I’m going to talk about something that might be slightly controversial in the book blogging community. But I have always made a point of being honest here about my blogging experience and my struggles and I want to keep on going.
Today, I got denied for digital ARCs again. I got denied plenty of times for digital ARCs, but still. Even if I get approved as well sometimes, well… Getting rejected HURTS.
In my three years of blogging, I received one physical ARC from a publisher, where other people got tons already. They haven’t been blogging for years, they are even international, at times. Yet they are LUCKY.
Let me make things clear, first and foremost: I am not here to blame these lucky bloggers. Am I jealous? A little bit, obviously, because I am human. Am I happy for them? Obviously, they got more chances than I do, I guess and it’s great for them if they get to read these books they are excited before their release and hype them up to the whole blogging community.
Let me make things clear on another point: I am NOT blogging for ARCs. I would have given up for so long if I were blogging for that.
I have something I want to call ARC insecurity.
Here is the thing. ARCs are not making my whole blogging experience. They are not what I’m blogging for, or why I am writing every single post, trying to grow my blog or / and want to come back to blogging every single time. But these little books, whether they are digital or physical, make me feel like I am actually good at what I do. When a publisher grants me a wish, it feels like they trust me to promote their books. It feels like my blog is successful enough to be given this opportunity. I feel grateful and happy and like my blog is worth it.
I know there have been tons of debate and you will be aware of it all, if you are on Twitter. I do not wish to get back into it all, the whole international bloggers issues, but… I have to say that, getting denied these opportunities because of geography hurts, as well. I am aware that sometimes we international bloggers can’t get ARCs, because of rights issues, shipping costs prices and so on. I don’t wish to get back into this. I DO wish that we could have more opportunities. I do wish we weren’t as invisible as we are right now. We work. HARD. I am working over 12 hours per week on my blog. And I am working full-time. It’s a hobby and I love it, and it doesn’t feel like work. But getting approved to promote something I love makes me feel successful. Like I am doing something RIGHT. I don’t know. Maybe I am doing something wrong. Maybe I’m just not worthy enough.
I know I am lucky to be able to buy books, since I am working, even if I am not able to buy them at all times. I don’t have the opportunity of a library or bookshops where I can get new releases. I don’t buy hardcovers (except if it’s John Green….), which means I wait a whole lot of time to buy and read some books I am impatient to get to. In that way, being able to get ARCs are an amazing opportunity, one that allows me to shout out about the books I want, the books I am 99,9% sure I will love.
I feel like I am not worth it.
ARCs are not the heart of the blogging community. I know that. But when, all over your twitter timeline and on blogs, you are seeing people getting and reviewing these books that only release in 2018, you can’t help it but get a little bit envious. It’s not about the “getting books for free” thing. It’s about the “getting the opportunity to read and shout about this book I know I will love already” thing. While seeing that, having to wait on the sidelines is HARD.
So, yeah. I am really insecure when it comes to ARCs. I know I could do a great job with it all. I know there are so many books I am dying to read, but will have to wait months and months to get to, for the time when I can finally buy them. By the time I read them, they won’t be the heart of the talk around the blogosphere. I’m always late to the hype, but that’s part of the reason why.
Sometimes, I wish ARCs weren’t a thing. Sometimes, I wish I could be given the same opportunities as others, even if I am living in baguettes country. Sometimes, I’m just sad. Maybe I am a bit bitter as well, but I am trying to get over it. Not getting ARCs is one of my biggest insecurities as a blogger, because it makes me feel like I am not doing a good enough of a job, or just like I plain SUCK.
There, I said it.
I don’t know if I will regret publishing this post. I hope no one will read this in a wrong way. People getting TONS of ARCs, people getting some ARCs, physical, digital, whatever. You’re lucky and don’t take these opportunities for granted. Promote the books, cry about getting these great books and blog your heart out. As for me. I’ll just keep on blogging my heart out, be thankful for the little opportunities I have every once in a while and swallow this insecurity until it dies down, someday. I guess I’m a worthy blogger. I hope I’m doing a good job. At least I’m trying the best I can to share the love.
Holly says
Awww Marie, you are DEFINITELY worth it!! I’m not going to even get into the whole ARCs discussion because it’s ridiculous, but just know that you are an awesome blogger who deserves all the bookish opportunities in the world <3
Marie says
Aww that’s so sweet, Holly, thank you for your sweet words! <3 <3
Kathy @ Books & Munches says
I completely get your struggle! Especially the rejections. I can’t help but take those personally sometimes. Even more so when it’s a couple in a row; then I’m just staring at my screen wondering what I’m doing wrong.
I guess the only thing we can do is keep trying, showing our passion and hoping some day publishers will realize our worth, supporting us as we want to support them. Until then.. Just keep trying!
Marie says
I’m so glad you feel the same way, Kathy, thank you fo sharing your thoughts <3 I know I tend to take it personally too often, even if it's just one rejection, it always bums me out a little bit and make me question everything for a while.
I agree that we should just keep on showing our passion and do what we love and opportunities will show themselves as well 🙂
thank you so much for your sweet words and for sharing your thoughts! 🙂
Kathy @ Books & Munches says
I’m pretty sure that’s human though!
For me personally the rejection is even harder when it’s on Edelweiss because there you have the change to tell them WHY you’re requesting a certain novel. Getting rejected then sometimes makes me feel as if my reason why isn’t good enough. :’)
You’re welcome, girl!
Marie says
Oh yes, I completely understand this. I always pour my heart out – or at least, I try my best to show how much I’d love to read the book and when it doesn’t work… it just hurts even more haha. But I guess we do our best 😀
Kathy @ Books & Munches says
Indeed! As long as we feel like we’re doing our best, it’s all we can do really.. :p
Rasya says
I love your honesty for wanting to get an ARC! I know a lot of book bloggers blog not solely because of wanting to get an ARC but it’s not wrong to admit that ARC= some kind of validation that the blogger somehow made it in the blogging world. Like you said it’s a prove of blog’s growth.
But Marie, I’m sure that publishers could see your sincerity and hard work and I hope that tonnes of ARC would be coming your way!
Marie says
Aww thank you so much fo your sweetwords and you comment <3 I know that ARCs are just a bonus and something we are definitley not entitled to, but I also can't help but link it to success and…well, promoting what I love even more, so it feels good whenever we have these opportunities 🙂
thank you so much!! xx
BookDragonGirl says
Marie, have you tried blogging for Books.com ? They won’t ship physical books outside the US (figures) but they make digital books available for international bloggers. They do not require you to be on Twitter. You read one book, review and then you can pick out your next one. Check out their FAQ on their website. I noticed you tag your book reviews, that’s real important too. They like to see that. I read that somewhere. I even tag the author. Google how to run a successful book blog, or how to get arcs for my book blog. You will find lots of tips. Don’t give up. Keep blogging!!!
