Harper Collins First Look

The thread to discuss the dysfunctional HC ARC program.

For those new to the group and wonder where you might go to join the HC program and attempt to get ARCs go here:

http://www.harpercollins.com/members/firstlook/

If you like books geared towards teens there is also the HC teen program

http://www.harperteen.com/firstlook/

ETA link to the HC Canada first look page (from reports by Canadian users this one seems to be less dysfunctional to the US edition)

http://www.harpercanada.com/firstlook/

Well, I got notified on July 1 that I would be receiving two books from First Look, which was great, I have been trying for awhile and this was the first time I was chosen. My copy of Carol Alt's This Year's Model finally arrived here in NH yesterday, it was mailed on July 2 from NYC. Thing is, the address label that Harper Collins used was missing my zip code! Now I wonder if the second book I am waiting for from them, Dough might have had the same problem. Someone on one of the ER threads said that they got Dough on July 5. (I checked my account at First Look, the zip is there.) Tried emailing First Look to report the missing zip, but no response. So I'm wondering if any other First Look participants noticed that their zip code was missing on their label? Maybe mine was an isolated incident...

It's fascinating that you mention the missing zip code because I saw that my zip code was missing on the site and I edited it and went back again and it was still missing.

So I'm not really sure if I'll ever receive the book. :(

I hate to say it since this is my first experience with First Look, but "dysfunctional" seems to be the correct word! That must be why they put the following in the email telling you that you are getting the book:

"We know you look forward to receiving the book, as we look forward to receiving your review. If either of us cannot fulfill our part of the agreement through no fault of our own, there is no recourse but to try again next time!"

At least they don't hold it against you if you don't get the review done because you never got the book!

I signed up for the HC First Look Canadian site and had no problems for a month or so ... but the last few days the site has not worked at all for me - I get errors at every turn. Hopefully its just a short term glitch though.

>6 xombie:
Yeah, I had an error message come up every time I tried to enter my blurb for requesting a June book, and I gave up. My picks for July though went through with no problem.

dysfunctional is right!!

I don't understand Harper Collins. For whatever reason they don't want to send me books...

Definitely dysfunctional!! When I log in to the First Look website, it says they are waiting for my review of The Safety of Secrets. But I never got an e-mail saying I was getting the book, and I certainly haven't received the book. I've decided to give up on the program. What with the LT ER program, Shelf Awareness, and personal requests to authors, I have too mnay ARCs anyway. Good riddance HC First Look!

I guess I've been lucky with HC, maybe they are starting to iron their problems out? I applied for the first time in June, was picked for Dough: A memoir, and recieved it about a week later. Its my first ARC, so I was pretty excited! Sadly, its not the best book I ever read...

I just totally avoid HC. Shelf Awareness has been way more useful :)

>6 xombie: The Canadian First Look site is currently FUBAR. I have had to e-mail my reviews because the site won't take them. They still show up as being not reviewed even when I e-mail them in though FL responded to my e-mail and thanked me for my review.

Cory (who seems to deal with FL reviewers for HC) keeps assuring me that it will be fixed "soon" which so far is about 2 weeks and counting. I didn't realize the request system was fouled up too.

Anysia: I have had the exact same problem and worry that the site problems will somehow prevent me from getting future HC books to review. However, Cory has been wonderful and hopefully all of this will get settled in the next few weeks.

Still, HC is great to offer this to us -

And we are wonderful to review books for them for free :-)

HC is aware of their problems so I think they are being pretty lenient as far as it affecting future books (that's what Cory told me, at least).

Received in the mail today How to (Un)cage a girl. A book of poetry from the program. Have yet to get notice that I was getting this one...nor do I remember requesting it.

I just check the Harper Collins site and it listed a book under 'my books to review', The Dracula Dossier. I never got any e-mail notification. Just wondering if a book just shows up one day in the mail or does someone have to sign for it?

This must be my lucky week. I also got a book here from Abby, The Dawning of the Day. These are my very first ARC's. It really is exciting!

