I have very exciting news to share – I’ve just recently received my first review copy of a novel. Scholastic provided a digital galley of In The Shadows by Kiersten White through NetGalley, a site that allows reviewers, bloggers, journalists, librarians, booksellers, or educators to request forthcoming titles.

As an avid reader, I decided it was time for me to begin researching review copies and ARCs (advanced readers copies). If you don’t already know, I’ll give you a quick idea of how this works. The publisher, or sites dedicated to this sort of thing (NetGalley, Edelweiss), provides the advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. It’s a great way to promote the book and generate excitement about its upcoming publication.

In my case, the book has already been published (April 29), but promotion is still a pretty big deal within the first month.

I just love being a part of this industry, and also the online book blogging/writing community. I love reading, and I think reviewing books is such a great way to give back to authors, publishers, and the public alike. Book reviews can excite readers. Reviews give readers a clear idea of whether or not a particular book is for them.

I look forward to reading/reviewing In the Shadows. I plan to post the review on Monday, May 26.