Marie says
thank you for your sweet words 🙂 oh and don’t worry, I will keep on blogging until everyone gets sick of me, I’m not done talking about books ahah 🙂 thank you 🙂
BookDragonGirl says
That’s supposed to be bloggingforbooks.com
MetalPhantasmReads says
I’ve been seeing the international blogger issue and it sucks for everyone involved. I live in the states and I get rejected too and it sucks as well. I know I’m picky, but even when I have only one thing out and I try for other ones, I’m not enough to get another one. I personally don’t like how some people *ahem Booktube* get all these physical ARCs and some of them are never read, or are several months down the road way after the book is published and they still get more. (sorry rant over) I’m glad though that for you, ARCs aren’t the best part of your blog; I feel the same way. I’ve been having more fun writing book posts about books that I loved reading more than ARC’s sometimes (had some bad luck with them this year). I do hope this post inspires more people 🙂 great post!
Marie says
Thank you for your sweet words, I’m glad you enjoyed reading my post 🙂
I understand your feelings – sometimes, I guess ARCs pile up, but so many people could get them and read them, pass them on if we don’t have time to get to them, and so on… I don’t know. These should be things to think of, for the ones being a bit overwhelmed in that department 🙂
yes definitely! as long as we keep on talking about books we love… and have fun, that’s what mattes the most. thank you again <3 <3
MetalPhantasmReads says
No problem. We’re never alone in stuff like this which is great 🙂
Marie says
I agree 🙂 <3 <3
Rebeccah @ The Pixie Chronicles says
I don’t think you should be afraid of showing everyone that you’re human. Jealousy and sadness and insecurity are all a part of being human and I don’t think I’m the only one who likes knowing that other bloggers aren’t all picture-perfect ALL the time. I’m so sorry you’re feeling this way though, and I hope being able to vent about it helps. Personally, I’m such a SLOW reader that I don’t even try to get ARCs, by the time I was able to read them they’d probably already be out for sale!
Marie says
Oh Rebeccah, thank you for your sweet words, you are making me feel better ahah, this post made me a bit nevous. I don’t want anyone to take this the wrong way, I know I am grateful for what I can have and the chances I get, for sure and getting these words out about my insecurities kind of helped 🙂
Ohh well that’s good, at least you are supporting the authors even more by buying their books. That’s what matters more, after all 😀
confessionsofayareader says
I definitely feel those same insecurities every time I’m declined for an arc I requested. I haven’t even been brave enough to ask for physical books yet (but I have been sent a few without asking). I think it’s normal to feel kind of hurt by it. I get really bummed every single time, especially when I see others getting the book.
Marie says
Oh thank you so much for your comment! I am happy that you are feeling the same way – but also sad, obviously, we shouldn’t feel this way at all ahah <3
I guess all we can do is keep on blogging, keep on loving it all and be happy whenever we have opportunities. Jealousy is human I guess, but we are amazing just as well 😀
thank you so much!! xx
confessionsofayareader says
You’re welcome. I always feel a bit guilty for being disappointed, but I have seen quite a few other bloggers feel the same way. It’s nice to know I’m not alone.
Marie says
Oh you are not alone. I’m glad that we can talk about this and know that there is always someone sharing your struggles <3
Claire @bookscoffeeandrepeat says
If it makes you feel any better, I was never approved in Eidelweiss. I get a bit angry every time I receive an email from edelweiss even if it’s just a site update. All in all, I just want to delete my Edelweiss account but I don’t feel like visiting the site to actually be doing it. ?
Marie says
Hahaha, Edelweiss is a mystery to me. There are so many great books, but their approval system is…. I don’t know how it works and how they approve / deny people? I know they have their reasons and I can’t be mad if I am not that “big” enough of a blogger to get approved, but still… I’m curious about how it all works haha 🙂
Oh, don’t give up <3 You never know when you might get approved. If I ever figure out how it works, I'll help you 🙂
thank you so much for your sweet comment, Claire! <3
Loretta @ The Laughing Listener says
You are totally not alone and I feel this post so much. Let’s hug it out!!
I’m still pretty new to the book blogging community (I started my blog at the end of July), so I haven’t even attempted to get any physical ARCs yet. Part of me hasn’t bothered because I know it’s still too early to ask, but a bigger part of me is scared of the rejection. Instead, I’ve tried to build some experience by turning to NetGalley, which has been a disaster. I’ve requested so many different books and I get rejected EVERY. TIME. It’s so frustrating!!! I don’t know what else to do to my profile to make it better. Maybe I’m still too new to be given any digital ARCs?? But I can’t get any experience if no one takes a chance! UGH. I’m going to keep trying because I love being a book blogger and I love reading, but it’s so discouraging sometimes.
Marie says
Aww, thank you Loretta, yes let’s hug it out!! <3 <3
I just have three words for you (okay, technically, it's four): don't give up <3
I've been blogging fo a while now and getting ARCs has always scared me. I know I have gotten pretty lucky sometimes, and some other times I just got really disappointed by everything. I am sure you will get digital ARCs at some point and people will take a chance on you, just like they did on me that first time I got approved for a digital ARC 🙂
Don't give up <3 <3 It is discouraging, but we shouldn't take it too personally, we are doing our best and sharing the love for books, oppotunities will present themselves <3 <3
Kelly says
I live in the U.S. and I tend to get quite a bit in terms of ARCs, but there are still publishers that I can’t get a response from, or that I constantly get rejected for. I’ve also been blogging for years and still have no clue how some bloggers are able to get ARCs from certain publishers, because I’ve tried and always gotten rejected. I rarely request ARCs anymore, because they got to be too stressful knowing there are so many books that you have to read, so now I only request if I really want something.
I can relate to not having access to a library or bookshops with much in terms of YA titles. I live in a little town that has a library but only ever gets backlisted titles and pretty much has no YA, and the closest bookstore is Barnes & Noble and it’s almost two hours away.
I don’t think you should regret publishing this post. It’s your blog and you can post whatever you want – don’t feel guilty for having your opinions.
Marie says
Oh I understand, or at least I can try to understand that! I never got to the point where I felt overwhelmed like that, but I can see how getting a lot of ARCs and books to review, added to the books you want to buy and read and everything else… it’s a whole lot to get through ahah. Also, it it weird at times, how some publishers are “working” for some people, while others just can’t manage to get responses. I am guessing it comes with their own rules and everything… it’s something I’d love to understand – not to scream at anyone hahaha, I’m genuinely curious to see how that works 🙂
Thank you so much for your sweet words, Kelly <3 I felt very nervous about this – I don't want to seem annoying or ungrateful, I am not at all – I'm thrilled whenever I get opportunities, I just feel a bit insecure at times. <3
SERIESous Book Reviews says
This was something I struggled with I’d say until this last year or so. Like you, it’s not about the “free” books but the opportunity to promote something you love and supporting those authors/publishers you appreciate.
