Book Reviewing and eBooks
I have a few questions for all of my book-reviewing blogger friends…
If you have an eReader, do you accept books in eBook format for review? Has this led to more reviewing opportunities (does it open more “doors”), or has nothing changed? Do you still get print review opportunities, too? (as opposed to eBook review offers)
The reason I ask is because I’m hoping to get an Amazon.com “Kindle 3 (Wi-Fi)” eReader for Christmas, this year. And, I’m debating on whether or not to open up my reviewing to eBooks. Currently I don’t accept them, as I can’t read on my computer screen for long periods of time without getting a headache. But, I think the eReader will be different.
Mind you, I’m still leary… I want more of my reading to be with the actual printed books, not with eBooks. So, if I open up my reviewing to eBook formats, what will happen to my other reviewing opportunities? Will I no longer get print review opportunities? Or, will I get a good mix of both?
That’s why I’m asking my fellow bloggers for their stories… Tell me what it’s been like for you, and whether or not you recommend it, please! I’d love to hear your opinions! 
Thanks, in advance!
I did change my submission requirements to allow for ebooks since I purchased the iPad. I haven’t been inundated with ebooks though. Most of the offers I receive are for tree books.
I like reading on the iPad!,
Thanks for your response, Brooke! I’m glad you still get print books, too!
~MizB
I opened up my policy to allow for eBooks as I have the Kindle. I don’t receive a whole lot of offers for eBooks; most are still for print. I wouldn’t mind more though as it’s so much easier to read on the Kindle.
Awesome. Thanks for replying, Darlene!
~MizB
I don’t have any advice, just wanted to see what others said, since I’m getting a Kindle for Christmas, too.
No, I don’t like electronic books. I’ve read one book in a virtual format because I could not find a copy of it in my libraries or bookstores, but later I read the “real thing”. E-books feel like imposters to me, and dangerous ones at that because if they grow too popular they’ll kill one of the best means of communication ever created — the bound book.
I agree… It feels somewhat traitorous to be looking at eReaders at all! LOL. But, I like the idea that I won’t have to take so many books in a backpack with me when i travel (in order to have choices). And, I am swayed by the novelty of the new “toy”. LOL.
But don’t you worry — I would never, ever go completely over to the “dark side” and give up my printed books… they are too precious to me! eReaders are merely an interesting option. Not the “solution” for all of my future reading.
~MizB
I’ve been able to access things like NetGalley and also the online e-book libraries since I got my e-reader, so I’m reading a lot more e-books.
One thing to keep in mind with the Kindle is that it doesn’t handle one of the most common formats, the EPUB. It’s the format you’ll find in libraries, through places like NetGalley, and on many e-book sales sites. Unless you can get a book in the actual Kindle format (or a PDF), you’ll not be able to read it on your Kindle. That seems sort of limiting.
I have a Kobo, which uses the EPUB format. I think the Nook is similar. I haven’t actually tried the Nook (I’m in Canada), but I would seriously consider it if it was a viable option for me.
I’m in Canada, too, so am somewhat limited in my choice of eReader. I was originally looking at the Sony’s just solely because they are compatible with downloading library books. But, after researching, and thinking about it, I’ve decided I want a Kindle, anyway. If I want a library book, I’ll just get the print version.
I don’t expect to do a ton of reading with my eReader, anyway. It’s more so a convenience for when I travel. That’s really the only reason I want one — so far. 
LOL.
~MizB
I’m not sure if I read it right but with the Kindle you can download a free program called Mobipocket Reader and it converts PDF, EPUB, HTML, Text, Office files into Mobi format. You can then send it to your Kindle via a USB cord
Even with the majority of galleys on NetGalley has the Kindle option. The only thing to watch out for is it sometimes costs a transfer fee BUT if you set your limit low, the file is sent to your kindle email, letting you then download it for free.
I know there’s one or two files out there don’t convert but I can’t remember. Most times though, working around it is doable.
Hope that helps. You can email me you have any questions
Hi I have Kobo and I wish I would have waited a few more months to get the WiFi one. I am currently accepting some EPubs right now but its very limited. Nothing in requests has come my way so I am mainly getting egalleys through netgalley and Simon&Schuster for now. I got it mainly for travelling as well and I don’t see me giving up the print version for the ereader any time soon.
I have the Kindle and LOVE IT. You say you won’t be reading on it a lot but you will be impressed by it and I bet you end up reading more ebooks
I get review offers on Kindle, at the moment about the same because I am international. Also NetGalley is a way to get new books also.
I had 1 PDF and the text was to small and unable to change but I told the author and they sent a different file so I don’t think this is an issue.
Enjoy your Christmas present
I have a Kindle and read galleys from NetGalley. So far, so good. I haven’t had direct offers of e-galleys from publishers. NetGalley is a great way to read review copies of the books you might not be offered normally.
Good luck with your decision!
PS I’ve had my Kindle for almost two years and really like it. That said, I still read about 75% paper books.
BTW – The traveling part sucks, the 20 minutes before take off and landing you can’t have the Kindle on
so that is 40 minutes of no reading.
No worries… I don’t fly. LOL. When I say “travel”, I just mean by car, and a 2-hour drive to my Dad’s house.
Hi!
I got a Kindle DX last week and love it! I’d been reading galleys from NetGalley on my computer, but having a portable way to read them is so much better. I read above in one of the comments that you can’t read many of the books because they’re EPUB from NetGalley, but most of them come in PDF, which you can read on a Kindle. Also, there is free conversion software called Calibre that will convert EPUBs into PDF format.
