It’s been a couple of years since we last answered some of publishers’ burning questions about promoting audiobooks on NetGalley. Now, with even more data to draw upon, we’re excited to share updated recommendations for audiobook publishers!
How early should I add my audiobook to NetGalley?
As early as possible! In most cases, we’ve seen that publishers are uploading their audiobooks to NetGalley within one month of pub date. This makes sense for most audiobooks, where the final file is not available until very close to the release date. However, if you have a highly-anticipated title, consider building extra buffer time into the production schedule to take advantage of a longer pre-pub marketing timeline. This can help you piggy-back the audio format alongside the earliest marketing and publicity efforts for a simultaneous hardcover release.
67.5% of audiobooks are added to NetGalley 30 days or less prior to the pub date.* However, if you have a highly-anticipated title, consider building extra buffer time into the production schedule.
In the chart below, you will see that a small selection of titles were added to NetGalley much earlier than one month pre-pub.
67.5% of audiobooks are added to NetGalley 30 days or less prior to the pub date.
How long should my audiobook be available to NetGalley members?
3-4 months is our recommendation for audiobooks to remain active on NetGalley. Generally, the longer you keep an audiobook active on NetGalley, the more impressions it will receive, and we’ve seen that 90 – 120 days of activity is the sweet spot! Right now we’re seeing that most audiobooks are active on NetGalley for only 2 – 8 weeks but, based on our data, activity continues to grow all the way up to 4 months. Keep your audiobooks active for longer so you don’t miss out on members who discover and request a copy in those additional few weeks!
Audiobooks that are active on NetGalley for 90-120 days receive the most impressions, on average.
Audiobooks that are active on NetGalley for 90-120 days receive the most impressions, on average.
How can I drive more activity for my audiobook on NetGalley?
In addition to the organic interest that’s found on NetGalley, there are a number of ways to drive additional activity:
Widget: The NetGalley Widget is the quickest and easiest way to invite your key contacts to access your titles. Simply include the widget link in your pitch email and use our template language to ensure they have all the information they need to get started right away. This tool is included as part of your NetGalley subscription.
Detailed Activity & Feedback Reports – Use your Detailed Activity and Feedback reports for comp titles to identify key contacts who may be interested in your new title, and invite them to listen using the NetGalley widget. These reports, and more, are available on demand within your account.
NetGalley Promotions – Audiobooks can be included in any NetGalley promotion, from email promotions like newsletters and eBlasts, to on-site promotions like Category or Dashboard Spotlights, Featured Title placement, etc. There are also a number of audio-dedicated promotions available throughout the year. The link above suggests options based on specific goals like gaining overall exposure, introducing a new imprint, or driving activity during a particular time period. You can also view our Media Kit to see more information about open and click rates, editorial calendars, and pricing.
Audiobooks can be included in any NetGalley Promotion!
What should I expect from NetGalley members’ audiobook reviews?
In our article, How to Write an Audiobook Review, we recommend that NetGalley members discuss a number of audio-specific features in addition to commenting on the content of the book. For instance, we ask them to focus on the narration, discuss how the audiobook flows, mention unique elements like music or if it is a full-cast recording, and share a specific recommendation.
Members are highly likely to submit audiobook Feedback on NetGalley and share it widely with their audiences.
The Feedback Rate** for audiobooks is 58%, which continues to be higher, on average, than it is for digital review copies (36%). This means that approved members are highly likely to submit Feedback on NetGalley and share it widely with their audiences. We are thrilled that NetGalley members continue to embrace the audio format.
Kristina Radke is the Vice President of Business Growth and Engagement at NetGalley, a service that helps publishers and authors promote digital review copies and audiobooks to book advocates and industry professionals, including reviewers, booksellers, librarians, educators, media/journalists, and other book trade professionals. With over 15 years of experience in book marketing, publicity, and client relationships, Kristina joins us on the BookSmarts Podcast to discuss NetGalley’s expansion into the audiobook market, along with trends and strategies for publishers to be aware of when uploading audiobooks to NetGalley.
Data in this podcast is based on audiobooks created on NetGalley.com between July 1 2023 – June 30 2024 unless otherwise noted.
“For audiobooks, the feedback rate is absolutely astounding, we’re seeing about 60% of approved members sending their feedback in after listening to an audiobook.”
Joshua Tallent is an acclaimed teacher and guide on the role of data in publishing, and a vocal advocate for high quality book metadata. In his spare time, Joshua enjoys playing complex board games, playing Minecraft, and fiddling with his 3D printer.
NetGalley offers a wealth of insightful data that sheds light on the latest trends and preferences, and we’re thrilled to focus on Romantasy books this month. If you haven’t browsed Romance + Fantasy categories recently, you may be missing out! In the past 12 months, publishers have added over 550 new books that have both of these categories, generating a lot of engagement and excitement from the NetGalley community.
Read on for a glimpse at some of the Most Requested and Highly Rated Romantasy books
Although there is not a “Romantasy” category on NetGalley, we looked at books that publishers added to both the Romance and Fantasy categories on NetGalley. Here’s a glance at some of the top performers:
Most Requested*
On average, Romantasy books receive about 560 requests and auto-approvals. This includes activity generated when a publisher invites a reader to access the book using the NetGalley widget or makes the book available to ‘Read Now’, in addition to organic requests from NetGalley members. The Feedback Rate (amount of Feedback returned based on all types of approval) is 29%.
* Most requested status changes regularly.Books listed in this article were among the most requested in July 2024.
Top Performing**
** “Top Performers” refers to the amount of Feedback titles received. Books listed in this article were among the Top Performers in July 2024.
Case Study: Evocation by S.T. Gibson
Touted by NetGalley members as “Gibson’s best book to date”, Evocation had us intrigued with its opulent gothic fantasy vibes and fresh spin on the “romance” side of the “Romantasy” genre. Plus, who doesn’t love a secret society story? Here’s more of what NetGalley readers thought about Evocation by S.T. Gibson:
271 Feedback as of August 8, 2024
Average 3.8 star rating
100% of Booksellers would be likely to recommend this audiobook to their customers
Over 100 thumbs up on the cover!
Major love for the audiobook narrator – the majority of all member types on NetGalley said that they enjoyed the narrator!
Launch your frontlist or leverage your backlist! We have both on-site and email promotions for every budget, goal, and type of book. Learn more or view the full Media Kit here.
This Dedicated eBlast was sent to 14,700 members and saw a 67% open rate!
Information in this article is from July 2024, unless otherwise specified.Data includes details from NetGalley.com.
Catching the attention of readers in a crowded genre
Terina Adams, author of The Unbroken Queen, thought NetGalley was just for traditional publishers. She was pleasantly surprised to find a Romantasy audience eager for her books, and a new social media following who are now excited for the next book in her series.
In this case study, Adams shares her writing routine, the impact and importance of social media, and how NetGalley has helped The Unbroken Queen succeed in ways Adams could not have predicted.
Romantasy is a very popular genre right now! Did you always think that would be the direction you would take your writing?
I’m a very eclectic reader and have already written in four different genres under various pen names, so I’ll likely find my muse leading me to new genres in the future. I write for my enjoyment as well as for my readers, and I find it difficult to confine myself to just one genre. Currently, I’m thoroughly enjoying the romantasy genre and plan to stay here for a while—I already have another series planned and ready to begin.
Talk us through what a typical day of writing looks like for you.
I’m envious of all those morning people because that’s just not me. I love the idea of starting my day super early and finishing earlier, but my brain doesn’t function optimally first thing in the morning. My workday typically starts around 9:00 AM, after I’ve made my daily pilgrimage to the local coffee van and walked the dog. I usually warm up by re-reading the previous chapter. I used to write in one-hour blocks, taking at least a 10-minute break in between to move and stretch. However, I’ve recently purchased an under-the-desk treadmill, which has been fantastic. I can now work continuously until lunch. In the afternoon, I write for a few more hours and handle emails and the business side of writing. Depending on how my day goes, I usually wrap up around 4:00 PM and either go for a jog or walk the dog again.
How has social media impacted / influenced you as both a writer and a marketer?