I was definitely in that downward spiral for awhile where you start questioning whether or not you’re good enough as a blogger/reader to get these opportunities for ARCs. Then you start wondering how you can get more followers and why you don’t have many already…and it becomes a hole that can be hard to get out of.
I say that it was something that I struggled with until this year but I just got turned down for a request on Netgalley the other week and it made me super sad. However, in this last year, I’ve forged some really great relationships with publishers and authors and have had some great opportunities arise from it. These are stories I enjoy and authors I love so its very rewarding for me as a reader and blogger and I feel like I’m having a positive impact on their success by spreading the word and posting that single review on Amazon. And I know from talking to authors after the fact how much they appreciate it. Every little bit helps.
So while I might not be getting those “ARC envy” titles, I am getting these great opportunities that bring me just as much happiness. And I think that’s been the biggest shift in my approach to reading and blogging: measuring what I read by my happiness instead of what it means in terms of “success”. Because in the end, what does it matter if I read “Book A” months after its release instead of months prior? It still enjoyed the story regardless 🙂
Marie says
Your comment makes me so happy Lauren and it gives me so much hope to feel just like you someday, fulfilled and happy to be able to have these opportunities and ones that make me happy.
It is so rewarding wheneve we get the occasion to spread the love, help an author reach more of their potential readers and so on. As a blogger, it’s one of my biggest goals for sure and I thrive to do that everyday, whether it’s with ACs or just with the books I bought and am reading and reviewing. Doing my best every step of the way 🙂
thank you so much for your beautiful comment <3
SERIESous Book Reviews says
You’ll get there 😉 Don’t worry <3 The longer you stick with this, the more your priorities and goals shift. You also start to build a little more confidence in yourself and learn more what you can control and what you can't and not to get upset by it.
And I totally get the international aspect too. I live in Canada (which is right beside the USA of course) so you'd think we'd be more eligible for certain titles but that often isn't the case. There's a lot of copyright and publishing-right mumbo-jumbo that comes into play. So I've learned what publishers to not even bother contacting (and thankfully, Netgalley has a simple way to know all that).
Marie says
Thank you for your sweet words, that means so much <3 <3 I hope to build up this confidence and learn to let things go as well. I am always tryin to, little by little, I guess 🙂
It's so funny, even more when Canadians like you have a hard time getting books, just as much as we other international bloggers. I always thought it would be a bit easier for you, but I guess not despite the proximity, this really sucks :/
Beware Of The Reader says
Well I’m an international blogger. I began one year ago. I don’t get physical ARCs well not so far but I got plenty of digital ARCs. On the other hand I got many signed books by authors who did love my job so I consider me blessed truly. Of course I would love getting “real” ARCs but in the grand scheme of life I don’t find it essential even if I feel a pang of envy from time to time.
Marie says
Ohh this is so amazing, you must have felt so proud when you got these signed books 😀
You’re right, I think that, despite insecurities and all of these emotions, just making us human, after all, it’s important to remember that we do what we can at our scale and share the love. Or try to the best we can <3
thank you so much for your lovely comment! <3 <3
Amber says
Do not regret this post.
Your blog is incredible. The system is horribly skewed against international bloggers, and that’s worse now than ever. ARCs are the one, small thank you for the thankless job we do. And, yes, it shouldn’t be WHY we blog, but it is a nice thing to have. A small symbol of appreciation.
As bloggers, we need to band together and work around this system. Are people interested in older ARCs, as long as the book is free? What if we could just get an ARC trading circle going, for the physical ARCs at least? (Don’t get me started on the not-tradability of eARCs) I don’t talk to the publishers – I know my blog is small and my views are low and I am unlikely to receive an ARC when more prominent people are asking – but I usually get an ARC from LibraryThing every month (assuming I request one) and I’d be happy to pass those on as I finish them. Or books that I’m done with that landed in my library, that I’m ready to donate. Even as a small US blogger, I do get something, sometimes.
I dunno. What do you think? Would this be something you’d be interested in? Maybe we could get a handful of people to rotate books every month. Of course, shipping is an issue, because then it’s STILL not free.
Thinking on my feet, here. What are your thoughts? I’d ship to France.
Marie says
Oh thank you, Amber. Getting amazing comments from you makes me not regret this at all, you’re the sweetest <3
I know that there is the #bookfortrade thing going on on twitter, where people basically show off their collection of ARCs and books and exchange them, I don't know if you have heard of it? I never tried, mostly because it's between US bloggers and… I don't have anything to trade that people would be interested in, haha.
Otherwise I think you are having a lovely idea here! Only issue would be to ship it especially when it's international… Maybe try and do a poll or something, but I really like your idea 🙂
Amber says
I’ve tried to use #booksfortrade, but it’s very much people only looking for the hottest ARCs. It works really well if you’re matriculated in the system, but less well if you are a small blog or international. Oh well!
I agree… I can’t get past that shipping conundrum. I REALLY wish trading eARCs was an option…..
Marie says
Oh okay, I did not know that! To be honest, I didn’t really watch this book for trade thing, since I only saw US everywhere, ahah. it’s too bad it doesn’t work this well for everyone :/
OH YES. I wish this was an option as well, it would be so great and would definitley help in putting ARCs in great hands as well, diverse book bloggers and so on, without the hassle of shipping. :/
Nordie says
It’s been a long time since I’ve been rejected for an ARC. I think it was on Edelweiss and is perhaps one of the reasons I don’t use it that often. For the digital ones especially I try and keep an eye on the criteria….no point asking for an ARC where it clearly states “US readers preferred” as i know my request would be unlikely to go through. I’m working on my Netgalley ratio to get it up to the recommended 80%, and I hope it’s noticeable to the publishers that I am currently reading more than I am requesting new books so that hopefully helps. I am also on the lists for various publishers who do pushes…Corvus for instance did a thing last year that I was invited to take part in. Part of it is following the rules, eg using requested hashtags, posting in set time limits etc. Delivering helps in future travails.
HOWEVER, ARCS are not the beginning and end of the book world and blogging. Unless you are really really lucky, the majority of your ARCs will not be from well known authors, and therefore you will not be bringing in the traffic and exposure that you and the publishers would like to see. I for one am trying to move away from ARCS and just read books that are already on my shelves, often from authors that are well known. Read the books you like, review what you want, how you want to….if it means reading the same book every year, then so be it…set you and your readers a challenge! You never know what will happen as a result
Marie says
This is so great 🙂 I am always doing my best to follow every rule and obviously request ARCs that are not limited to the US or something. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, I guess luck come and goes when it comes to that as well 🙂
I agree with you. If ARCs are everywhere and a part of the blogging world, we can’t deny that, they aren’t, as you said, the beginning and end of it all. I love reading and I love being able to push books onto people’s shelves and TBRs, whether it’s with ARCs or books I am buying myself and that’s what matters the most for me. Sharing the love for the books I love. 🙂
thank you for your comment! 🙂
Pen & Parchment says
I can do relate to this post. Often times, I feel like requesting an ARC not so much for the book itself, but just because I want to prove to myself that I’m a good enough blogger with a voice that matters. Of course, if I get rejected or no response, the inevitable feeling comes that I’m NOT as good as other bloggers, and I never will be. At times, I kinda wish that ARCs didn’t exist too, just so we would all have a level playing field. As a teen, it’s also frustrating to see an overwhelming majority of ARCs for YA books going to adults upwards of 35 years old. Not that they don’t deserve to read them, but just that I feel like I can barely keep up with everyone else. At the end of the day though, you just have to remember that blogging is about your own creativity, a form of expression! It’s about those little moments where a post gets more likes than you expected, or another blogger comments something really nice. And, eventually, you will get to read the same books, even if you have to wait a little longer! ❤️
Marie says
I love that you said “I feel like I can barely keep up with everyone else”. I do feel this way sometimes – and I do feel that ARCs would go more often to teens as well, it would be pretty great.
