Note: This blog post has been updated March 31, 2023
For avid readers, readers who like to share their reading experiences by reviewing, and pretty much any book blogger – NetGalley is a dream come true.
So many books! And all you have to do is REVIEW them… LOL 
Be CAREFUL to curtail your enthusiasm! All NetGalley newbies get carried away at first. They (me included) request, request, request. Remember your end of the bargain. The publisher and author expect a review – a timely review – somewhere near the publication date preferably. If you really don’t expect to hold up your end of the bargain, then DON’T request the title.
Blog often and keep all your links up to date!
Fill out your NetGalley profile! The reason that NetGalley exists is to promote the sales and reading of the books provided. They want to ‘build the buzz‘ about their books. Include in your profile anything that lets publishers know that you WILL help publicize their titles. NetGalley has provided some helpful hints for filling out your profile. As a book blogger I have included in my profile the name and address of my blog, the size of my audiences, where else I recommend books (GoodReads, Twitter, Amazon, etc.) If any of the information on your profile changes, then update the info!
NetGalley prefers a feedback ratio of 80% AND… once you do attain it you have to 
maintain it. You lose your lovely 80% badge the minute you drop below the coveted 80%.
Note for new NetGalley members: You must have submitted at least 20 reviews before you can qualify for the 80% badge.
Get a Kindle. It make life SO much easier. Use the handy dandy Send to Kindle button provided by NetGalley and the book will appear on your Kindle as if by magic.
No fooling around with loading. You have to ensure that you have submitted your Kindle’s email address to NetGalley and that you have kindle@netgalley.com on your Amazon Approved Personal Document E-Mail list. Here are the full instructions from NetGalley. Once you have your Kindle account set up with NetGalley, download your titles a.s.a.p.! I found out the hard way that if you don’t download the titles right away, they might become archived and you will have missed your opportunity! Don’t return in a months time and assume they are still available for download.
If you are new and haven’t yet garnered any kind of reputation on NetGalley, then rather than request books, you can choose from the ‘Read now‘ selection.
If you use these books as a jumping off point – and review them in a timely manner – your reputation will improve and you will find yourself with more approvals than rejections.
Rejections are a part of the NetGalley experience. Don’t take them personally. If you’ve done your bit by maintaining your profile, reviewing in a timely fashion, and keeping your feedback ratio at an acceptable level AND you still get rejected requests there are a number of possible reasons why. The main one for me is that the publisher is not in my ‘region’. I can’t quite figure it out, because some of the publishers that are out of my region have granted me auto-approval ??? Also, I think the publisher has a limited amount of free digital ARCs for some of the most popular titles. Once they hit their ‘limit’, you’re out of luck. The long and the short of it is: Don’t get discouraged. If at first you don’t succeed, then try, try, again.
Be honest in your review. If you couldn’t finish the book, if the book just wasn’t your ‘cup of tea’ then state this in your review. I have found that this hasn’t happened to me very often because for the most part I chose the title in the first place. But sometimes publishers will invite you to read a title that is just not what you would have chosen…
NetGalley has published some tips for writing reviews.
Always include a disclaimer in your review. If you received any book/product free of charge in exchange for a review, the FTC rules that you MUST disclose this in your review! Here is a link to the FTC guidelines.
Post your NetGalley badges on your blog! You’ve earned them so let others know. I also put them on my Goodreads profile page.
My NetGalley badges: 
Let NetGalley know the type of books you like to read. Here is what I have chosen:
Also, let NetGalley know who your favorite publishers are.
After you submit some reviews and the publisher likes those reviews you might get a ‘top reviewer‘ badge. Reviewers receive this badge when three or more of their reviews have been added to any NetGalley title details page by a publisher. (To see which reviews have been added just go to your Shelf, then under Feedback Sent you will see a little icon next to the titles where your review now appears on its Title Details page.) 
Then there may come a happy day when you are ‘auto-approved‘ by a publisher! You earn this badge if you are auto-approved by four or more publishers! That means that you have free access to all of that publisher’s titles on NetGalley!
When you have submitted a certain number of reviews to NetGalley, you will get an additional badge. 
Enjoy your NetGalley experience!
I have joined some groups on Goodreads that have been created for NetGalley members. It is a great way to share the NetGalley experience as well as a way to socialize with like minded people. The NetGalley Readers Group and the NetGalley Addicts Support Group.
Remember – Reading and reviewing should be an enjoyable experience. Don’t over request and over-extend yourself. What should be fun will turn into a chore.
SHARE your spoiler-free reviews on social media! I usually share my reviews on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, Twitter, and Instagram.
For those new to Twitter, check out my post on how to use Twitter hashtags effectively for book influencers.
