How you can read pre-published books for free!
Before I got to peek behind the curtain of publishing, I thought everyone had to wait until a book went on sale to read it.
I was wrong.
If you don’t mind reading digital books, there are other options.
Edelweiss.plus-this website houses catalogs from publishers with upcoming books. About nine months before a book is published, the title will appear on this site (and it’s one of the first places online to have a book cover appear if you’re waiting for your favorite author’s next book!).
The site is geared toward booksellers and librarians, but it allows them to request DRCs (Digital Reader Copies) and give the book a rating. If approved, the book can be downloaded and read for free!
NetGalley-this website can be used by teachers, librarians, authors, reviewers, or influencers. If you can prove you leave reviews on a website like Goodreads, you can create a NetGalley account and request books months in advance from their release. Publishers hope these people will read, review, and tell others to read.
Remember: word of mouth is one of the best sellers for books! Reviews on sites like Goodreads, NetGalley, Amazon, etc all get that word out.
I thought I would hate reading on my phone, but I still got the NetGalley app, and I have been reading several friends’ books that don’t come out until 2024 like mine. I find it handy to have a book in my pocket at all times, and I love that I don’t have to wait to read.
Over the next 8.5 months, people I don’t know will be reading and (hopefully) reviewing my book. I have no control over who gets “approved” to read or not, but if you REALLY want to be one of the first, review those books you love on Goodreads and apply for a NetGalley account. You’ll potentially get access to my book and upcoming titles of your favorite authors too! For free!