You are so, so right about this and thank you for saying it so beautifully. In the end, it’s all about the love we share in the community and the conversations we have about books. Thank you for the reminder, I needed that <3 <3
Thank you so much xxx
amortalreader1 says
Please don’t regret posting this, your arguments are well articulated and I get what your trying to say completely! Sometimes people do take for granted arcs they get, I wish you were able to have more opportunities. With everything’s that’s been happening lately with Goodreads, Netgalley etc i’m so annoyed by it all. You are such a fantastic blogger and you could really help boost a book up!
I wish publishers were able to look at the blog and the author of the blog and decide based of that alone rather than where they are in the world 🙁
Marie says
Oh thank you so much, Hannah <3 <3 I so have this fear of being… I don't know, of everything just being taken in a wrong way, when I'm just confused about things at times. Feelings are confusing I guess, even when it comes to blogging haha.
Geography is soooooooooo bothering at times, ahah, you're right, ugh :/ but there's nothing we can do about that, I guess…. and… I wouldn't trade my baguette and cheese for anything. I am a French cliché hahaha.
thank you!! xx
amortalreader1 says
We are so alike I love it because I also constantly get scared that people might read something a way I never intended it and i’m like oh gosh i’m confused so will they get it?!
Marie says
SAME HERE??!!! I am always so scared and type everything then want to delete it or just un-post something, just for like, one sentence that people don’t even notice, sometimes. I’m always so scared people take things the wrong way. I think it’s that twitter mentality, where I saw so many small tweets blow up and take crazy proportions??! I don’t know haha.
littlebookynook says
I can completely understand how you feel. ARC’s aren’t the main reason why I blog either, but I do tend to get ARC-envy when I see soooooo many other bloggers/booktubers with ARC’s and knowing I have to wait months to read it. And it really does feel like coming to the party late hey, like “hey everyone, I just read …..” and no-one cares because they have already moved on. I just got my first ever physical ARC, I actually couldn’t believe it because I have requested ALOT and never get anything. But honestly, looking at the number of followers you have, I think it’s a shame that you don’t get ARC’s more….it’s clear you put a lot of work into your blog and you have a lot of people who love your blog, publishers would be LUCKY to have you promoting their books!!!
And I think this is a great post!! I love honest posts, and that is what yours is. It’s nothing to be ashamed of 🙂
Marie says
Aw thank you so, so much for your sweet comment! <3 <3 I'm always trying to be honest with everything blogging, but sometimes it makes me nervous to publish the post afterwards ahah. Thank you for your sweet words, this means so much to me <3
and yay, congratulations on your first physical ARC, this is SO great! I hope you'll enjoy the book 😀
Swetlana @ The Caffeinated Bookworm Life says
First of all, I would like to send you a ton of hugs because you do not deserve to feel like you and everything you put into this blog aren’t good enough. Because in my opinion,it is! And you should be getting all the opportunities out there!
I completely understand where you’re coming from though as I will often get hit with the same feeling whenever I am declined access to an ARC I was really looking forward to. Because it does sting and sometimes it stings quite bad too. Depending on how excited you were about possibly getting said ARC.
“When a publisher grants me a wish, it feels like they trust me to promote their books. It feels like my blog is successful enough to be given this opportunity.” – yes, yes, yes. That’s exactly how I feel so many times too! It’s like someone sitting in front of their computer out there saw your content and the effort you put into producing said content thought ‘Yes, this is exactly the kind of person we want spreading the word!’, it’s kind of like a stamp of approval.
And I have to say, I’ve been ridiculously lucky this past year with the digital ARC copies I’ve been accepted for and it’s hands down not something I take for granted. Like you said, it’s so fantastic to be able to shout about your love for an upcoming release with everyone else.
Have you ever tried looking into big publishing houses who have offices in France too? Maybe they have programs for bloggers to receive ARC copies? That’s what I’ve been doing recently too and while they may not always have the newest of the newest books released, sometimes they just get them a few months later and send them out to bloggers for review.
And here in Germany at least, it’s usually a finished copy of the book they send out which is just insane to me. I was so used to seeing ARC copies with these big stickers on them and then the first time I got a copy from the German division of Random House it was an actual hardcover they send me. I was shocked. And still am.
Marie says
Awww Swetlana, thank you so, so much for your sweet comment, I’ll take that hug ahah <3 <3
I love how you said "stamp of approval", this is SO how I feel about it all. I love blogging and put a lot of my time and… myself, on it all, but whenever I get opportunities, I feel like I did something right and it makes me even prouder 🙂
That's so, so awesome. I'll have to look into publishing houses in France, but… I don't want the book in French?! hahaha. Thank you so much for the idea though 😀
thank you again for your sweet words and comment xx
Swetlana @ The Caffeinated Bookworm Life says
Ah, that’s understandable! I’ve kind of taken to ‘accepting’ that I’ll be getting some books in German even though I haven’t read in German in too long but maybe I’ll get my sisters to read books this way! I can’t force my English copies on them as they aren’t that fluent with the language. But I also don’t mind having some German copies to review, especially if they are books I would have picked up eventually!
Marie says
OH yeah, I understand 🙂
Jacqueline @bluejaybooks says
Yes, rejection is always hard, but the success makes it worth it 🙂 I was just approved for an e-arc for the first time a few months ago and was surprised because of all the rejections I’ve gotten. Still, it’s easy to be envious 🙂
(People reading this comment may be confused by the number of ARC reviews on my blog. I got these ARCs primarily from attending book events/knowing people who attend book events. Not from getting approved for them by a publisher.)
Marie says
Yes you’re so right about that, thank you for the reminder!! <3 It's always hard and it hurts whenever we are rejected, but it makes these little times when we actually are approved even better, I guess 🙂 thank you for your sweet and positive comment!! <3 <3
Jacqueline @bluejaybooks says
You’re welcome <3 I hope there are more acceptances in your future!
