Advance Readers

 Advance Reader Galleys

I'm always on the hunt for new authors, books, or topics I've never read much about.  The trouble is buying books is EXPENSIVE! To borrow books from your local library is oftentimes an exercise in patience and I'm no Job.  Somehow, maybe social media or an alignment of the planets, I learned there are a few sites through which you are able to request advance reader copies of upcoming book releases.  For instance, Voracious Readers Only, Book Sirens, Net Galley, and more. I've reviewed for all three at one time or another, but I am most loyal to Net Galley.  

Good fortune put me together with Net Galley early in 2020.  To date I have reviewed more than 250 advance reader galleys provided by publishers through Net Galley. There is no remuneration for, nor pressure to provide a certain rating. The only thing asked of Net Galley reviewers is that they try to read and review books prior to the publication date.  On the flip side there is no penalty if you happen to miss a publication date.  As you might expect, the access to advance reader copies is a solid value for readers, but also authors, and publishers. Readers get the opportunity to experience new authors.  Yea!  How about a new book by an old favorite?  I'm in!  Maybe even try something way out of your comfort zone.  Nothing ventured, nothing gained.  

I'm sure there are those among you, who are now raising an eyebrow. 🤨 Dee, really, are there any "good" books available here?  Is this a place where publishers push lesser known works hoping to generate some buzz?  I was skeptical myself until I actually went to their website and began searching.  I didn't have to look long or far before I came upon widely known authors such as Michael Connelly, William Kent Krueger, Chris Bohjalian, Ruth Ware, Freida McFadden, Greer Hendricks, and sooooo many more! 

Books in every possible category are available for a reader to choose from.  Everything from Art & Photography, to Historical Fiction, through Mystery and Thriller, even books targeted to Teens and Young Adults.  Please listen when I say, "there is something for everyone".  

Yes, there is a process to request an advance reader copy from Net Galley, but it couldn't be simpler. Once you set up an account, you simply choose a book from those available, like The Threads Remain by Glenn Shapiro, set to be released on June 17, 2025.  Select "Request", answer a couple of questions and you will likely have an answer in a couple of days.  And you're off . . .

If you don't have a bottomless pit, or even an iota of patience you might take a gander at the "Read Now" section.  This category allows an advance reader to jump into something right away.  If you've fallen into a reading slump this may be the rope to pull yourself out. I've found many a great afternoon's read in this very place.  The Catch by Michael Leese may do the same for you.

If you're wondering, I've not read either of the two previous books.  Not through any conscious decision, I simply haven't.  However, I have read and sincerely enjoyed

The Jackal's Mistress an advance copy from Doubleday Books, through Net Galley.  I've never paid much attention to which publishing companies worked with which authors, until I began reviewing for Net Galley. Another of the excellent tools available on their site is the ability to "heart" a publishing company you enjoy to draw your attention to their authors.  You might remember Doubleday from the old mail order book clubs.  I do!  I was once a member.   I've discovered several authors, by using that "heart",  that I'd probably never have laid my eyes on without.  

Chris Bohjalian is one!  Chris's latest book, released on March 11, 2025, may very well be one of my favorite books of 2025.  An Amazon Editor's Pick, a Boston Globe Bestseller, and a USA Today Bestseller it seems I'm in good company. I love well-researched historical fiction and this is clearly of that ilk. I also love Civil War history. For some reason it speaks to me.   C. B. Has definitely hit the mark with this book. Thanks to Doubleday Books 🩷 and Net Galley, I’ll be checking out his other work.

Would I recommend becoming a Net Galley Reviewer?  Yes, with some qualifiers.  It requires attention to detail and dedication.  You need to be mindful of your available time for reading, evaluating, and writing reviews.  It's easy to get carried away, request everything that looks interesting, and overwhelm yourself.  However, it is a great way to become more deeply involved in and knowledgeable about the book reading community.