How NetGalley Makes Your Book More Visible: 5 Amazing Benefits

Why indie and traditionally published authors should consider this early-review platform (and how to use it without breaking the bank)

Photo by Mayumi Maciel on UnsplashEver wonder how some authors rack up dozens (even hundreds) of reviews before their book launches?

One of the hardest parts of publishing isn’t writing the book. It’s getting readers to notice it.

NetGalley helps bridge that gap by connecting authors with reviewers, librarians, booksellers, and influencers who are eager to discover new titles. Think early readers, librarians, booksellers, educators, and media pros.

Instead of hoping for word of mouth, you’re putting your book directly in the hands of people who can spread the buzz.

💥 Shout-out to my exclusive advertising sponsor, the always-free Booklinker (universal book links—so helpful!), and the paid tool, GeniusLink. I love both💥 (affiliate link).

📕 What’s an ARC?

An ARC copy (Advance Reader Copy) is a pre-publication version of a book that's shared with early readers, reviewers, booksellers, librarians, and media before the official release date.

It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it must be readable and mostly finished.

🤔 What’s the Purpose of an ARC?

To confirm, an ARC is not the final version of your book. It's usually 90–100% complete and may still require a few minor edits or formatting tweaks. The goal is to:

• Generate early reviews on platforms like Goodreads and Amazon (once the book is live), as well as shares on social media

• Build buzz with influencers, bloggers, and Bookstagram, BookTok, and BookTube readers/reviewers

• Help librarians and booksellers decide whether to stock your book

• Give blurbs for your back cover, media kit, or Amazon Editorial Review section

👩🏼‍💻 ARC Formats

You can distribute ARCs as:

• Digital files (PDF or ePub) via sites like NetGalley, BookFunnel, or even email

• Printed copies, usually via POD (Print on Demand) through KDP, IngramSpark, or author services

• Audiobook ARCs are growing in popularity. See StoryOrigin - an affordable option.

✍️ ARCs Are Marketing Tools, Not Just a Preview

An ARC isn’t just a “nice to have:” it’s also a strategic marketing tool. The earlier you get your book into the right hands, the more time those early readers have to:

• Read it

• Review it

• Recommend it

And for indie authors? ARC copies are one of the most cost-effective ways to establish credibility before launch.

Photo by Juliana Araujo the artist on Unsplash

NetGalley, Your Review Shortcut

Whether you're self-published, with a small press, a hybrid publisher, or traditionally published, NetGalley can significantly boost your visibility. Let’s walk through the top five benefits and how you can get your book listed affordably.*

*Note: You don’t have to be an author to create a free account. Readers love it, too! More here:

The expectation is that you are a librarian, bookseller, blogger, journalist, or an avid reader who is willing to write reviews for the books you download.

You get a free book; you’re expected to reciprocate with a free review.

Although not everyone follows this protocol, it’s highly encouraged. NetGalley will score you based on the number of reviews you write and the number of books you download. Those reviews may or may not be cross-posted on other platforms.

1. Early Reviews Build Trust (and Help You Sell More Books)

When readers see a book with no reviews, they hesitate. Read more ⬇️

Reviews are social proof, and early ones can carry significant weight. Reviews indicate that others have read and valued your book, which helps build trust and credibility.

It’s like seeing a packed restaurant. We assume it’s good because others are there. Reviews help new readers feel safer buying, because someone else has already taken the leap and liked it.

With NetGalley, you can start building before your book even launches. NetGalley reviewers often cross-post on:

• Goodreads

• Amazon (after release)

• Personal blogs

• Instagram (as #Bookstagram)

• TikTok (as #BookTok)

• YouTube (as #BookTube)

More reviews = more visibility = more reader trust.*

*Interestingly, and frankly quite weirdly, the more someone reviews on Amazon, the more likely they are to be blocked from reviewing. My 84-year-old mom, an avid reader but not a book reviewer, can no longer leave reviews there. Hardly a scammer.

Additionally, anyone who wants to leave a book review must have spent a minimum of $50 on Amazon within the past year.

🔗 Learn more about NetGalley

2. Get on the Radar of Librarians, Booksellers, and Educators

These key gatekeepers rarely scroll Amazon for new releases, but they do use NetGalley. Many rely on it for their purchasing decisions or event planning (think book clubs, author visits, readings, library talks).

If you want your book in stores or libraries, this can be a direct line to the folks who can make that happen.

Is your publisher on Edelweiss or Overdrive (library platforms)? Worth asking. Great article here from Book Award Pro on each.

3. Media and Blogger Exposure (Without Cold Pitching)

Journalists, podcast hosts, and book bloggers are among the most active users of NetGalley. They’re often searching for new books to feature before publication.

PR and book marketing service providers, like myself, also often peruse NetGalley to see what’s trending, what’s popular, and how the marketing is going.

If your book is a good fit, and you’ve got a strong cover and pitch, you might land interviews, features, or blog mentions you didn’t even have to chase.

Interested in hiring a PR firm? I don’t do traditional PR, but I can recommend several great firms. Email me! BadRedheadMedia@gmail.com.

4. Indie Authors Can Use Co-Op Listings to Save Big

Yes, you can pay NetGalley directly ($499 for a 6-month listing). But most indie authors don’t need to go that route. Co-op programs enable you to list your book under a shared publisher account, offering the same benefits for a significantly lower cost.