Marie says
thank you!! <3
Trang (Bookidote) says
WHAAAT !!? Seriously , this came to me as ashock . You have one of the largest reach in my entire blogosphere and I dont think you should be denying them LIKE EVEN ARCS WTFF ITS NOT LIKE THEY HAVE TO SHIP THE BOOKS OR ANYTHING ??? Your blog is totally awesome and deserving everything !! ? I’m sad when I hear other international bloggers don’t get the fair treatment ? I’ll be sure to bring along a lot of them ARCS when I’m visiting France again ??❤️ I used to live in Rennes so I hope youre not far from Bretagne GAHA ? SENDING YOU ALL MY LOVEEE
Marie says
Wait… Visiting France again??? WHEN ARE YOU COMING?! Also, aerm…. I’m on the opposite side of the country ? ? ?
Thank you so, so much for your sweet words and comment, Trang, you are way too sweet, I don’t deserve you???
Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ says
I agree Trang, that this is a shock babe!!!! You are such an AMAZING and supportive blogger babe crush!???
Marie says
AWwww <3 <3 <3 <3
Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ says
???
Valerie says
Awww Marie <3 I very much agree with everything that you've said here! And I'm sure many people do too! I know I'm not international and I do feel very very lucky to receive ARCs (and I wish I could give my luck to you!). I too have seen publishers cut back on ARCs, more for international bloggers than for US bloggers though. But I see more of the "Wish for it" button on Netgalley, and just more rejections for many people overall. (It could be that they're cutting back because of their concerns on piracy). I know you don't want to hear the whole "ARCs don't matter" speech, but I just want to say, no matter what you blog about, I will ALWAYS be here. I loved your blog from the moment I visited, and that doesn't happen often at ALL. And I think that's what makes you a successful blogger to me 😀 <3
Marie says
Yes, that “Wish for it” button kind of replaced almost everything on NetGalley – maybe you’re right about the piracy thing! I don’t know, the whole ARC thing is quite a hot topic now and it kind of made all of these feelings of insecurity come right back, hence this post ahah 🙂
thank you so much, Valerie, and you are so right to write it -to be honest, I think ARCs do matter, but they’re not EVERYTHING. They’re not the biggest thing in blogging, or why I am blogging after all 🙂
AWW really?! that’s WAY too sweet of you to say, Valerie, thank you so, SO much <3 <3 <3
shar says
I totally get this! First of all, all those publishers are clearly missing out by not giving you ARCs. You would do such a great job promoting the books you’re given, you get heaps of follower interaction, and you’re an amazing person. Your dedication to blogging inspires me! I’ve never *properly* got an ARC (I have some physical ones that a family friend who owns a bookshop gave, and Shanti got an eARC of When Dimple Met Rishi from the author on twitter), because of being international and a small blog? I do want to try at some point. But the few international bloggers who get heaps of ARCs make me so, so jealous and urggghh. I mean, it’s not their fault that I feel this way, but basically I totally get it. I hope you get granted some more ARCs soon! You totally deserve it <3
Marie says
Awww shar, thank you for your sweet words, that’s so sweet of you <3 <3
Ohh you have a family friend owning a bookshop? That's GOALS ahah, has to be so cool, and not only for the ARCs, but… for ALL the books, obviously 😛
I guess we can't help feeling a bit jealous at times – it's only human after all.
thank you so much!! xx
Beth (Reading Every Night) says
Oh Marie I completely get how you feel with this post. 🙂 ❤️ When I get declined for ARCs I get a little insecure because I wonder what I, or my blog I guess, did wrong to get me declined. Still at the end of the day ARCs aren’t really a measure of success and I do think your blog is incredible, and that you’re an incredible blogger as well. ❤️ I rarely request ARCs from publishers, just because the amount they have to give are limited and I prefer reading on my Kindle so NetGalley is usually the way to go for me. 🙂
There’s always a lot of discussion about ARCs, it seems to be a hot topic at the moment, or maybe I’m just more aware of it now. Either way I’m glad you decided to post this. I loved reading your thoughts on the topic, though I am sorry ARCs make you feel this way (then again like you said we are only human aren’t we?)
Great post. 🙂 ❤️
Marie says
Thank you so, so much for your sweet comment, Beth! <3 You're right, I guess ARCs aren't a measure of success and I should remember that more often 🙂
It is a bit of a hot topic now, given everything that is happening for international bloggers and so on…. I don't know ahah, it's always a bit of a sensitive topic in the community ahah, I was so nervous to write this post…
thank you!!! <3 <3
Beth (Reading Every Night) says
That’s all right. 🙂 ❤️ I mean yeah ARCs aren’t a measure of success but I can completely understand your frustration over them. I feel the same way at times. 🙂
Oh do you mean everything that’s been announced around NetGalley and the like (I’ll admit I’m not as up to date in that as I should be).
That’s all right. 🙂 ❤️
Marie says
Yeah that’s what I’m talking about 🙂 there have been loads of change – well, an overwhelming lot of “wish for it” buttons on there… and no wishs granted ever haha on the NetGalley website for international bloggers :/
Beth (Reading Every Night) says
Oh yeah I’ve noticed a lot of “wish for it” buttons too, seems pointless to even click on them when they’re rarely granted right?
Marie says
Yes, it does seem a bit pointless now… Never hurts to try, though, hahaha, even if we rarely get answers, never know if we might get lucky 🙂
Beth (Reading Every Night) says
Oh yeah keep trying. I guess in this situation it’s all we can do right?
Marie says
I agree 😀 <3
kat @ paperbackdreamer says
OKAY MARIE.
First I want to say that your blog is 10000000% worth getting ARC’s for and I know it sucks when you get rejected and your wish doesn’t come true. I’m pretty sure wishes on Netgalley are like unicorns and are so rare people rarely get one!!!
But I agree, when a publisher doesn’t reply to me/get nothing in my post or a little email from Netgalley comes up saying “Unfortunately you’ve been unsuccessful” it does suck and it does hurt so I do see where you are coming from so you should in NO WAY regret posting this because you aren’t alone feeling the way you are.
As for when I get ARC’s i get to excited and tell my fiance (who totally doesn’t get it but pretends he does) because it’s such a lovely feeling.
Just no that you aren’t alone in feeling this, it’s pretty sucky but i’m sure your time to shine is just around the corner!!! 😀
Marie says
Awwww Kat you are so, so sweet, thank you for your sweet words!! <3 <3
I guess it's only human to feel sad and rejected whenever it doesn't work out, I guess all we can do is keep on trying and keep on loving blogging no matter what <3 <3
Hahaha, I get the feeling, whenever I get lucky, I need to shout it as well and annoy everyone (well, my family only) haha.