16 - It just shows up! Congrats - I finally got one too, but no e-mail either.

Or you might get an email and no book! :)

More often an email and no book :(

>16 sydamy:,

When does it say your review is due? It does just show up. Mine showed up 2 weeks ago, but perhaps it is different since you're in Canada? If yours doesn't show up and you want to review it so you have chances in the future, let me know and you can borrow mine.

It doesn't give a due date that I can see anywhere. It just asks for feedback on the book, by filling out a form. I'll review it here on LT also and send them a link to that review also.

Hmm, maybe my due date was on the letter that came with it. Anyway, let me know if it doesn't show up and you want to borrow it for a review.

If it's the Canadian First Look, there will be a date in the letter you get with the book (usually it's 30 days, so August 31st probably). I always get a reminder e-mail asking me how my reading is going about 2/3 of the way through the month and reminding that my review is due soon.

Does anyone know when they'll announce the next batch? The July books are still on the US Harper Collins page.

I got my book yesterday (Dracula Dossier), and the due date was in the letter they sent with it - end of August - I also eventually got an e-mail telling me I was to be receiving the book.

The Canadian site seems to have new books up, but not very many.

I never got notified, but when I logged on, I found that I was supposed to be getting Rune Warrior, but I haven't received it yet.

Kris

>26 Valkitty:,

Yah, me too. It only shows up if I sign in on the child or teen site, though, not on the main one.

The same happened to me. I signed onto the teen site and found a link to post my review of Suicide Notes. I'm excited!

If you are on myspace, add Harper Collins to your friends. They are randomly selecting some of their friends to receive free books and galleys.

Here's the message:
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=61479466&amp...

I think it's funny they posted this message the fifth of August and say over the course of the summer. Summer feel like it's winding down!

lovemybooks,
Thanks for the information about HarperCollins & myspace, very cool!

Man O'man, I'm jealous. Great opportunity, but I don't do Myspace.

I just did a search on www.facebook.com and there is also what seems to be a profile for Harper Collins over there. I think it is new because they only have 22 friends so far but might be another possibility to get in touch with them.

By the way if anyone is on facebook my profile is Billie Jo Kariher-Dyer. Would love to add anyone from here as a friend over there.

32 - Did you try to become a messenger contact of mine recently? If so, sorry - I thought it was spam.

Lenoreva, no it was not me. However, I did just add you as a friend on face book though.

Looks like the US Harper Collins site finally posted some new books!

I just got a message telling me I'm not getting With Violets, which I requested in July.

Anybody know what's up with Harper Teen? Their website has been down for a while (since last Friday at least).

I'm not getting With Violets either.

Me neither for With Violets, but then I never expect anything from Harper Collins - I haven't gotten one yet!

I'm not sure if this will help, but the Canadian First Look program is still happening even though their site is down for maintenance until the fall. They're running it through the blog, Savvy Reader here:

http://savvyreader.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/08/first-look-a-li.html

The First Look Books will be posted once a week on Friday.

Hope that helps!

I signed up a few weeks ago and received word I wouldn't be getting With Violets either.

I got two books last month from the Children/Teen sites, both wanting their reviews by September 1st. Hunt for the Seventh came sometime last week, but Rune Warriors didn't come until today. I think they need to rethink their deadlines a bit, particularly if they aren't going to get books out right away. I have other ARCs to read and this is simply not going to be my priority.

>42 DevourerOfBooks: Well, if they're expecting quick reviews, I hope they have their site up and running by then, because it's been down for a while now.

>43 virginiahomeschooler:, This morning I didn't have any problem getting on the regular First Look (US) site or the Children's First Look site. Harper Collins Teen, however, was down.

What is interesting, though, is that when I had books from the regular site, the fact that I needed to review them showed up on all three when I was signed in. These children/teen books (I don't remember which site they came from) both show up on both the children and and the teen sites, but not the adult site.

I received Hunt for the Seventh and Geek Chik: The Zoey Zone last week from the Harper Collins Teen site. Then I got emails today saying I should be receiving the books in a few days. Oh well!