Here are a few affordable and trusted options:

• IBPA Co-op Program: $399 for members

• BooksGoSocial: Starts around $99

• Victory Editing: Flexible pricing and solid reputation

These programs are beneficial if you’re launching on a tight budget but still want the exposure.

5. Traditionally Published? You Might Already Have Access

If you're with a traditional or hybrid publisher, your book may already be eligible for NetGalley; however, you may need to request it.

Here’s what to do:

• Email your publisher, “Will my book be listed on NetGalley? If not, can we arrange that?”

• If your book listing is not already planned, share the benefits of early reviews, librarian reach, and media potential.

• If they decline, ask if you can join a co-op to reduce your outlay for the service.

Publishers want to make money, not spend it. However, if they are already fans of NetGalley, I’ve found they typically want to share the book there to help increase preorder sales and reviews.

Example: Want to read The War of the Roses author, Warren Adler’s upcoming release, Nobodies, completely free? Free to request as a reader on NetGalley!

Ends 8/21/25.

✅ If your publisher declines, and your contract allows for independent marketing, you may still be able to do a co-op listing on your own. Double-check your rights.

Recently, one of my clients paid half of the cost, and her publisher covered the other half. She didn’t know about NetGalley, so this worked out great for everyone. Do what works best for you.

Tips to Make the Most of Your Listing

• Use a professional cover because first impressions matter, preferably your final cover, if possible. If you don’t have the final cover yet, use what you’ve got that’s as close to final as possible.

• Write a compelling book description, so think back cover copy (the short book summary on the back cover, meant to hook readers and make them want to read more), not a full synopsis.
  
  Back cover copy usually includes a persuasive summary that hooks the reader by highlighting the central conflict, character, and/or theme.

• List trigger/content warnings, tropes, and age range, which builds reader trust.

• Track your data. NetGalley displays the number of downloads, reviews, and feedback you’ve received. Readers can also vote on your cover.

• Send a polite, friendly reminder after 2–3 weeks to encourage reviews.

• Adjust your expectations. Not everyone who reads your book will love it. Not everyone who reads your book will write a review. Welcome to the author life.

📌 Example (psychological thriller):

Some secrets should stay buried.
When journalist Kate Ryland returns home to investigate a cold case, she uncovers more than she bargained for. Someone wants the truth to stay hidden, at any cost.

Perfect for fans of Gone Girl.

What to Expect (and What Not To)

• Not everyone who downloads will review. A 40–50% feedback rate is excellent, though I haven’t seen that high a return rate - usually 20-30%. Readers are rated (in NetGalley terms, a ratio), so this incentivizes readers to leave honest reviews.

• Books in specific genres (especially erotica or ultra-niche topics) may face category restrictions, depending on the co-op.

• Some reviews may be harsh, as NetGalley readers are known for their brutally honest feedback. Don’t shy away from this! It’s early market research. Better to fix something now than wait until you think you’re done (you’re never done), only to get blasted by readers once the book is out.

Repurpose Those Reviews!

Once the feedback rolls in, don’t let it sit on NetGalley. Use it! Here's how:

• Add to your Amazon page under “Editorial Reviews”

• Create quote graphics and videos for social media

• Highlight praise in your newsletters

• Pull key blurbs into your media kit

Visibility isn’t just about being seen; it’s about being remembered. Reviews help.

🔚 Final Word

NetGalley isn’t magic, but it’s an innovative tool in your author marketing toolbox. It can help you build credibility, reach professional readers, and establish a strong presence on launch day.

If you’re ready to get more eyeballs on your book, this is one way to make it happen.

👓 Let’s make your book visible.

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• Warren Adler’s The War of the Roses is re-releasing just in time for the new Benedict Cumberbatch/Olivia Colman movie, The Roses, out 8/29 from Searchlight Pictures. Watch the trailer!

Also by Warren Adler and Shannon McKenna: Nobodies: A Gritty Noir Crime Thriller available now for preorder OR read free on NetGalley!

• For this book, 100% of the royalties go to the Wounded Warrior Project! Jeff Burgess’ 𝙄𝙩 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙁𝙤𝙧 𝙈𝙚: 𝙈𝙮 𝙇𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙎𝙚𝙞𝙯𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙊𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘽𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙎𝙪𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨 is a fantastic business memoir with many insights and a lot of humor. A worthy purchase. Business memoir.

• Sheila Sharpe’s Artist, Lover, Forger, Thief is fantastic! Art theft at its most compelling. Reading now. Literary and mystery fiction.

• J. Herman Kleiger’s Whispers, his third novel of psychological suspense, was just released. It’s fantastic. Learn more about his book. Psychological fiction.

• Adam Aresty’s Skyboy is also out now. If you’re a sci-fi nerd like me, you’ll love it. Adam is a professional screenwriter and professor at Fordham University in NYC. YA, Sci-Fi, Tech, Adventure - it’s all in there.

• R.A. Ruegg’s The Making of BRIO McPRIDE: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time meets Life of Pi is one of my favorite reads this year. The book inspired two films! YA/NA fiction, psychological, literary. Enter his giveaway here to win a signed copy, a candle, and a $100 Amazon gift card! 20 winners (book and candle), so go.

Happy writing!