When I started blogging, I really had no idea what an ARC was all about. But when I saw people mentioning sites like NetGalley and Galley Grab (which I really, really miss), I was really, really interested. I got to read advance copies in exchange for reviews. Yes, please. But when I read their guidelines, you could say I was intimidated. Very much so. For professional readers? That’s so… professional, and I’m definitely not that. But I pulled my wits together and decided to give it a try. And I request, after request, after request. And like the old folks will say, the rest is history.

So fast forward to today. I’ve been very lucky when it comes to e-galleys. I’m auto-approved by Harper Collins and Harlequin for their titles. I mean, that sounds like a ball, right? Simon and Schuster is also nice to approve me of some of their titles (if only Galley Grab was still here, I really like their process ^^; ). Macmillan, too. Even the most elusive Penguin sometimes (once in a bluuuueeee moon) approved me (although most of the time they reject me, haha). I love receiving ARCs, I know they’re for marketing purposes, but I like that I get to try the book before purchasing it. If I don’t like it, then it’s ok. It’s going to expire anyway. But if I love it, I’m gonna buy it. It is also why I find e-galleys convenient (not that I don’t like to receive print copies). I just still hugely prefer finished copies displayed on the shelves.

But I noticed how receiving ARCs affected my book buying habit. I noticed on the shelves at home that most of the books were Harper Collins titles. Being auto-approved with them means I read most of their titles. I review most of their titles. And buy mostly their books. I was like, “Hmm, I guess I’m not the only one benefiting from these strategies.” It’s sort of mutually beneficial (more on me though!). Because I thought, “Hey, free books!” It’s always tempting to download all the galleys every time Harper updates on Edelweiss. And because I downloaded those, it means I get to read, review, and, if I like it, eventually buy the books. But that’s my own experience. Now, I wonder if a blogger who receives titles from several publishers How does it affect his/her book buying habit?

So blogger peeps, does receiving advance copies affect your book buying habit? How so? Care to share it with me?