This Week’s Topic:
ARC Attitude
I have to be honest, I love getting ARCs. It's October, and I have already read 363 books. I couldn't imagine having the funds to buy all those books. I will say, I read a good number of library books, but it's not easy getting a new release on my eLibrary. There have been 6+ months wait for some of them. So, thank you to all the publishers out there, who have allowed me the privilege of reading SO MANY new releases.
Many lament the poor formatting of ARCs, but to be honest, that's not an issue I commonly find. I had one ARC a few months ago, where there were NO SPACES between the words. I noted it to the pub, and moved on. For the most part, the eGalleys are fine, or at least I think they are. Perhaps, I have grown accustomed to wonky formatting. Regardless, I rarely find them unreadable.
I understand some feeling like having an ARC makes reading a chore. Some readers feel the pressure to read the book, review it, and to do so by a given deadline. This used to be an issue for me too. It caused me stress, but I adopted a new attitude.
- I DNF books I am not enjoying. I give feedback to the publisher as to why, and then, I move on to the next book.
- I have relaxed my deadlines. I will admit, I am usually on target, but there are some I have missed. You know what? The world didn't end, nor was I blacklisted. The truth is, even if I make the date for my review, I cannot post all of them on my blog before publication, because I read too many books which all seem to be released on the same day. So, why stress myself out.
- I request less. I ask myself, which are the MUST reads. Then, I go through those, and think about which will most likely be available via my library. The library tends to get the most hyped books, and really, do I need to hype a book that is already getting a lot of attention? I sort of love shouting about the lessor known fabulous books more, so I have no problem cutting back on those "must-haves".
I am glad to have been inspired by other bloggers to share my thoughts, since, like I said, it's been a while.
Now it's your turn!
What's your ARC attitude?
Let us know in the comments!
Let us know in the comments!
I'm always a little sceptical of readers complaining about reading copies, we're not forced to read them and often they've been requested I suspect. I rarely request and if I do request, it's usually books on my wishlist on Netgalley. Blogging shouldn't be a chore nor should it feel overwhelming. Most of the books I read are unsolicited but I'd honestly need to declare bankruptcy to be able to afford them all so like your lovely self, I'm so incredibly grateful to publishers who value my reviews and my opinions. I'm not one to monetise my blog but review copies honestly help with the costs.
ReplyDeleteI don't get a lot of unsolicited books, so I really do want the ones I am lucky enough to get, and I feel lucky.
DeleteHa I missed your discussion posts Sam! And I followed a similar evolution. Also I request way less ARCs than before, only the ones I really want to read an know I have time to do so!
ReplyDeleteIt's so tricky when you're waiting for approvals. I keep my spreadsheet and consult it before requesting. I now keep watch on those pubs who always give me really late approvals, so I don't end up over extended.
DeleteYou summed my feelings up exactly! I also LOVE ARCs. I haven't noticed bad formatting really except for in e-ARCs. And that is just the difference sometimes between a pdf or a mobi file. I actually really only got my e-reader for all the e-ARCs that I get. I really don't like to pay money for ebooks. I want to spend money on things I can actually put on my bookshelf and admire them. Like you I know I read way more because of ARCs. I had to put myself on a schedule to try to get them done on time. Years when I went to things like BEA or ALA and ended up with tons of ARCs, well let's just say some of those are still on shelves. I still want to read them, but haven't had time. Anything I get sent these days though, I make sure to put on the calendar. I'm also feeling less guilty about doing a DNF if I'm not enjoying it. Like you I'll let the publisher know why, and when I put it on my DNF shelf on Goodreads, I give a reason. I know that just because I'm not enjoying a book doesn't mean someone else doesn't love it, so I don't feel right rating it in that case. Great post!
ReplyDeleteLisa Loves Literature
One reason I like eBooks better is because I don't like clutter. I don't even leave read books on my kindle. I am a firm believer, that just because something is not for me, doesn't mean it's not for everyone, and that translates to books as well.
DeleteI've not really encountered many formatting issues with ARCs either. definitely not to the point where they're unreadable. Like you, I have given myself permission not to meet publication deadlines if my schedule just won't allow it. I'm usually pretty close but I try not to beat myself up if I'm a little late and also like you, I don't see where my lateness has impacted my approvals. I don't know that I've requested less ARCs this year than usual, but I've definitely been more selective. I have to REALLY want to read it but I hit that request button.
ReplyDeleteI also have grown more selective. I want the books I pick to be hits. If I have any doubt, I usually won't request any longer, whereas I used to be click happy.
DeleteI think at first you get so excited and take on more than you can handle or maybe dip into accepting books you don't love and it gets overwhelming.
ReplyDeleteI think having a strategy goes a long way to making ARC's low pressure again.
I don't take many anymore just because I AM NOT READING *cries* so it would be pressure. My method though is to take on 2 at a time - read/review and take on more if I want.
My bigger issue was conferences - I definitely took on more than I could reasonable handle or enjoy.
That's what works for me. I've also never had too many formatting issues, thankfully.
I never felt much pressure with books from events, because they weren't really tracked and I sort of paid for them in a way. I have lots of those books.
DeleteI just don't do ARCs because the SECOND I have a deadline for a book, I don't want to read it lol I'll take review copies only if there is no deadline >.< I'm terrible.
ReplyDeleteI regard the publication date as a "suggestion". Like I said, I do try to make it happen, but sometimes I mood read. I think within a month is fair (though I have ones I read a year later)
DeleteWhen you read so many books, it must be a bit easier to stay on target with your ARCs! I used to feel like it was impossible to keep up with it all, but I just read over 70 books in two and a half months, so that proves that I CAN read to a list. Guess I've got to make more of an effort now that I know I don't have that excuse!
ReplyDeleteNicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction