit Calling Me Black and give me back my Religion, can I do kindle and that other company that had poor customer service but tied kdp for the prize I'm interested in the library and store avenue and can I do kdp at the same time without breaking laws

[@KyrieW]

Hi Mandi, if your book was on Amazon before it was submitted for NetGalley, do you think you would have gotten more reviews on Amazon? Because the reader must buy the book on Amazon, right? Kind of cancels the whole free book incentive :)

[@MandiLynnWrites]

By applying to read the book on Amazon, they get the ebook free regardless. Readers are only incentivized to leave a review on NetGalley., so I'm not sure it would make a difference. Also not sure if you can put a book on NetGalley if it's already been published. It's traditionally used for before book release, but I'm not sure if there are rules or or against.

[@elizaluckey5334]

What is the point of readers posting a review on netgalley? Is it purely for them to build a profile for publishers to view? Otherwise, I’m not understanding how netgalley reviews help you as the author 🤔

[@stephaniedunham4104]

NetGalley reviewers typically post their reviews on Goodreads, Amazon, and/or their blog in addition to NetGalley.

[@Marontyne]

Yeah, that's a good question. I'd say it would encourage more selective readers to try or request the book. Maybe they aren't normally into the genre but decide to give a try because it's well-received. One booktuber said she appreciates the reviews because it can help them find content warnings that aren't obvious from a description. She said if she had known about some of the content she didn't like (violence toward kids, I think), she wouldn't have requested it. That could mitigate potentially bad reviews from unsuspecting readers.

[@philipstrumolo8057]

Great video. You've piqued my interest in Net Galley. I'm a fellow indie author of the book series "Edward Mendez, P. I." Name's Gerard Denza -- I'm using my friend's computer right now. And, just a thought: when you say "disprove," I think you mean to say "disapprove." Anyway, thanks for posting this useful and entertaining video. Gerard Denza

[@jsa-z1722]

As soon as your book is online in ebook form say goodbye to it. Pirates and AI scrapers will steal your work.