Sending Galleys

Well, I'm confused.

A "galley" is a sheet that's pulled from the press on cheap paper, in order to get a feel for how it looks. A "bound galley" is created by the printer to show the publisher how it's going to look on the printed page, made up of a bunch of galley sheets bound together to vaguely resemble a book. A "proof" is the next step up: the pages look more-or-less finished, but they're generally not the final version before a serious print run (hence the term "uncorrected proof").

Where are you getting galleys from?

The publisher, I'd assume. I've been guilty of using the word "galleys" as a catch-all term to refer to both my proofs and the bound galleys used as ARCs (advance review copies). I'm guessing the poster here is talking about ARCs.

Anyway, wvuauthor, has your publisher written a press release? Assuming so, your cover letter doesn't need to say much-- just something along the lines of, "I'm an author from (town), and am hoping you'll consider reviewing my upcoming release, XYZ. I'm available for interviews anytime and can provide photos. Enclosed is the press release and an advance review copy. Thank you for your consideration."

Galleys is a standard industry term for advance copies that are bound but unproofed, and often will go through one more round of edits. WVU author, your publisher should have a complete press kit that could include a general release, book information, an about the author page, some interesting facts that can be used as a sidear for a drop-in article, and, ideally, a prepared Q&A the publication can use to simply drop in quotes and do a story without having to actually interview the author. If your publisher isn't interested in doing this, then do those things yourself and include the press kit with the review copy.
The cover letter can say what Jenna suggests, but I would suggest taking the "i'm an author from XX," going with a much more general letter like, "Dear Book Review editor,
Per your review requirements, here is a galley copy of Title of Fabulous Book, by Soon to Be Famous AUthor.

A two-sentence description of what someone might find in the book (ex: From reed boats, papyrus, and amulets to pyramids, pharaohs, and mummies, Book Title explores the fascinating lives of ancient Egyptians with 30 hands-on building projects for kids ages 9 and older. Please find the book information below:

Author: Your Name
ISBN: 0222222222
Size: 8 x 10
Pages: 128, one-color
Price: $14.95
Pub date: November 2006

That's all you need, with contact information and a line that says, "More more information, contact XX at XX."

JennaGlatzer said:

The publisher, I'd assume. I've been guilty of using the word "galleys" as a catch-all term to refer to both my proofs and the bound galleys used as ARCs (advance review copies). I'm guessing the poster here is talking about ARCs.

Click to expand...

You've been using it correctly Jenna.

Hi! I am in the same boat! One of the things I have done to "sweeten the deal" for local bookstores, is to tell them that I am offering an incentive for buying the book. My book is on winter sport fitness, and I am the owner of a sport conditioning studio. I am offering one free class with the purchase of the book.

My publisher is sending out galleys to the places that are not local. I have contacted them in advance to let them no that they will be receiving them.

Hi Lisa,
Usually publishers send out galleys to publications with the hope that the book will be reviewed in them. Since most book trade publications and lots of national mags have really long lead times (usually 3 months or more), publishers send out not-quite-finished versions of the book to get a buzz going, then follow up with finished copies when the book is printed. I've never sent galleys to bookstores. How is that working for you? Is it a finished book you are giving them, or a b&w galley copy? BookSense does a program called Advance Access, where they send emails to member bookstores on behalf of publishers announcing new releases and offering xx number of free copies of particular new titles. That's usually what we do, since in this case the bookstores are asking us for the title rather than us pitching blindly.

Hi Nomad. My publisher is sending the galleys to publications, etc. Since "ski country" life is pretty intimate, I brought the galleys to the local bookstores. Thanks for the info about Booksense. I'll ask my publisher if she knows about it.