I am often asked how I manage to get my hands on books before they are published. I receive many advanced copies from various sources throughout the year, sometimes I request them and sometimes they just appear in the mail. This is partly because I’m considered a “professional reader” since I blog about books (don’t let that make you think I read for a living!)
Copies for advanced readers (arcs) are sometimes called galleys. these are copies of books released by the publisher prior to the book’s official publication to gain feedback and generate interest in a title before it goes on sale.
You are reading: How to get advanced copies of books
You don’t actually have to be a blogger to get advanced copy, so here are a few ways you can try it out.
how to get advanced copies of books
See Also: 11 Best Ideas for Writing Childrens Books | Writology.com
1. being a book blogger/grammer/tuber
The best way to get bows is to have a platform of some kind from which to talk about them. for me this is my blog and also my instagram account. You don’t need multiple platforms, only one will do if you can show that you have an “above average” audience for discussing books. many “bookstagrammers” use it as their only platform and there are also “book-tubers” that do the same. some mix and match, but the point is that it helps to have some kind of platform. however, not all editors require you to have one.
librarians and book sellers also often have access to many bows due to the nature of their work
2. have a presence on goodreads and amazon as a reviewer.
See Also: A brief history of the great American coloring book – Vox
That simply means writing reviews of the books you’ve read. Leaving only one star rating does not count as a review. the more reviews you leave, the better your chances of being seen as a legitimate reviewer.
3. request for edelweiss or netgalley.
These are websites that serve as “middlemen” between publishers and readers to provide free e-book arcs. you can browse the available books and request a copy of any you want. you must first register for an account. And just because you request a book doesn’t mean it will be approved.
Each editor has their own criteria for approving applications and it is helpful to read them before applying.
It’s also important not to overwhelm yourself by requesting a ton of books that you’ll then feel compelled to read before publication dates.
*note* I use netgalley exclusively and keep a notebook where I write down all the books I’m approved for and their publication dates. this way I can check what I have waiting without having to connect.
See Also: 11 Best Ideas for Writing Childrens Books | Writology.com
4. goodreads giveaways.
if you want bows, the more active you are on goodreads, the better. at all times, there are many gifts on the list. some are for physical copies and some are for e-book editions. this is a great way to discover books that are about to be published.
See Also: Best Books On Brain Science 2022 | Reviews, Price & Book Summary
my friend monica received her first goodreads gift book this week and sent me this picture. I’m super jealous because I’ve wanted to get my hands on a copy of this book for months! what a great cover, right?
5. Reach out directly to publishers.
If there’s a particular book you want to check out, find out who’s publishing it, then go to their website. most publishers have contact information to request. then send an email requesting your copy. it helps explain why you are requesting it and again where you are going to review it and what kind of followers you have. FYI, I’ve tried this route several times with no success, although I’ve heard from other book bloggers that it works.
other things to consider.
Once you’re set up as a reviewer, you’ll receive requests from authors and editors left and right, asking you to read and rate their book. it is important that you understand that you are under no obligation to do so. If you have a blog or other platform, I recommend that you set a review policy that you can direct people to. here is mine, I don’t reply to anyone who contacts me through my blog and obviously hasn’t read it. saves me time and stress.
Bows are awarded in exchange for an honest review. You shouldn’t have to pay for your bows up front or commit to leaving any kind of review. here is a post i wrote about dos & not for authors/publishers contacting bloggers. this will give you a good idea of what behavior is acceptable and what is shady.
I hope this is helpful and that you feel comfortable trying to get bows. If you have any questions I didn’t address or additional tips, please let me know in the comments.
See Also: 11 Best Ideas for Writing Childrens Books | Writology.com
See Also: 11 Best Ideas for Writing Childrens Books | Writology.com