All that said, I’m still old fashioned and like a book in my hand. I just like the feel of it. But it seems ebooks are the way many want to go. I have had a number of authors offer me PDFs to review lately.
Have a great day!
Selena
I have a Nook which is the epub format which is good for some ways of getting things from netgalley. I do enjoy the ereader as sometimes we are impatient for a book to come out and can easily purchase online for the ereader. Which makes it easier cause in mere minutes you have it on your machine ibooks for the ipad works the same way with epubs. But there are times when I perfer a book in my hand like right now.
I got an ebook to review once but I didn’t like it. There were so many problems getting it in a copy that was compatible with the software I had on my iphone, plus I am a bit technologically challenged so I couldn’t figure out how to download it. Int end the end the author sent it to me as a pdf and i read it on my iphone in pdf format which wasn’t great.
Thats my only experience though, but I wouldn’t do it again
I only just bought the Kindle and my reasoning was I could not only store the books I buy but I also get alot of PDF’s from authors/review site and belong to NetGalley. Mobipocket Reader converts all the different files to be compatible with Kindle so it makes it incredibly easy to have all your book stuff on one reader!! I’m also on a book buying ban right now and so I get alot of free ebooks. Without my Kindle I’d be sitting at my laptop reading which drove me NUTS. I’m new to blogging so I review a mixture – the print books I buy myself or ebooks/galleys from authors/publishing. I don’t have a problem with either and seeing the majority of books I read are indie authors, it’s cheaper and easier for them to have alot of bloggers review their book and not be limited by the price of printing. I say buy a Kindle. I was the “I’m not going to sell my soul and buy a Kindle” type *snort* Now I feel naked without it lol Keep us posted!
I will definitely keep ya’ll posted!
I did alot of research on the nook and the kindle. I ultimately chose the nook due to the variety of formats it offers as opposed to the kindle. I actually think it opens up opportunities. It is easy to take into the other room to read and review. I find that print books get lost too often lately in the mail
But that’s just me.
I agree with majority of the guys who uses the eReader for traveling purposes. That is also the reason why I intend on buying a nook. But asides the traveling, I prefer the printed version over electronic ones but I agree that the options are greater when you have an ereader handy. And yes it is helpful especially to international bloggers like me.
I have a Sony Reader and a Nook. I still prefer bound books, but I love having the chance to review ARCs on the eReader. It’s nice to cut back on the physical books in the house, and because I don’t tend to keep ARCs, the e-format is great.
See, that’s something I thought of, too… that I don’t keep a lot of my ARCs when I’m finished with them, so it might be wiser to get some in eBook format, as then I wouldn’t have to trekk them all to the goodwill store, or find someone to give them to, afterward. Hmmm…
~MizB
I just got a Nook, and I’ve found that having it has definitely opened more doors for me. If publishers see that I’m willing to review a variety of formats, they’re more willing to work with me
I got a Kindle 3 about a month ago. I just love it! I never thought I would because I really enjoy holding a book in my hands. But I’ve gotten used to it. However, nothing will ever replace a printed book. It’s hard to read books on the computer. But I still receive books from publishers this way. E-books have opened the doors in some ways — NetGalley. I’ve only received 4 hard copies of ARC’s. All my ARC’s come via e-books. It’s cheaper and environmentally friendly for publishers to send them that way. I wish more did! I also don’t have piles of ARC’s sitting around. I have enough of my own books in TBR piles!
I have a nook, after saying I’d never get an e-reader, and I’m freaking in LOVE with this thing. I’ve read a bunch of books through NetGalley already, and I was able to check out a library book at 9 pm while sitting on my couch in my pajamas. That was fantastic! I also like that I can just drop my nook in my bag and not have to take three or four giant books, and it’ll be great for Christmas travel to have all the books I want right there on my nook.
It’s also good because I’m definitely trying to cut down on the amount of paper books I keep- they’re kind of starting to take over my house (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but I’ve made two moves with 35+ boxes of books, and that’s kind of out of control).
LOL. That’s the only part that scares me about our next move — having to pack up my book collection (over 1000 books strong!). Last time we moved, I had about 300 books, and that took approximately 18-20 boxes… so I can only imagine how many boxes I’m gonna need for 1000+ books! Eeek! &P
~MizB
I, also, didn’t want to read e-books. I like holding the paper in my hand!! I also get a headache after too many hours on the computer. I broke down and got an e-book several months ago to review – determined not to like it
Within a few chapters I loved the format. I could bookmark things, highlight text, use a search and find function, and the list goes on! I used to finish a book and have it spiky with post its. Now I just use the electronic functions. That’s why I have an e-reader on my Christmas list.
I have a Kindle and read a lot of NetGalley ebooks on it. Recently Simon & Schuster started sending links to egalleys as well but they aren’t compatible with the Kindle so my dad just got me a Nook at today’s black Friday sale.
I like it when I’m commuting because it’s lighter and I don’t have to worry about mangling the pages in my laptop bag. I also don’t end up witha pile of ARCs I don’t know what to do with.
I do still receive print ARCs too though.
I used to read a lot as a kid. The when I was older i stopped reading as many books as I used to. I just got my Kindle the other day, and now I a reading 2-3 books a week. I love my Kindle.
free Kindle e-books