GeorgiaDawn, I just had the same thing happen. I got Hunt for the Seventh last week and Rune Warriors yesterday, and got all of the emails today.

am so happy!! Deanna, from HarperCollins Canada has agreed to do an online interview for my book blog. I finally got to ask all those questions that I have been dying to know about online marketing, publicity and exactly how publishers feel about book bloggers. I will let you know when I post to my blog. I think we will get some great tips

>47 Nitestar: - Hey that's great Nitestar - I look forward to it!!

> 47- I will definitely be reading your blog that day Nitestar, thanks for the heads up.

47- In case you missed it, I did an interview with Courtney, a publicist from Penguin. Excited to read your interview too!

Here's the link:

http://presentinglenore.blogspot.com/2008/08/interview-with-book-publicist.html

Deanna from Harper Collins Canada is very nice. She saw my profile on Goodreads and asked me if I'd like to review Coventry,a new book by Helen Humphreys. She didn't use a title so I had no idea who she was. I've just figured out she's the one who runs Savvy Reader for Harper Collins. She must have looked at my library because she sent a serious historical fiction that is right up my alley. It's a five star read, I reviewed it here:

http://www.opendiary.com/entryview.asp?authorcode=D711518&entry=10083&mo...

She is going to send me another book, she's a sweetheart.

>51 posthumose:

Oooh, lucky you, I requested that book from the HC First Look program but didn't get it. (I'm not complaining, however, as Deanna just sent me two other books I requested!) Off to read your review...

I came across this information on where Harper Collins might be going with their websites - although the press release is from Harpercollins UK - it's hard to tell if they intend to weave all their websites/all countries into this Authonomy.

I did not sign up for Authonomy - if anyone does, can you please report back? :)

Press release for Authonomy with link to beta site

I saw a post on this and the impression I got was that they were trying to get the general riff raff to go through their slushpile (of course it was late and I may have misinterpreted the description of the site).

>54 anysia: Well, I don't know about riffraff, but they are definitely expecting the general public to go through their slush pile. Not sure I'm interested in such a job, especially as it will involve reading books (or excerpts of books) on the computer...

Heh. When I say general riffraff I mean general public (and include myself).

You say tomahto, I say tomayto... :)

I just got an email rejection from a book in June, lol.

...is the Harper Collins Teen First Look officially gone now? The old link no longer works.

Something is definitely amiss with all of the Harper Collins first look links. Maybe they hired a new website person from Barnes & Noble Book Clubs! :--)

The Canadian Web site is still under construction. They claim it will be back up in the fall. Not specific but they are still offering and awarding books.

I just received The Paris Enigma today. It looks good!

Harper Collins Canada has just told me in an email today:

"I appreciate you taking the time to review the books -- but I do have to request that you do not offer our ARCs for further contests through your website. As they are reading copies meant for review only, we do not want them circulating beyond the reviewer to which they were sent."

In message 48 in the Canadians thread ragdoll74 had stated regarding the Harper Collins Canada First Look program:

"In terms of the program, the galleys / ARCs that we send are not to be sold under any circumstances (as I'm sure you guys know) but if you want to give it to a friend when you're done, of course."

I've never thought of my giveaways as "contests", I 've never even used the term but that could be seen as arguing semantics. I thought of it as "give it to a friend when you're done", book bloggers and their readers being the best friends a voracious reader and book bogger like myself, or any ARC, could have. But I will comply.

As the letter was sent to me by ragdoll74/Deanna herself I thought book bloggers in Canada and the First Look program ought to know.

Sandra at http://freshinkbooks.blogspot.com/

62- Oh man, i wouldn't have expected that.... you'd think they would want more people reading their books and reviewing them, more use out of one copy.

there may be a difference from a legal standpoint between giving them to a friend and holding a lottery on your website (which is what most giveaways are- leave a comment & i'll do a drawing is a lottery). anyone know canadian law on lotteries?

