We made a short video introduction to LibraryThing Early Reviewers.

What is LibraryThing?

LibraryThing is a website that allows people to catalog their personal libraries, discover new books and connect with others who share their tastes. It is an open, collaborative project, driven by readers.

Take the LibraryThing tour to learn more.

What is LibraryThing Early Reviewers?

LibraryThing Early Reviewers helps publishers distribute advance copies of books to interested readers. The publisher provides books, LibraryThing members sign-up to request them, and then we match up books with members based on the rest of their LibraryThing catalog. Books find their way to readers who are likely to enjoy them!

LibraryThing members get books, publishers get reviews—LibraryThing plays matchmaker.

How does it work?

1. You supply LibraryThing with a list of the titles that you'll be offering to the Early Reviewers.
2. We announce the titles (in monthly batches), and LibraryThing members sign up for whichever books they're interested in.
3. We use an algorithm to find the members most likely to enjoy and create buzz for your titles.
4. We send a list of the winning members and their addresses to you. You send out the books.
5. Early Reviewers read the books, and then post reviews to LibraryThing. They are encouraged to also cross-post to their blog, etc.

What does the publisher get out of it?

You get a community of readers, creating early buzz about your book and giving you insight into how it will be received. The publisher and author are granted perpetual non-exclusive permission to use the reviews.

What does it cost?

Early Reviewers is completely free. We reserve the right to charge for this service in the future.

What types or formats of books can I offer through Early Reviewers?

ER books should be new or upcoming titles. Books that were released more than six months prior to the first of the month of the corresponding batch are not eligible for Early Reviewers.

We are happy to list paper copies, ebooks, and audiobooks. If you are offering an ebook, you must specify the file type (epub, mobi, PDF, etc.) in the description.

How many books do I have to provide?

We ask for at least 15 copies of each title, and welcome more than that! We encourage both diversity and quantity.

What is the deadline to submit titles each month?

Titles for each batch of Early Reviewers must be submitted no later than 2pm Eastern on the first Monday of the month.

How far in advance of the release date should I offer my titles?

That's up to you—whenever you want the buzz to start.

Who ships the books?

The publisher is responsible for shipping. LibraryThing provides a list of names and addresses.

How do you pick which LibraryThing members to receive a book?

We use an algorithm to calculate winners, which is based on a number of factors, including:

• The contents and organization of the reviewer's LibraryThing account
• How many books the reviewer has received from LTER in the past, and whether they've reviewed them.
• Factors that suggest someone likely to review a book, and talk about it widely, on LibraryThing and elsewhere.

Do the books I provide need to be pre-publication?

In general, we prefer books that have not yet been published. Publishers who don't produce advance reader copies, or publishers with less "release-driven" titles should email [email protected] to discuss when to offer books.

Can we offer review copies to LibraryThing members outside of North America?

Absolutely. Most publishers that we're currently working with offer books to residents of the United States and Canada—we'd love to open it up to members around the world and are eager to work with publishers to make this happen.

I'm an author, can I offer up my books for Early Reviewers?

We only accept Early Reviewer books directly from publishers. If your publisher isn't participating in Early Reviewers, then you can offer your books up for review yourself! Use our Member Giveaway Program.

What about self-published authors and vanity presses?

Self-published books and books from vanity presses are encouraged to use our Member Giveaway Program, which is similar to but separate from Early Reviewers. Read more here.

What else?

• List of current titles on offer.
• Frequently asked questions about Early Reviewers.
• Read LibraryThing blog posts tagged "Early Reviewers".
• Check out the Early Reviewer discussion group.
• Find out other ways publishers can use LibraryThing.

Contact

Contact Loranne ([email protected]) with questions.

(More numbers available on the Zeitgeist page)