Social media is definitely a weak point for me—it’s never been something I particularly enjoy, and so I have had to work at it. However, it can be an author’s best friend and a fantastic way to connect with readers. Gone are the days when authors were hidden behind a wall and readers had to send letters to publishers in the hope they may receive a reply from their favorite author. Social media allows authors to be real, personable, and foster direct relationships with their audience. It also has revolutionized book sales. Platforms like Bookstagram and BookTok have become essential hubs for avid readers to share recommendations and discover new books. These sites are invaluable for authors to stay in touch with trending tropes and understand what readers are looking for. Marketing on social media has taught me how to distill the core essence of my book into concise phrases, catchy memes, and enticing hooks. It’s a great way for authors to peel back the layers and get to the heart of describing their books.
I appreciate the extended availability period for my book and the diverse readership it reaches. NetGalley has helped me connect with readers I might not have been able to reach otherwise.
This is your first experience using NetGalley. What drew you to using our services for The Unbroken Queen?
I’m always looking for new ways to market my books, and one strategy I use is to get my book into as many readers’ hands as possible before release. I’ve experimented with different platforms and initially thought NetGalley was mainly for traditional publishers. However, once I explored it further, I was excited by the opportunities it offered. I appreciate the extended availability period for my book and the diverse readership it reaches. NetGalley has helped me connect with readers I might not have been able to reach otherwise.
Toni Morrison on rewriting says, “The revision for me is the exciting part; it’s the part that I can’t wait for—getting the whole dumb thing done so that I can do the real work, which is making it better and better and better.” Did you use any of the feedback or conversations you had from listing your book on NetGalley as an impetus to edit?
No, I didn’t. Most of the feedback I received from reviewers was based more on personal preferences rather than structural, plot, or character issues. As an author, it’s important to remember not to edit by committee. I rely on my developmental editor and a few trusted beta readers to prepare my book for publication. I would consider revising details if I saw recurring reviews mentioning significant issues, such as confusion about the plot, major plot holes, or errors. If there’s a recurring theme in their preferences, I might take that into account when starting another series.
What is your general rewriting process like from the time you start sharing your book with reviewers to when it’s in publication?
My rewriting process isn’t particularly lengthy because I do a lot of editing as I write. I also work with a developmental editor who helps address major structural, plot, and character issues. After that, I share the manuscript with trusted beta readers in my genre, who help fine-tune it. By the time the book reaches reviewers, I’ve already gone over it multiple times. If I notice recurring critiques from reviewers, I’ll make minor tweaks, but I usually leave the book as it is. However, I may take those critiques into consideration for my next series, especially if I believe they can help me craft a more compelling story. It’s important to remember you can’t write a book that pleases everyone.
Writing can be a lonely process, how has using NetGalley helped you build a community for your most recent book and how can you leverage that community for your forthcoming book?
NetGalley has been fantastic for building a community around my books. I’ve connected with Bookstagrammers I wouldn’t have reached otherwise, thanks to the platform’s extensive user base. With the second book in the series being released this month, NetGalley has provided me with a list of enthusiastic Bookstagrammers eager to review and feature it. It’s been an invaluable resource for expanding my reach and engaging with passionate readers.
The most crucial aspect of any book’s success is how well you market it to your target audience.
With over 4,000 Impressions, 500+ Members with Access, and more than 130 Members (and counting!) who have left Feedback, your book has gained a lot of traction since listing it in our catalog in March. What do you think makes your book stand out to readers?
Honestly, I’m not entirely sure, but it certainly helps that romantasy is a popular genre right now, with many readers actively seeking books in this category. However, the most crucial aspect of any book’s success is how well you market it to your target audience. First impressions matter, so your cover should be clear and genre-specific. It should stand out while still aligning with the visual expectations of the genre. Once you’ve caught the attention of your ideal reader with the cover, the blurb must then convince them the story inside is exactly what they’re looking for. It’s also beneficial to understand your genre conventions, and you’ll earn extra points if you’re familiar with beloved tropes within the genre. Knowing these elements can help you better meet readers’ expectations and enhance your book’s appeal.
Which specific features of NetGalley have felt the most exciting to you as you ushered your book into the world?
