A Free NetGalley Alternative for Indie Authors
NetGalley charges per title and sends your book to librarians and bloggers. iWrity is free: indie authors read each other's books and post honest reviews on Amazon.
Add your book, review a book you pick, and earn points. Another reader then chooses your book and reviews it. Your first review is free, no card needed.
Why Indie Authors Look for a NetGalley Alternative
NetGalley works well for publishers with a launch budget and a print run. For a self-published book that is already on Amazon, three things get in the way.
You Pay Per Title
A direct listing runs roughly $349 to $599 per book for about six months, before any featured placement. A series of five books multiplies that.
Built for Pre-Publication
NetGalley members request galleys ahead of release. If your book is already for sale, you miss most of what the listing is designed for.
No Say Over Where Reviews Land
Members leave feedback for the publisher and post wherever they like: Goodreads, a blog, a trade journal. An Amazon review is optional.
iWrity vs NetGalley at a Glance
| Feature | iWrity | NetGalley |
|---|---|---|
| Cost to start | Free, first review free | About $349 to $599 per title |
| How it works | Review a book, earn points, get reviewed | Paid galley listing |
| Who reads your book | Indie authors and readers | Librarians, booksellers, bloggers, media |
| Best timing | Book already live on Amazon | Months before release |
| Where reviews go | Amazon | Wherever the member chooses |
| Who picks the book | The reader chooses | The member requests, you approve |
| Paid plan needed | No | Yes, per listing |
NetGalley prices come from published indie-author guides and vary by route (direct, IBPA, or co-op). Check NetGalley for a current quote.
How iWrity Works
1. Add your book
Paste your Amazon link. iWrity checks that the book exists on Amazon, then it goes into the library for readers to find.
2. Review a book you pick
Choose a book from another author, read it, and post an honest review. That earns you points.
3. Spend points on a review request
Open a request for your book. A different reader picks it because it fits what they like to read.
4. Get an honest Amazon review
The reader posts their own review on Amazon. Nobody swaps one for one, and any star rating is allowed.
Review 4 books on the free tier and your first month of Pro is free.
When NetGalley Still Makes Sense
If you have a release date months away, a budget for the listing, and you want librarians, booksellers or trade reviewers to see your book, NetGalley reaches people iWrity does not. Many authors use a co-op listing to bring the cost down.
When iWrity Fits Better
If your book is already on Amazon, sits at zero or a handful of reviews, and you would rather spend time than money, iWrity fits. You read books in the genres you like, and readers who like your genre find yours. Want the full cost breakdown first? Read is NetGalley worth it for indie authors.
Get a free Amazon review for your book
iWrity is a reader community for indie authors. Add your book for free, earn points by reviewing a book you pick, and a different reader chooses yours and reviews it. Honest reviews from real readers, no card needed.
Get my free reviewComparing options? Read our guide to free book reviews.
More NetGalley Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good free alternative to NetGalley?+
If your book is already live on Amazon and you want reader reviews there, iWrity is free to join. You add your book, review a book you pick from another author, and earn points. Another reader then picks your book and reviews it on Amazon. New accounts get their first review free.
How much does NetGalley cost for a self-published author?+
NetGalley sells listings per title, usually for a six-month window. Published figures for a direct listing range from about $349 (the IBPA member rate) to $599 for a package with newsletter placement. Co-op listings through a reseller cost less. NetGalley does not publish one fixed indie price, so ask NetGalley or a co-op for a current quote.
Who reviews books on NetGalley?+
NetGalley members are mostly librarians, booksellers, educators, journalists and book bloggers. They request digital review copies, usually before publication, and leave feedback for the publisher. Where a member posts a review, if at all, is up to them.
Who reviews books on iWrity?+
Other indie authors and readers on iWrity. Readers choose which book they want to read, so nobody is assigned your book and nobody swaps reviews one for one. Reviews are honest, so you can get any star rating.
Can I use iWrity before my book is published?+
No. iWrity checks that your book exists on Amazon before it goes live in the library. NetGalley is built for pre-publication buzz. iWrity is built for books that are already for sale and need their first reviews.
Do I need a paid plan on iWrity?+
No. The free tier lets you add a book and earn points by reviewing. Paid plans add more books and requests. Review 4 books on the free tier and your first month of Pro is free.