Borrowing Books from the Future: A NetGalley Review

Borrowing Books From the Future:

A NetGalley Review

By Gabrielle Estel

There are always gatekeepers in publishing. For better and for worse, NetGalley nudges these gates open so casual reviewers can borrow with the click of a button. NetGalley is a free online platform for book reviewers and influencers to scroll through digital Advanced Reading Copies of new releases in return for an honest review.

Borrowing Books From the Future:

FOR BETTER

Publishing graphic novels historically comes with greater gatekeeping than traditional novels. They cost more to print, generally have a smaller fan base for publishers to rely upon for sales, and arguably have a different set of hoops to jump through. NetGalley removes some of these hoops. Because of NetGalley, I got to read Banned Book Club by Kim Hyun Sook and Ryan Estrada - an amazing coming of age account set during South Korea's Fifth Republic. I hope our shift towards a more electronic FUTURE will continue making graphic novels more accessible.

I also use NetGalley as a shortcut for borrowing translated classics. For example, I recently borrowed a new translation of The Nose and Other Stories from Columbia Press instead of forking up cash to Amazon.

Furthermore, NetGalley authors are amazing! Some of my most cherished bookstagram memories are interviewing NetGalley authors. Singaporean author of The Girl Who Became a Goddess, Theresa Fuller, sent me the sweetest thank you email after our interview. I love meeting the brilliant minds behind the book. I still follow Hafsa Lodi (author of Modesty: A Fashion Paradox) on Instagram for her fashion advice (@hafsalodi).

FOR WORSE

Fewer gatekeepers can also mean a dip in quality. Now, I only review books from select publishers I found through trial and error. I'm scared to step out of their circle. I've noticed quality drastically changes by genre. My experiences borrowing fantasy and historical fiction have been particularly bad. On the other hand, my experiences borrowing translated lit, graphic novels, and nonfiction texts have been phenomenal.

This problem could easily have been avoided if NetGalley provided a starter sample of each book. There are many books I wouldn't have requested if I saw the first three pages. It is also worth noting that well known books/authors are not usually available on this platform.

Overall, I’d recommend NetGalley to readers who want to try something new and begin a low-risk journey into Advanced Review Copies (known as ARCs). It’s a fun grab bag!

Gabrielle Estel is a freelance editor, book reviewer, and international High School English teacher. She has ghostedited and helped publish two books: one work of fantasy and another of historical fiction. Those interested in her services can contact her at gabrielleannfoxestel@gmail.com. If you're lucky, you might meet her orange cat over a video call. ∞