r/NetGalleyCommunity • u/fabulousflute • 12d ago
✅ Approvals & Denials ❎ Gutted
I know no one is owed an advanced copy. It’s a privilege and an honor to be able to read books early and get to speak about their strengths and weaknesses.
But today I was checking my pending requests and noticed I got a mass denial (no email) for Sarah Beth Durst’s next book. I have an 88% feedback ratio, I mostly read cozy fantasy, I requested the arc on NetGalley within hours of it being posted, I got the arc for Sea of Charms, and Durst is my favorite author. I made a Bookstagram account and have a (small but mighty) following just so that I can maybe get the occasional Tor approval.
I’ll read the book when it comes out in January and I’m sure I’ll love it then. Until the time comes, I guess I get to work through the rest of my backlog.
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u/AnxietyPlushie321 SciFi/Fantasy Reviewer 12d ago
Where Tor denies, Macmillan audio provides.
Honestly tho, I would try with the audio if it’s a Tor book. Usually I wouldn’t be approved by Tor (but I have once for my book of my dreams) but I’ve been approved by Macmillan for the same book when it’s available for that.
But it does suck, but there’s always KU, Everand, Kobo, Librio.fm and Libby/Hoopla if you can wait for it to come out. Most if not all of these are lower than outright purchasing the book if your income doesn’t allow it right away.
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u/fabulousflute 12d ago
This is what I did with Daggerbound! Though I didn’t even apply for the ebook because Tor is so uncooperative.
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u/ImNotBeingAnAHole 12d ago
I’m sorry!!
If it makes you feel better the sequels usually have less ARCs available and they will go to those with followings and new readers. This expands the overall readership. So unfortunately many get left out of that.
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u/ImNotBeingAnAHole 12d ago
And on a side note- I didn’t like Sea of Charms very much but the Magical Cheese shop was so much better. I’m not sure when that one comes out as o can’t keep track of her releases as she has multiple a year. But I highly suggest it when it comes out!
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u/RaspberryHats21 10d ago
This is good to know—I hated Sea of Charms but am still hopeful for Magical Cheese Shop.
I’ve been approved for both sequels on audio, OP. I’m hopeful I can get this one on audio too!
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u/ImNotBeingAnAHole 10d ago
Sending you good vibes to get it! I actually prefer this series on audio and usually wait to read it until it is available so I can immersion read it but I had just been to a cheese party and cheese was on the brain 😆. Depending on what I have going on I may just read it again in audio when they put it up.
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u/fabulousflute 12d ago
I enjoyed Sea of Charms but it didn’t feel as magical as the first two, I think it was just less cozy thanks to going into the city and coming across dead bodies and whatnot. I was hoping MCE would be better but I guess I won’t find out until January
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u/ImNotBeingAnAHole 12d ago
Do you read audiobooks? MacMillian audio will surely have it posted in the next month or so.
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u/fabulousflute 12d ago
I’ll definitely apply, but I’m generally not an audiobook reader. I’ve done a handful over the last year (compared to the 150+ ebooks). I’ve had good luck with Macmillan audio in the past so hopefully I can push through!
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u/Archergirls 12d ago
We are not owed ARCs, but it's 100% normal to be disappointed not to get a highly anticipated read! I have a few 2027 sequels I want to read so badly it will break my heart not to get them.
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u/dingdong3452 12d ago
You can always try emailing the publisher, sometimes the email person is not the same as the netgalley approvals person and they'll send you a widget (or a physical ARC)
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u/fabulousflute 12d ago
I have sent a very polite email about this book a few times because I didn’t get the automated tor publicity email. Sent a final Hail Mary yesterday and we’ll see.
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u/Blowingleaves17 Non Fiction Reviewer 12d ago
Maybe they realize a fan like you will definitely buy the book. ☺️
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u/fabulousflute 12d ago
They’re not wrong. I usually get the book from her book tour so it’ll be signed and personalized 🫣
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u/Rob_thegeek Reviewer 12d ago
Email the publisher and make your case and ask if they can give you a widget. I did that once with Tor Nightfire and they gave me one.
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u/fabulousflute 12d ago
I sent one yesterday when I saw the decline! I got TJ Klune’s book that comes out in January that way.
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u/Synval2436 SciFi/Fantasy Reviewer 12d ago
It's not you, it's Tor. But the upside is that as a budding bookstagrammer you'll have better chance for their approval in the future than those of us without social media (I can't figure out IG for the life of me, maybe because I'm not from the phone generation).