Thank you so much!! xxx
Rose @ Page Revel says
Marie, I love your blog and your posts so much.So, let me tell you that you are worth it.I have a little ARC insecurity too but I think about the books I have and well it goes away.Something like, “I have all these other books to read”.But I know what you mean.It does hurt a bit when you get rejected even for digital ARCs.But I do hope that it gets better for you and you get accepted for lots of ARCs 🙂
Marie says
Aw thank you so much for your sweet comment, Rose, I’m glad I’m not the only one feeling this way! <3 I always need to remind myself of the pile of books already waiting to be read, that's a great tip to feel better about it all 🙂
thank you!! xx
herinkedsoul says
Oh hun, I love how utterly honest this post is!
This is something I can COMPLETELY relate to because I have never received any ARC whatsoever so you can imagine the feeling! I dont even know how to ask for them and how people get them so easily!
But I try not to let that make me feel as less of a blogger that I already am. It’s okay we’ll read all the books at the right time. haha
Marie says
You are so right about this – whether we get ARCs or not shouldn’t influence the way we feel as bloggers and / or our worth. Even if, like I said in the post, we can’t help feeling that way every once in a while, it’s good to remind ourselves that we are still great bloggers spreading the love <3 <3
thank you so much for your sweet comment xx
RedRocketPanda says
Your feelings around this are completely valid and, as I’m sure you can tell from the other comments, you’re not alone in your feels! A few months ago, it used to really bother me that I wasn’t being approved for the *big name* books that everyone was talking about. I would get approved for others, but not the ones everyone was talking about. At first, it did really bother me but now I’ve learned to be at peace with it a little bit. I am still jealous of people who seem to get approved for EVERYTHING, and there are times that I feel really left out… I don’t have much traffic on my blog yet and I’m worried that part of that is just because I miss out on the most popular books. I’m trying to look at it more positively as it meaning that I can blog about other books which make me stand out, rather than just go with the crowd, but it does mean that a lot less people care about what I have to say about those books!
I haven’t requested books for a little while because I have a few I need to finish ASAP and don’t want to keep creating a massive backlog on NetGalley, but I’m also getting nervous as I know other international bloggers seem to be having a really difficult times getting approved for ARCs at the moment?
Marie says
It’s great that you have learned to make peace with it, definitely trying to as well, one step at a time, even if some days are harder than others 🙂 and it definitely makes you stand out, you are amazing for that <3
Yes – well, on NetGalley, the "wish for it" button has appeared almost everywhere, meaning that we can't request it directly and have a harder time than ever getting approved. I'm not sure why that is, I think publishers have the hand on everything anyway…. Oh well, we only have to wish harder haha, I guess 🙂
thank you so much!! xx
RedRocketPanda says
I applied for 4 books on Netgalley a few days ago, some of the 2018 releases I’m most excited about. Only 1 of them was up for request and I got rejected! The other 3 have disappeared into the wish ether, so fingers crossed I get at least one of them!
Marie says
OH I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you then!! <3 <3 I'm really curious: what are some of these releases? 😀
ioana @dragonwaffles says
YOU ARE MOST DEFINITELY WORTH IT OK?? Don’t let dumb publishers get you down. YOU WORK REALLY HARD AND YOU’RE AMAZING FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO!! I stand by what I said earlier this week when I first found out about this whole thing (and I too was heartbroken…and I still am) GOODREADS AND NETGALLEY MIGHT NOT CARE BUT THE COMMUNITY DOES!! We’re all in thsi together *insert clapping and cheesy choreography*!! I was so suprised and overwhelmed by the SUPPORT and POSITIVITY that came from teh international blogger community these past few days. We really are a force and it proved to me that WE ARE NOT ALONE *insert more cheesy music*.
I hope you don’t regret posting this. Because everyone needs hugs sometimes and we’re always here to offer them *hug*.
Marie says
AWww thank you for your sweet comment, you are amazing <3 And thank you for putting that High School Musical song in my head now hahaha.
We're definitely not alone, it feels so great to meet so many international bloggers <3 <3
thank you so much, you deserve all the hugs <3
Poulami @ Daydreaming Books says
Honestly, it hurts. But I’m starting to let it go…
Anyway, please don’t feel that way Marie, you are one of the best and sweetest bloggers I know, so don’t let ARCs intimidate you.<3
Marie says
Aw thank you so much for your sweet words, Poulami <3 I'm trying to let it go slowly, even if some days are harder than others ahah 🙂 thank you!! xx
Poulami @ Daydreaming Books says
I can totally understand that. <3
kozbisa says
YESSSS! When I get a approved for an DRC, I feel validated as a blogger, just as you said. Every rejection hurts, even if it’s just for a book. The only physical ARCs I have are from BookCon/BEA and giveaways. I have NEVER had one sent to me by a publisher. But honestly, I would rathe read a digital copy.
Marie says
Oh I’m so glad you are feeling the same way! I don’t need them to blog or to feel good about my blogging, but… it’s a little plus that makes me feel validated, in a way, and I love it. 🙂
And … yes, we already have tons of books and if you prefer digital books, that’s great ahah and less of a hassle to ask for e-ARCs than physical copies, I guess 😀
thank yo so much!! <3
Shannon @ It Starts at Midnight says
I agree with you completely. You put this very eloquently, it isn’t the “free books” thing, it’s that it DOES make us feel validated! And in blogging, there’s not a lot of concrete ways to measure progress. So even though you might know logically that ARCs don’t define you or your blog, it absolutely can sting when you get denied. I know I get a pretty solid case of the sads every single time. Like “what did I do wrong?” kind of stuff. Even though I am sure most of the time it’s totally arbitrary. I am extra sorry about the international stuff though, that has to be so hard. I hope that all of that can be worked out soon for you guys, you deserve better!
Marie says
Oh thank you so, SO much, Shannon. I’m so happy to hear you feel the same way about it! <3 Yes, I guess sometimes it really is arbitrary, but it still stings, especially when it's books you really , really, really can't wait for. Anyway, I guess all we can do is try our best and hope it works out 😀
thank you again <3 <3
tanazmasaba says
I completely understand how you feel, being an international blogger myself. But it’s like you said yourself–ARCs does not make up your entire blogging experience. You keep blogging, you keep posting quality content and eventually you’ll start getting accepted to.
Note: and while you are requesting for ARCs try to see the country preferences which aren’t always mentioned in Netgalley or Edelweiss but on the publisher’s official site. Believe me, that helps. 6/10 times an international blogger is denied ARCs because of legal territory issues rather than any failings on the blogger’s part.
Marie says
Oh thank you so much for your sweet comment – I am so glad you enjoyed this post. All we can do is keep on blogging and loving it, and hoping to get accepted and let things go, I guess. Things I have to learn how to do ahah 🙂
Oh thank you so much for the tip! 😀
lry93 says
YES TO THIS POST!!! <3 I have accepted the fact that I am unlikely to get physical ARCs purely because is the fact that I live in Germany. Whilst this sucks, I do understand shipping costs etc. However, I really feel like I was getting somewhere in regards to digital ARC's with Netgalley an publishers and I hate the fact that Netgalley (and GR) have really started to alienate the international readers of this community. It 's like a huge slap in the face and basically saying that we don't matter. Like you, I do not blog for ARCs and, whilst I am jealous of other people getting these amazing ARCs, I wish that the same respect and recognition would be given to international readers, who work just as hard on their blogs as U.S/U.K residents.