I’d love to hear from other book bloggers/NetGalley users if they have any insight to share.
Fictionophile 
Pingback: Book Review “The Watcher Girl” by Minka Kent – Blog #2
Thanks, this was very useful advice. I’ve just started reading my second book from Net Galley from the “read now” section. I haven’t requested anything yet, I’m still feeling my way around. The two books I chose were both based on the cover and description as both authors are new to me. I enjoyed the first, and hope the second will also prove enjoyable.
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I’m so glad that you found this post useful Jim. Enjoy your NetGalley reads.
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Thank you for writing this! I am new to Netgalley and was feeling a little lost despite researching a little before I joined. Also, love that you share other book bloggers’ websites. I can’t wait to check out other fellow book bloggers!
Thanks again,
Tasha
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Welcome to the book blogging community Tasha. ♥
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Usually my publishers tell me when to publish anywhere except Netgalley. I stay at 94 percent. Great advice! So many people don’t take the time to read each publisher’s preferences. It is key.😊
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When do you post your NetGalley reviews onto your blog? I have heard mix reviews regarding posting them within 6 weeks of being approved to review the book, or waiting a month before the publish date.
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I post my reviews first on my blog, then on Amazon and Goodreads, then on NetGalley (usually all on the same day, but in that order). That way, when I post my review on NetGalley I can include the links to my review from Amazon, Goodreads, Twitter, etc. in the space provided on NetGalley. The publishers who supplied you the book all have slightly differing opinions about when is a good time to post. Most want the review to be published within the month that the book is published so as to create ‘buzz’ about the book. Others don’t mind if it is later than that so as to keep up an online presence for the book. Most don’t like it if you post too early – way before the publication date. They prefer being nearer to the actual publication date. Check the publisher’s preferences before you post to make sure.
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Thank you so much. This is really helpful.
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Some really helpful hints, thank you!
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Hello! I just found your blog through a Google search for “NetGalley blog” – what a great article. I am an author/indie publisher and have posted ARCs of my picture books on NetGalley in the past. I have just added my first novel, INSPIRED, and I am trying to navigate how to launch a book in this genre. Your article really helps me understand NetGalley from a reviewer’s perspective, thank you! I put my ARCs up through IBPA (they automatically set all their books as “Read Now”, and I love working with bloggers, librarians and other reviewers. After years of slogging over a book, hearing a few lines of praise from a kind stranger who chose to use their time to read my book just lights me up and makes it all worth every minute. THANK YOU to all of you reviewers for being amazing and generous and loving books as much as I do. xoxo Susan
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I wish you every success with your new novel Susan! Thanks so much for your comment.
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Hello. I joined NetGalley today. I am an avid reader and have always wanted to try book reviewing. I have one posted on my blog and will be adding another very soon. The https://thegeekybibliophile.wordpress.com/ recommended that I check out your this post relating to netGalley. This is a great informative piece. Thanks so much!
Chill Mom
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Welcome to the book blogging world! If you have any further questions please feel free to contact me at my email: fictionophile@gmail.com
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Thank you so much for this article! Especially how you explained every badge. I used to see them on blogs but never knew what each meant.
Unfortunately I had quite the experience with NetGalley, I wish I could have find your post sooner. At the beginning I over requested a lot, thinking I wouldn’t get any. How stupid! I ended up stressing so much as I had so many books to read in a short time.
But well that’s a good lesson. I’m almost caught up now and will NEVER do that again haha.
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I learned the hard way too. That’s why I wrote this post. Thanks for commenting.
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Hi!
This post was really helpful, but in some way didn’t answer the question I’ve been running around with. I’m currently at 100% feedback [This seems huge, but in the end I’ve “only” read and reviewed 13 books so far, haha.]
Now when I check my badges, the 80% badge still hasn’t appeared and I’ve been above 80 for about two weeks now? Could there be a specific number of reviews you have to have added before you’re entitled to that badge, no matter what your percentage is?
Thanks! ^-^
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Congratulations Kathy on having the self-restraint to achieve 100% feedback ratio! Well done! I’m not aware of any minimum number of reviews you have to submit in order to be awarded the 80% badge. Perhaps you could email NetGalley directly and ask them why you haven’t got it.
I’ve got the 80% badge twice now (both in the distant past). The minute you fall beneath the 80% level it disappears. I’m now valiantly trying to get it back and I’m now at a feedback ratio of 75%
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Thank you! Though ARC August was a big help in achieving that, haha.
Hm, I think I’ll do that. I was so keen on putting that badge on my blog and then not seeing it appear is kind of disappointing.
