NetGalley Pricing: Plans, Costs & How to Save in 2027

Did you know that NetGalley's standard 6-month listing now costs $575, but savvy authors can save over 80% using co-ops and strategic planning? Unlock the secrets to affordable and effective digital reviews.

Understanding NetGalley Pricing and Plans in 2027

NetGalley offers a range of pricing options primarily for publishers and indie authors releasing 1-4 books annually. The standard 6-month pay-per-title listing now costs $575, reflecting a steady increase from previous rates like $450-$499 for similar durations. Additional costs include audiobook promotion add-ons ($125-$150) and promotional boosts such as category spotlights or featured placements.

Many indie publishers prefer to explore co-op programs through partners like IBPA, BooksGoSocial, or Victory Editing. These options can cut costs by 50-80%, making them attractive for authors on tight budgets. For example, a 3-month listing via IBPA can be as low as $199, while BGS offers listings for around $79 for a month. Additionally, subscription plans are available for publishers with more frequent releases, but details often require direct contact with NetGalley for custom quotes. In my experience working with authors, these co-ops not only reduce costs but also enhance visibility through curated reviewer pools and promotional support.

Plans and Pricing Strategies for Different Publishers

Choosing the right plan depends on your release schedule and budget. Pay-per-title remains the most practical for authors releasing 1-4 books yearly, costing around $575 for a 6-month listing. However, for indie publishers with multiple titles, subscription models or co-ops like IBPA or Victory Editing provide more flexible pricing options.

When considering listing duration, 3-month campaigns (~$199 via IBPA or ~$126 via co-ops) are cost-effective if you don't plan to boost visibility. Remember, without promotion, books tend to sink in search results after two weeks. Scheduling promotional boosts such as category spotlights ($100-$130) early in your campaign can maintain interest. Reserve 6-month listings for campaigns with multiple boosts to sustain exposure over time. Smart planning involves balancing costs with your promotional needs, and I recommend testing small campaigns first to gauge ROI. For more on this, see our guide on book pricing strategies.

How Do I Get My Book on NetGalley? Step-by-Step

To get your book on NetGalley, start by preparing your Digital Review Copy (DRC). Ensure your manuscript is professionally formatted, with a compelling cover, and consider using tools like Automateed to streamline the formatting process. Once your DRC is ready, choose an appropriate plan based on your release schedule and budget.

For indie publishers, options like IBPA or pay-per-title plans are popular. Decide on your listing duration—3 or 6 months—and consider adding promotional boosts such as category spotlights or featured placements early in your campaign. After submission, monitor your dashboard for requests, downloads, and feedback. If engagement is high, extending the listing or investing in additional boosts can be worthwhile. Also, pair your NetGalley campaign with outreach to book bloggers or newsletters for maximum impact. Remember, reviews from NetGalley don't automatically transfer to Amazon, but they can generate valuable Goodreads and blog exposure.

Best Practices for Cost-Effective NetGalley Promotions

Leverage co-ops and partnerships like BGS or Victory Editing to access reviewer pools and promotional tools at a fraction of the cost of direct listings. Joining these networks often involves membership discounts and low-cost entry points, such as $79/month for BGS or $126 for three months via Victory Editing.

Timing is crucial. Schedule your listing 2-3 months before your book’s release to collect reviews and build buzz. Use promotional boosts early—category spotlights (~$125) or featured placements (~$110)—to increase visibility. Track your results via the NetGalley dashboard, monitoring requests, downloads, and review feedback. Only extend your listing or invest in additional promotion if engagement justifies the expense. Combining these strategies with your newsletter outreach can significantly improve your review count and sales. For more on this, see our guide on pricing ebook.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

High costs and limited ROI are common issues, especially for indie publishers. Avoid expensive direct listings—like the $575 6-month plan—if the potential review impact isn't clear. Instead, start with affordable plans such as Kobo-NetGalley's catalog placement at $39, which has shown strong ROI in many cases. Testing small campaigns before scaling helps determine what works best for your genre and audience.

Visibility decay after two weeks can also hinder success. To combat this, schedule promotional boosts early and mid-campaign. If engagement remains high, consider extending the listing or adding more boosts. Getting reviews on Amazon remains a challenge because review copies from NetGalley don't automatically transfer. Encourage readers to leave reviews on Goodreads or your blog, and use book notes to remind readers to review your work. Consistent effort and strategic planning can turn these hurdles into opportunities.

Latest Industry Trends and Updates for 2027

NetGalley hit a record 11 million pageviews in January 2025, up 4% YoY, indicating growing reviewer traffic and platform value. The community now boasts approximately 550,000 active members, making digital review copies the industry standard over print ARCs. Indie authors increasingly rely on co-ops and subscription plans to reach reviewers cost-effectively.

Industry trends suggest that audiobook promotion will continue to grow, with many authors bundling audio with eBooks for greater exposure. Payment options now include flexible plans tailored for high-volume publishers, and review copies remain the primary method for gaining feedback. To maximize your campaigns, use NetGalley's real-time stats and promotional calendars, and consider integrating tools like Automateed to speed up formatting and publishing processes. Staying current with these trends will ensure your book gets the attention it deserves. For more on this, see our guide on book pricing psychology.

Conclusion: Making the Most of NetGalley in 2027

Understanding the pricing breakdown and available plans allows indie publishers and authors to make smarter promotional decisions. Flexible listing plans, especially when combined with co-ops and strategic boosts, can help maximize your ROI while keeping costs manageable.

By focusing on affordable plans and timing your promotions well, you can gather reviews, build visibility, and ultimately sell more books. For best results, continually track your campaign metrics and adjust your approach accordingly. Remember, the key is to balance costs with your promotional goals to unlock the full potential of NetGalley in 2027.

FAQ

How much does NetGalley cost?

As of 2027, a standard 6-month pay-per-title listing costs $575, with additional options like audiobook promotion and boosts. Indie publishers can also access affordable plans through co-ops or membership discounts, significantly reducing expenses.

What are the different NetGalley plans?

NetGalley offers pay-per-title plans, typically for 3 or 6 months, and subscription or co-op options for high-volume publishers. The 6-month listing costs $575, with flexible plans available for indie authors and publishers through partners like IBPA or BGS. For more on this, see our guide on price book.

Is NetGalley worth the price?

In my experience, it depends on your goals. For indie authors, affordable plans and targeted campaigns often yield a high return, especially when combined with promotional boosts and newsletters. Evaluate your ROI carefully and start small to test effectiveness.

How do I get my book on NetGalley?

Prepare a professional Digital Review Copy, then select a suitable plan—either pay-per-title or through a co-op. Submit your manuscript, choose your listing duration, and consider adding promotional boosts to maximize exposure. Monitor your dashboard to track engagement.

Are there discounts for indie publishers?

Yes, many co-ops like BGS or Victory Editing offer membership discounts and lower-cost options, making it easier for indie publishers to access review pools. These partnerships can significantly reduce your overall costs while expanding your reach.

What is the NetGalley Co-op?

The Co-op is a collective membership that grants access to reviewer pools, promotional tools, and discounted listing options. It’s especially beneficial for indie publishers and authors looking to maximize exposure without the high costs of direct listings.