62 - Gosh, I 'm sorry that happened. I've never given books away on my blog but it never would have occurred to me that they would object, since a lot of publishers actually offer bloggers books to give away. I don't see how you could have known.

But if their reasoning was legal, why would they say "we do not want them circulating beyond the reviewer to which they were sent." when, like you said, she had specifically stated earlier that "if you want to give it to a friend when you're done, of course."? Totally contradictory. I get that there may be a legal issue at stake, but if that's the case, they should have stated that in the email rather than saying - you, and only you, are authorized by us to read the book.

I wouldn't want to do anything that would go against the publisher's wishes, but I still think it's odd.

Got my copy of Losing My Religion: How I Lost My Faith Reporting on Religion in America - and Found Unexpected Peace by William Lordell from UPS today.

Title is quite a mouthful to say.. lol.

Just received an email from Harper that I will be receiving Meg Cabot's RANSOM MY HEART to review. This is my first book from First Look, so I'm pretty excited!

Wow, I just got a notice that I'd be receiving Shelter Me by Juliette Fay to review from HarperCollins First Look - I'd pretty much given up on ever getting anything from the program!

>69 skrishna:
That's how I was feeling. Guess it pays to hang in there!

i got the email about getting The Meg Cabot book too, my first one after years of trying!

hey...I just got an e-mail that I was not getting my First Look request.
Oh well...it not like I don't have many others waiting.

>62 posthumose: - 66 >
Has anyone heard that we shouldn't/can't giveaway ARCs on US blogs? The same type of situation (random drawing from entries). If so, is it only Harper Collins that objects to sharing ARCs this way?

#73--I have no idea.

I got a book this week from the Myspace program! They didn't tell me they were going to send it, but the envelope said...this is a thanks for being our friend on myspace. It looks interesting, it's a history book.

>73 TooFondOfBooks: I don't know how other publishers feel, but Harper Collins definitely seems to be vocal about it. It's not just US blogs, I vaguely remember asking about it and was told no (my blog is Canadian).

I'm finding it fairly easy to get giveaways of finished books from other publishers (and no, not just Hachette) and I'm wondering if that's in part to combat ARC giveaways on top of getting cheap publicity.

I find the rules for ARCS quite confusing - especially since they don't seem to be the same for each publishing house.

I've gotten 4 books from this program (well 5 I actually got two copies of The Flirt), I also got The Girl With No Shadow, and This Year's Model, and Gilding Lily. I really like the program...it's been fun participating in it.

> 77

I've managed to snag a few books from the Children/Teen program (including the greatly coveted Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman!) but I've never gotten anything from the adult program.

Here's to hoping that changes, someday!

The HarperCollins Canada sites are back up (finally!).

Excellent, thanks for letting us know, anysia!

valkylee,

Did you get Graveyard Book recently and was it a request or did you win it? I've signed up for the Children/Teen program as a parent (I already belonged to the adult) and I sent a message about that one but didn't receive a response. I was just curious. It sounds like a good book. Thanks for your help!

77, 81 Where do I go to signe up for the Children/Teen program? Am I missing something? I want to start reading/reviewing YA lit and I think this would be a perfect place to start!

81 - I received it a while ago, in July or August I think? I was a FirstLook request, and I was lucky enough to be one of the winners.

82 - Google 'harper collins firstlook children' and it should pop up. I don't have the link handy so that's what I always do when I want it.

82, There used to be a http://www.harperteen.com/firstlook but that link now takes you to the main Harperteen webpage which doesn't have a link to their firstlook program. I'm not sure what they're up to.

Sorry to revive an old thread, but does anyone know what the chances are for actually being chosen for a book through First Look?

I've tried month after month for I can't even remember how long and have had no success as of yet.

Same here :). But I'm still hoping.

I was once told I was chosen but never got the book.

I've never been chosen,either.

My percentage with them is about the same, just a little lower, than LTER. If you're interested in books for like 3rd-8th grade, their children's stuff is usually good and seems less competitive.