I guess I’ll be losing and gaining it over and over as soon as some of my requests get approved, but still. It’s a fun badge to show off.
75% isn’t bad at all! Keep up the good work, I’d say! ^-^
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Decided to check NetGalley one last time before contacting them and apparently I’ve looked over it the whole time.. Oops..
You have to be approved for 20+ titles before you get the 80% badge. Guess I’m not there yet!
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Thanks Kathy. I’ll have to add this information to my post https://fictionophile.wordpress.com/2016/04/05/fictionophiles-tips-for-new-netgalley-users/
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Thank you for this post! This was so helpful.
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You are very welcome Naty. So glad I could help. 😊
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Thank you, some brilliant advice there.
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You are very welcome. Hope you enjoy NetGalley.
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Thank you I’m just tiptoeing round!
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It is good to tiptoe around at first. I’m afraid I learned the hard way by barging in and requesting tons of titles when I first joined. Live and learn. Have fun with NetGalley.
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Thank you, I can understand, it looks so tempting
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Great article. I’ve just gotten back into Netgalley and am loving it. Got up to 70% finally.
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Great Erin. I’m at 72% now, but expect I won’t get to 80% anytime soon. I keep seeing titles I ‘have’ to have. LOL
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I absolutely love Netgalley.
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Great. Thanks for the follow.
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Really good tips! I went book happy and downloaded a few books I have yet to finish! Lol
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NetGalley must be used to it. There are a LOT of us out there who lacked willpower in the beginning.
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How do you know if they accept or reject a request for a review?
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They will send you an email if your request is granted. It will include a link to where you can download it from NetGalley.
Also, they will send you an email if they reject your request. It will usually say that you should update your profile, or that you are out of region, etc.
Sometimes, if they don’t make a decision, you will not get an email one way or the other. These requests are considered to be ‘pending’. Some are left hanging indefinitely. Thankfully this is a very small percentage. Have fun with NetGalley.
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Sorry if my question is silly. I just signed up not long ago. Lol
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You know what they say…. There are NO silly questions. NetGalley is a learning curve.
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PS – here’s the link to my blog: http://www.kime23.wixsite.com/thebuzzingbookmark
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I took a quick look and it appears great so far. Professional looking. I will follow it via my WordPress reader. Good luck and have fun.
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Hi. Many thanks! I’m not sure that you’ll be able to follow it in your WordPress Reader as it isn’t a blog created using WordPress? I created it using Wix. Not sure if that makes a difference but I presume that it does? Hugs. K
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My WordPress reader accepted your site. No problem.
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This is a great post, thanks. After being an avid book reader and reviewer for most of my life, I’ve only fairly recently started my own book blog. Hand in hand with that, I registered on Netgalley. Like many others, I dashed out of the starting stalls too quickly by requesting a lot of books, and although quite a large number were declined (probably due to my status as a newbie), I also had a number of them approved. So, now I have a lot to read and review and I’m feeling the pressure. Anyway, I wanted to ask the Netgalley pro’s – is there a way of setting up a “notification” so that I can be advised of new titles added to Netgalley that are in my preferred categories? Or how does one know when a new book that you’ve had your eye on has been added to Netgalley? Is the only way to view the “recently added” category? Many thanks. Kim (The Buzzing Bookmark).
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As far as I know the only way to keep abreast of new titles in your preferred categories is to frequently visit the NetGalley site. This is a good thing for people like me who have NO self-control. If they were to send me notifications I would have an even longer NetGalley TBR than I do now. At present I have 75 titles to read for NetGalley, 48 titles to read for Edelweiss, and another 14 titles for individual publishers and/or authors. Happy book-blogging! I’m off now to check out your blog…
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Ha Ha..I think you might have a point! If I was being notified of new books every day or two, I’d be drowning in new things to read. This way, at least I can try and stay away from Netgalley until I’ve read a few more books. I’m fairly new to the formal process of blogging and writing reviews and so my blog is still a work in progress…but I’m happy with it so far. I’ll need to fill it with more content in the new year, perhaps author interviews and that type of thing. I’d also like to try and add a small section for reviews of children’s books. Thanks for the Netgalley tips. It was a great read. Hugs.
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Hello,
I’ve tried everything I can think of to stop receiving these emails and nothing is working. I’m getting a bit frustrated.
Could you please take me off the mailing list.
Thanks!
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Hi Regina,
If you want to stop getting the emails you have to go into YOUR WordPress Reader and change your settings.
Move the little blue slider to the left. Hope this helps.
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Thank you for your post :). As most people I fell under the spell of over requesting, and I still do sometimes. Also, I am a bit obsessive compulsive and have issues with not reading books till the end, which is not good when something you requested is not quite what you were expecting. Still working on both aspects, but Netgalley has been a real treasure box.