Marie says
OH yes I so agree with you on this. I really feel like it’s not about getting the free books, it’s about getting the same respect and recognition (obviously when publishing rights allow it) than all of the other bloggers. It feels like doors are closing on us and it makes me so sad 🙁
thank you so, so much fo your sweet comment <3 <3
Evelina @ AvalinahsBooks says
I guess I actually don’t even know when I’m disapproved 😀 NetGalley often doesn’t tell you 🙂 Edelweiss does though (maybe it could stop? xD) So I’m just happy in my oblivion, lol.
I know one Spanish blogger who gets print ARCs, but she’s not afraid to ask. Perhaps I would also get them if I asked. And yet she’s given me their emails and told me what to do about half a year earlier and have I asked yet? NOPE. Not yet. Don’t know when I will. I’m always like “I need to be bigger before I do”… I need to this and that. I’m not ready yet. They’ll surely say no and then I’ll never have a second chance (??)
So I guess this qualifies as ARC insecurity!
But of course, I feel like before I ask, I will have to clean up my ARC act because I have so many old ones and I just don’t feel right about myself to ask for print ones when I haven’t even read these.
LOL geography hurts :DDDD good one!
But yes, the worst part is the feeling, like you’re just not good enough somehow. Like anything with missing out on opportunities, it will just make you feel bad, and I think that’s where the crux of this problem lies – not in the fact that we don’t get ARCs. It’s in how it makes you feel.
But I think it’s not fair to believe that about yourself. You’ve told me how many followers you have! You obviously don’t suck 😀 so many people like your posts! (Me included) It’s just our silly insecurity (and I know what you mean, cause I also have it – plus I have way less followers, so that’s one less thing to have in my defense xD) But anyway, I think that’s why we have our awesome community now – to tell each other that IT’S NOT LIKE THIS. That we shouldn’t feel like that about ourselves! <3
Marie says
hahahaha, I’m so happy in my oblivion as well, I’d rather Edelweiss did that as well. It would help with the disappointment, I would rather not know, at times and not get emails about it to make me sad haha 🙂
Just trying to send a small little email to ask is SO overwhelming ahah, it took me a long, long time to try this. I haven’t been too successful so far, but… I guess I won’t give up and I can’t control things like that, just keep my fingers crossed? haha.
I so agree with you. Thing is, it’s not the fact that we don’t get ARCs, it’s just the way it makes us feel in the community, compared to other bloggers and so on. I wish ARCs didn’t exist sometimes, just to get rid of this feeling haha 🙂
Oh Evelina, you are so, so sweet, thank you so much!! <3 <3 It is a silly insecurity for sure haha, also, you are AWESOME and your blog is incredible, there is no reason you should feel insecure. You are doing so many inspiring things in the community, it's impressive <3 <3
thank you so, so much for your sweet words, this means so much <3 <3
Evelina @ AvalinahsBooks says
Awww <3 I'm so glad of that NetGalley crisis or else I never would have properly started talking to you and all those other awesome people 🙂
Marie says
Same here!! <3
Darque Dreamer Reads says
I love getting ARC’s of highly anticipated reads so I can help promote them, and most of the time I still end up buying the book. I try not to request anything I know I may not enjoy. I also try not to let it get to me when I get rejected, because I know the publishers and agents have to do what they feel is best as far as promotion goes. The only time I let it get to me is if I see someone with way less followers get an ARC that I didn’t get, or if I see someone admit they got the ARC but never read it, lol. But it does feel good to get approved, or sent, an ARC. I try my best to read it in a timely fashion and help promote it. I have gotten 3 physical ARC’s in the past year, but have also been rejected for close to 10 of them.
Marie says
Oh it feels amazing to be able to promote books you loved and kind of build up some hype around these titles for sure, it feels like such a privilege to be part of this 🙂
thank you so much for sharing your thoughts about this! 🙂
Darque Dreamer Reads says
It certainly does! I do feel accomplished when I write a good post about a loved book. I am glad there are still many of us who take pride in it. Sometimes it seems like some people just request ARCS because they want free books, and its a shame.
Marie says
I agree – for me, it’s not about the free books, it’s about… yeah, it’s definitely pride and amazing to have opportunities like these and I cherish it every single time I get lucky enough. We all should feel this way and remember to feel this way 🙂
thank you so much!! <3
Darque Dreamer Reads says
Exactly! <3
Dani @ Perspective of a Writer says
I know what you mean about always late to the party… I feel like that just as a commenter! But I just got rejected for a book I was actually excited to read and I know its because with that source I haven’t rated all 4 stars like they want and that is a hassle for them… It makes me sad because I can’t compromise who I am (just as you can’t change you live in France!) I do wish that Netgalley would open an international version of itself… the international market is different I know (though I don’t know all the ins and outs) but surely there is a way to make that profitable to the publishing companies supplying that market! GAH!! It does hit you hard though when you get those rejections… Sorry Marie! <3
Marie says
Oh I understand – it is so annoying, there are just some things we can’t change, I guess and we have to deal with it. Being rejected is hard, but I’m guessing that all we can do is try our best, try harder and… someday it will pay off, hopefully 🙂 thank you s omuch for your sweet comment, Dani! <3
theorangutanlibrarian says
Oh honestly, I can really relate to this, because I get denied *a lot* (most of the time hehe- not that I should be boasting about it 😉 ). This is especially a pain for me, cos I’m actually *really* picky about what I request, since I usually only allow for one ARC a month- which means I end up with all my eggs in one basket and basically pretty disappointed. And yeah it sucks to not get approved when I’m totally sure I’m gonna love it- BUT that Aria gif totally sums up what I feel like when I get an ARC though- so I guess I just gotta hold onto that feeling! Also btw, never had a physical ARC- I wish lol!! Point is- don’t worry- I get totally insecure when I see people who get a gazillion ARCs but seriously, I can’t judge myself by those standards and I know that the bloggers have put in *so much* work to get them (especially when they do hundreds of reviews for netgalley, maybe with books they weren’t as psyched for, so that they could eventually get the ones they want- I just gotta respect how amazing their commitment is there tbh!) But yeah, very relatable post!!
Marie says
Oh thank you so much for your sweet words and comment! <3 I'm glad -but also a bit sad, obviously- that you can relate to this post <3 It's always hard to face disappointment, but I guess all we can do is try harder and hope that someday it will pay off and we will get the amazing books we dream of 😀
Also, I guess there's some kind of pressure as well when it comes to reviewing ARCs, I'm glad, in a way, not to be crumbling under them so far hahaha.