The NetGalley feature I loved the most was the promotions, which significantly boosted the visibility of my book after the initial excitement from its listing started to fade. The reports feature was also great, providing valuable insights into how readers were perceiving and receiving my book. It was fantastic to see positive responses to my cover and blurb, as they are crucial in shaping readers’ interest and expectations, and it was reassuring to know I got those right. I also enjoyed seeing how many people indicated they would recommend my book to others.
Where is the most value you have found in using NetGalley as a tool for The Unbroken Queen?
The most valuable aspect of using NetGalley for me has been connecting with Bookstagrammers and BookTokers. Book marketing often involves extensive outreach, and while you can DM book influencers and anyone on social media interested in books, it requires a lot of research to find the right people for your genre, and there’s no guarantee on how long their TBR list might be. NetGalley, however, provides access to a large list of avid readers already searching for their next read. I was thrilled to see how many people shared my book on their social media pages, sparking a lot of conversation around it.
With the archive date for your book in the fall, what do you hope to achieve on NetGalley in the next few months?
I’ve been very pleased with the results from NetGalley so far. I continue to receive requests, and I’m happy to let the process run its course until the archive date.
NetGalley has been the perfect complement to my other marketing efforts, helping to expand my book’s reach and visibility.
What are the takeaways you have gained from your experience using NetGalley and how will they impact marketing your forthcoming book, The Reluctant Queen?
I will definitely use NetGalley again. It’s an excellent way to reach a diverse range of readers effortlessly. The key is to build buzz around your book before its release, gathering a group of enthusiastic fans who are excited to discuss your book and share it with others. NetGalley has been the perfect complement to my other marketing efforts, helping to expand my book’s reach and visibility. Thanks to NetGalley, I have a list of Bookstagrammers and BookTokers who are keen to help me spread the buzz about the second in my series The Reluctant Queen.
Marika Flatt is the owner and founder of PR by the Book, an Austin, Texas-based publicity firm. She is a regular speaker in the book industry regarding marketing and publicity and joins us on the BookSmarts Podcast to discuss book publicity tips for both publishers and self-published authors, as well as how publicity should be conducted throughout the entire publishing process.
Her publicity firm, PR by the Book, helps authors elevate their relevancy and create buss for their titles by helping authors turn into influencers. With over 900 book titles and over 20 years of experience, their success and specialty spans over many different genres, including travel, lifestyle, outdoors, self-help, parenting, and Christian titles.
To learn more, visit PRbythebook.com. You can also request to join their private “Author to Influencer Accelerator” group on Facebook to learn how authors can take advantage of DIY publicity opportunities.
Joshua Tallent is an acclaimed teacher and guide on the role of data in publishing, and a vocal advocate for high quality book metadata. In his spare time, Joshua enjoys playing complex board games, playing Minecraft, and fiddling with his 3D printer.
Emily Lyman is the CEO and Founder of Branch & Bramble, an award-winning digital marketing agency for lifestyle brands. With nearly a decade of experience helping companies achieve tangible marketing results, Emily joins us on the BookSmarts Podcast to discuss the role of empathetic marketing in publishing and the importance of building brand trust with consumers.
Emily will speaking about how to build brand trust at the upcoming inaugural Publishing Innovation Forum, September 24-26, in Nashville, TN! This conference is open to the entire publishing community and will focus on the many changes our industry has faced, and how to prepare and adapt for the future.
“[Brand trust] is essentially the level of confidence that consumers have in a brand’s ability to keep its promises. And these promises can include the quality of products or services, the brand’s values and mission, or how the brand treats its employees and its customers. There’s a lot of factors that go into brand trust. And what’s been fascinating as a marketer is to see the evolution of brand trust over the years, and how it changes, and how important it becomes not only to consumers as a whole, but we have some really interesting data on how brand trust is thought about generationally, as well.” – Emily Lyman
Joshua Tallent is an acclaimed teacher and guide on the role of data in publishing, and a vocal advocate for high quality book metadata. In his spare time, Joshua enjoys playing complex board games, playing Minecraft, and fiddling with his 3D printer.
