NetGalley Addicts Support Group discussion

I can't add my reviews on Amazon as I haven't made enough purchases. Is this new and does anyone know how to get around this problem? Last year, I made a big purchase on the site but I don't need anything right now. Publishers are asking me to add my reviews to the site but I'm not able to do so and I know that makes a big difference during pub week. In addition, will this eventually affect receiving galleys? I'd appreciate your advice and if it's required, is there an amount that you need to spend? Thank you and I'd appreciate your advice!

Amy wrote: "I can't add my reviews on Amazon as I haven't made enough purchases. Is this new and does anyone know how to get around this problem? Last year, I made a big purchase on the site but I don't need a..."

I haven't been able to post any there in a couple years because of the 50 dollar mandatory spend. I have tons of gift cards and use those when I want to buy anything, unfortunately they don't count. 🤷🏻‍♀️

I made a note on my NetGalley profile that I only post reviews at here and Bookbub. I still get ARCs regularly. If a publisher emails me about posting my review on Amazon, I just explain and suggest they look into Bookbub. So far they have all been understanding.

Amy wrote: "I can't add my reviews on Amazon as I haven't made enough purchases. Is this new and does anyone know how to get around this problem? Last year, I made a big purchase on the site but I don't need a..."

It's not a new thing, and there's no way to get around that problem except by reaching the minimal spending limit. It might not affect your galleys if you have enough other places to review on. Barnes & Noble, Waterstones, Bookbub,... there are many online stores where you can leave a review without making any purchases. Add these to your NG profile.

My family is so completely Amazon dependent (groceries included!) that I have never had this experience. I will tell you that a lot of retailers will let you post without these silly restrictions. Powell's Books is a vendor (and to readers in the Pacific Northwest, also sort of a holy land, ha) that will print your review, but they do have a fairly low max that requires you to either write a super short review or pare it down to one paragraph. But you can post, and last time I checked, you could review a book prior to publication, which is handy. You may have to create an account, but they won't make you buy anything.

I appreciate everyone's feedback! This is the first time it's happened and I wanted to make sure I wasn't doing anything wrong. That being said, I don't want to buy something just to post reviews.