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How do you post your badges to Goodreads?
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Hi Regina. You simply go to NetGalley and click on “Show your pride. Share your badge.” Each one of your badges will have html. You copy and paste the html for each into the “About me” section of your Goodreads profile. Let me know if you have any trouble.
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Where in the “About Me” profile? I am not seeing where I can paste the links. Is it in the box where you talk about yourself?
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I figured it out!!
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Can you use html in a netgalley profile? I can’t find any info on this and am not sure it the way I view the profile is the way pubs see it as well. Thanks in advance!
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I just tried adding some html to my NetGalley profile and it didn’t work for me. I’m not sure what the publishers see, but hopefully they see our badges at the same time as our other information.
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Just wondering how do I add my NetGalley badge to my GoodReads profile? Can anyone help?
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Hi Teresa,
On NetGalley click on the “Show your pride. Share your badge” link. You will see html coding for each badge. Copy the html and
then
On Goodreads paste this html into the “About Me” section of your profile.
Good Luck!
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Just found this post. Very helpful advice that I wish I had before joining NG. I had the ‘kid in the candy shop’ experience when I first joined and could not read them all timely. As a result, I’m still trying to work through them little by little. I’m finally at 73% approval rating, but I think because of my hoarding, none of the publishers are auto-approving me. 😦
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I’m with you Diane. I’m standing at 66% approval rating. Luckily I’ve got a few pre-approvals but haven’t taken full advantage of them because I want to get my percentage up.
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Thanks for the tips, this was a really helpful article! I will be looking forward to using Netgalley.
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Really enjoying Fictionophile – just discovered you.
Thank you for the great advice re: Netgalley. I am guilty of over-requesting and as a result, can not possibly achieve the targeted 80% feedback ratio. I will heed your input and try to only request books I know I will read. (Like Louise Penny’s newest – yay!).
Thanks again for the Netgalley reality check
http://www.bookbarmy.com/
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Glad I read this post! I didn’t know that I should be saying that I received the book for free in exchange for a review so I went back and edited my old reviews that I have posted in the past. Thank you so much for your help!
http://ericaskindle.blogspot.com
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Thanks for the tips, they’re very helpful! I do have a question, though: how do you put the badges in your Netgalley profile? The coding they provide works in my Goodreads profile, but not at NG, it just displays the coding and not the image.
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The html coding NetGalley provides is for
your own blog and/or Goodreads.
The badges are already on your NetGalley dashboard so there is no need for them to be on your NetGalley profile.
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Thanks. This was very helpful.
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For me the key is ratio- the all important feedback % relates to the ratio of books requested/feedback sent. So if you have 30 books on your shelf to be read and reviewed (doesnt matter if they are not published for a few months and that you have time to get round to them) they are counted as not given feedback until you do -so reduces your percentage – the key is to not request too many at a time – i.e not have too many sitting on the shelf at any one time that will lower your ratio. My ratio is 95% at the moment- I have about 10 on my shelf I have had 333 approved and sent feed back for 316 (10 sitting on shelf and a few I did not send feedback for) 316 /333 = 95% . Hope that makes sense? The trick is to request books you really want as soon as you see them (other wise the publisher could run out of review copies) and still not have too many sitting on your shelf at any one time.
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Yes. Thanks for your comment. It is a balancing act that I’ve yet to master. LOL
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Great write up!
I’m still trying to navigate and understand NetGalley. I have only received and reviewed one boom so far so I’m at 100% so far lol. Looking forward to reading more and growing my presence there.
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Reblogged this on Bookish Regards and commented:
Excellent advice here and a must-read for people who are new to Netgalley or want to sign up. Check it out!
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You did a great job on giving guidelines to new Netgalley users. I only noticed the 80% in December when I had been away for over 6 months and I was lucky to see it at 78%, 1 book read and reviewed and I am back to 80%. I think this feature is new??? I should add my Netgalley badges to my blog, didn’t think of this either.
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Well done, Lynne. Also a lot of people think the archive date is the date to read by. The most important date is publication date–that’s your goal for when to get your review posted by. The only think that happens on the archive date is that you can no longer download an approved book if you haven’t done so already; hence, Bibliophile’s advance to download as soon as approved.
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Really insightful article. 🙂
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Thank you for this post! I use netgalley and I think it’s an awesome way to find new books and authors. Thanks for the tips and trick, these will come in handy! xx
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I’ve literally just set up a Netgalley account and had my first acceptance, so this post came at a really good time for me! Thanks for the useful tips and tricks, really great post. 🙂
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