How can I be a part of the children's stuff with them? I have children, so reading to them and reviewing would be fun!

Here's the link. If you already have a log-in with the regular Harper Collins you should be able to use it here too.

I think it's probably been 2 years since I got anything from them. I think I have received 4 or 5 books in all the years I've been requesting them.

This may be complete common knowledge, but I believe they have a very limited supply available and the draw from all the requests received. I've also heard they disqualify you if you try for more than 1 book...but that's hearsay.

I'd be interested in knowing if anyone has actually received one (beyond the children books).

Oh, I've received 3 or 4 from the adult program.

I've also received 2 children's books in one month from them, so if they do disqualify you for trying for multiple, that's only the adult books. I think I've tried for multiple and got one from the adults, but not positive.

Thanks D.O.B. Since you've renewed my faith in the program, I guess I'll just keep trying. I haven't requested one in a while, but The Gardner Heist looks good.

I've never been picked for the adult program, but have received multiple from the children's.

It's good to know that there's some hope, at least! Thanks. There's a book they're offering this month that I really, really want to read, so I guess I'll try again.

Thanks!! I'll try out the link!

Earlier this week on twitter, Harper Teen posted a tweet something to the effect of "First Look 2.0 The first 5 people to direct message us will get a copy of this title etc." So I did and was one of the 5! No idea if that helps anyone with anything, but I thought it was fun!

honestly, that's one of the hidden gems of Twitter...I think I've gotten at least 4 or 5 books from those sorts of things.

94. There was one month that I got 2 from the adult program, so they don't disqualify you if you ask for more than one. But that was way back when the program was newer. Maybe things have changed.

I think that there are so many people asking for copies now, that there aren't nearly enough to go around. Kind of like some people complain about the review program here...

101- Oh nice! I'm so in love with twitter, it's so fun!

They definitely don't disqualify you if you ask for more than one book. I ask for more than one every month, and I've been lucky enough to receive books twice, including just this last month. Generally, I still have better luck getting books with LTER.

Out of December's First Look batch, I received TWO books, but I think that was an accident. I got A Dangerous Affair and The Scent of Sake, but both books were accompanied by a letter stating "Here is your copy of A Dangerous Affair ...,' so there was a mix-up somewhere. I'm not complaining, though, because both books look good!

I can't recall receiving one from the adult choices but last month I got one from the childrens. As soon as I posted my review I checked off three more out of the 4 or 5 they listed (it said you could choose as many as you wanted to) and last week I got all three. Lots to review!

I've gotten several books from the children's program and also from the young adult before they discontinued it. I've generally gotten more than half of what I requested so been lucky but I only request very specific books. I've never gotten a book I requested from the adult program, but I request less often from that list because less of the genres I'm interested in seem to turn up there.

http://www.collinsreads.com/order.php
This has five books to request.

I went in and snagged this one. They are sending out a catalog, but also have the 5 books you can request.

I got 2 YA books this month (they arrived the same day) and they actually came with deadlines! Oh nooooooo! Fortunately YA books can be faster to read! :--)

>109 nbmars:,
All of their books come with deadlines, some of which are completely ridiculous because the can take so long to notify and send the books.

I posted my review of the YA book "The Prince of Fenway Park" here. It is from Harper Collins children's First Look. Very cute book.

I'm a few days late posting this, but did you all see that the Harper Collins First Look program is on hold for now? That's probably for the best with all the problems the program had!

Although the web site says the "hiatus" is for "creating an even better program to introduce new books and authors to you," I suspect the poor state of the publishing industry (and the cost-cutting measures) have more to do with it.

>112 gwendolyndawson:,
I actually do think they're working on something, or at least trying to decide what to work on. They sent out a survey to a lot of their users last week. It did seem like they are trying to make it a less costly program for them, though.

yeah they asked a lot of questions about whether or not participants would be willing to review e-books or to pay a nominal fee to cover shipping of the books...

My favorite was: if they sent us a couple chapters, would we go ahead and review based on the portion of the book we had read, and then purchase a completed copy of the book so we could finish it?
I had to mark NO on that one.