Thank you!! <3
theorangutanlibrarian says
You’re very welcome!! <3 Yeah absolutely 🙂 hehe yes!! That is the positive side of not getting many arcs for sure 😉 I actually am pretty grateful to not have too much ARC stress 😉
You're welcome! <3
readinginthewings says
I totally understand! I feel like I get behind the curve a lot of the time because of lack of access to ARCs. It makes my excitement to get the book higher, but by the time I get it the hype has died down! It can be frustrating, but like you said, we keep going anyway because we love it! Keep going girl! You got this! 🙂
Marie says
It is a bit frustrating, but you’re right: as long as we love our books, even if we have to wait longer… we got this, ahah 🙂 thank you so much for your sweet words!! <3
lostartofreadingblog says
Oh yes I get that, I live in Canada and shipping is ridiculous to get something here sometimes. So I don’t blame people for not wanting to ship me a book, but I am also slightly jealous of bloggers especially in the US.
Marie says
Shipping costs ARE ridiculous haha, it’s so annoying. I understand and it’s only human to feel this way after all. All we can do, I guess, is do our best, blog our hearts out and embrace it whenever we get opportunities 😀 <3
lostartofreadingblog says
I don’t do it for the books so I’m not too concerned to be honest, just a little annoying I guess.
Marie says
Yeah I understand, but what can we do, we’re happy to live where we live anyway 🙂 <3
Zoie says
I admire you so much for how honest you are, Marie! ? Like you mentioned in your post, you aren’t blogging for arcs, but I think you’re still justified in feeling that way about not getting arcs. I’m still a relatively new blogger, but I’ve already felt the pressures of what seems to be the norm for book blogging nagging at me to follow them, and getting arcs was included at first. But I’ve found this new way at looking at arcs that makes me think more positively — if I don’t have any arcs I need to review, then I can focus on producing more content that stems from me and reflects what I’m passionate about. If you think about it, arcs take up a LOT of time to review, and having that time freed up allows you to explore what you love doing as a blogger without the confines of needing to review arcs.
I hope you find something that works for you, Marie! Just so you know, as a reader, I’ve never noticed that you didn’t review arcs because all that mattered to me was that your posts are always honest, passionate, and unique ? Thanks for sharing your thoughts! ?
Marie says
Oh thank you so, SO much, Zoie <3 I do try, even if sometimes I'm way too nervous at hitting the publish button after a post like this. I'm glad you enjoyed it <3
This is such a lovely way to think about it, and it's something we ALL should do <3 focus on what we love, and even if ARCs are an amazing opportunity, I guess they also are a responsibility we have to follow ahah 🙂
Oh wow, thank you <3 <3 This really makes me happy and warms my heart aw <3
Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ says
Thanks for sharing this post! With your amount of followers I am surprised you don’t receive many more! I feel bad when I get rejected as well. I see people with way less followers get accepted for titles that I wanted so bad and it’s not that I am jealous I just wonder what I am lacking and get insecure like you said! It’s awesome you opened up about this issue because I think a lot of us bloggers face this at some point or another but I wanted to let you know your blog is fantastic and I have been reading over your posts and your a great blogger even this one is admirable where you are so honest and discuss a real issue we face as bloggers! Great post and thanks for sharing!????
Marie says
Oh thank you for your sweet words, Dani, I’m so glad – but also sad and sorry! – that you are feeling the same way. It’s EXACTLY like you said, it’s not even about jealousy, it’s about having…this sort of insecurity about ourselves, somehow? I wish I knew how to get rid of it, but well… I guess it will go away eventually, I don’t know how haha 🙂
OH Dani, thank you so, SO much for your sweet words, you have no idea how much that means to me, thank you!! <3 <3 <3 <3
Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ says
Awww… You’re so welcome!!!!???????
Book Bosomed Blonde says
Fantastic discussion post! I love finding new blogs that have an honest person behind them. You are definitely getting a follow from me! I can totally agree with you on the feeling of needing to have ARC’s to be successful even though it’s not true and feeling as though you’re not worth it! I hate being rejected but i guess it’s all just apart of life right? Still, it makes it that much more exciting when you do get approved because you can appreciate it more xx I just try to look at the positives even when it feels like they’re negligible! Keep up the great work, so excited i found your blog love, you’re worth it!!! ❤
Marie says
Oh thank you so, so much for your sweet words, you made my day, really, thank you <3 <3
I agree with you, we always need to try and look at the positive, first, and try and not let these rejections put us down… even if, sometimes, it's a bit hard ahah 🙂 thank you so , SO much! <3
Book Bosomed Blonde says
Awh you’re welcome! Glad to find someone else with the same feelings towards it. Makes you feel a little less like you’ve been excluded! xx
Marie says
Exactly <3 And we're always here to support each other in this community <3
May @ Forever and Everly says
Aaaghhh I love this post!! Especially with all the horrible things with Netgalley and Goodreads going on concerning intl readers. (Like Netgalley??? Digital ARCs???? Doesn’t even make sense.) But I TOTALLY agree that ARCs can make us feel so much more successful!! I know that when I was approved for my first ARCs (that happened to be physical), I felt like it was proof that I was doing something right. But now I haven’t been getting replies (which I understand) or requests approved, and it makes me sad?? Like obviously, yes, I’m sad. But it also makes me feel like I’m not enough, like you said. But as you said in your post, I’m not blogging for ARCs!! To me those are a bonus, and while they do affect my thoughts on blogging a little, they’re definitely not why I blog at all.
Love this post!! ?
Marie says
Oh thank you so, so much, May! <3 to be honest, I was so nervous reading this post and am still nervous seeing it online, but they are my feelings and I guess they're valid and I can do whatever I want haha. It's just always this strange feeling of not "being enough", somehow – sometimes, it comes back and bite you in the *** haha, even if we know it's sometimes due to randomness and luck more than anything else, that we don't get the ARCs and opportunities we want.
ANYWAY yes, just like you said, we are not blogging for ARCs and even if they do affect us a little bit, we should let them be… well, whatever they are and not let them define our whole blogging 🙂
thank you SO much, May!! <3
Savings InSeconds says
This is my first time visiting your blog — I found your link through It Starts At Midnight.
I had no idea it was that difficult for international readers to obtain books, especially ARCs. To be honest, I think I have really taken that for granted! I guess I thought books would be more easily attainable internationally, at least in France and other European countries.
Though I can’t do anything to help with the ARC issue, I will be more mindful when hosting my own giveaways on my blog. Maybe I can try to ship internationally a couple of times a year, just so those readers can enjoy some of the fun!
Marie says
It is quite hard to get all the books we want, when we are international bloggers. In France, we have bookshops, but we don’t have a very large selection of English titles – most of the time, there are just the classics and they all fit on one single shelf in the bookshop. I’m grateful to be able to order books online, but some people don’t have that chance either. Access to books can be really hard and bothering :/
Oh that’s so sweet of you. I am so happy my post made you think of that <3
Thank you so much for stopping by and for your sweet comment <3