115> Exactly my thoughts! I took the survey, and when I got to that question, I was horrified! So, let me get this straight, you're going to give me half a book, get me hooked, force me to write a review, and then allow me to purchase the remaining half of the book at full price?! You've got to be kidding!

#115 & 116 - I was a little shocked by that one too! There isn't really any benefit for the reader in that deal, whereas Harper Collins gets a review AND a sale. I wouldn't participate in that program. I doubt anyone would.

I had to put a "no" also. I only received the Childrens First Look and really liked the ones I received!

I'm surprised I didn't get a survery as I received quite a few books from the Childrens First Look program. I'm disappointed to see it's been put on hold. :(

>119 rebecca191:>>

The link to the survey came in the e-mail notifying requesters that the program has been put on hold. I think they sent the e-mail to everyone registered with the program, so you may've just overlooked the link to the survey. If you're able to dig up the link, the survey is an interesting look into what HC is thinking about for the program in the future (including reviewers paying for shipping costs, ARCs as ebooks, etc.).

I didn't get the survey or email, although I am registered with the program and have received a few books (and also not received one promised....). Perhaps they took my name off their list after I complained about their program :)

I don't recall getting the survey (altho I wouldn't be shocked if I inadvertently deleted it), but from the comments, it sounds like their plans are appalling. My understanding (please correct me, whoever, if I'm wrong) is that expenses for advertising and promotion activities are tax deductible. So they not only want us to foot the bill but then deduct it too? Or maybe the idea is to have us pay for whatever portion of promotional costs are not tax deductible? I think they get a huge amount of free advertising from our blogs for these books. If they want us to pay to review, perhaps we should all write back and insist they pay *us* to review!

I got the survey, although I have never received a book from the program. I don't know if they have definite plans at this point- it seemed like the survey was designed to solicit feedback and help them make plans. I don't think I'd be willing to pay shipping for ARCs either, even a small amount- the ARC is my take-away for doing the review and giving them the publicity. Well, they can do what they want and then we can either participate or not. It's hardly the end of the world to me either way.

Ugh! I do admit though, I would be willing to pay shipping for an ARC in a very RARE case - if it was a book I was dying to read, that wouldn't be out for months. I hate ebooks though. They give me a headache. :(

My in-house Counsel (husband) said that although there is only a minimal charge to print additional copies (of the first copy) of a book, giving away books does not yield revenue. That is, having a tax deduction is not as meaningful as having cash. If, however, book bloggers could show that their blog reviews result in sales, there is an entirely different cost/benefit ratio. I think a couple of bloggers have done those surveys. Gwen, maybe? And in fact there is a thread going on now about people who have bought (or at least read) books because they read about them on LibraryThing (http://www.librarything.com/topic/25936 ). Maybe HarperCollins just doesn't have data on that.

I also got the survey and I was really surprised by some of the questions. I have never gotten a book through First Look, even though I have requestde books month after month. However, I reviewed a Harper Collins book I received from another source and they sent me an email offering me more books.

I think the bit about contests is tricky. I can understand that they want people to buy the book, but they run the risk of alienating the bloggers with an attitude like that, which then can get passed on to the readers. I think they are really making too much of one potential lost sale. (Potential since there is no guarantee the winner would have actually purchased the book.)

125>

Yes, I did a survey at Literary License a few months back trying to capture the impact of lit bloggers on book sales, and I got thousands of responses. The results show that, for lit blog readers, blog reviews and recommendations have a very great impact on book purchases. Here's the link to the results if anyone's interested:
http://litlicense.blogspot.com/2009/02/lit-blogs-drive-purchasing-decisions.html

I've found that citing/linking to these results can be very helpful in those cold requests to publishers for review copies!

Gwen

Anyone know if HC re-instituted any of their first look programs? I couldn't find any on their website (which doesn't necessarily mean anything!)

Not yet based on what I've seen.

still not yet

I think it's GoodReads-based now.