Everything About ARCs: One-Stop Shop for Advanced Reader Copies
Bella Rose Emmorey
book editor, rogue behaviorist, digital marketer, writer, brand builder, plant aunt, and cheese enthusiast.
If you’ve been in the book writing—and even reading—world long enough, you’ve heard about advanced reader copies. But you probably don’t know everything about ARCs, including some of the legality behind them.
No worries. Whether you’re the author trying to boost book reviews or a reader wanting to know if you’ll be sued for selling your copy, we have some answers.
What is an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy)?
An ARC is exactly what it sounds like: an advanced reader copy sent to a group who can consume the book prior to publication with the purpose of creating buzz via reviews and initial audience reaction.
Authors like to use it to boost reviews, and therefore rankings, prior to the official book launch.
You might have seen an ARC that looks like this:
Some will have a circular label indicating it’s an ARC, while others might have a banner that indicates it’s not for resale.
For Authors & Publishers:
Looking to benefit from what advanced reader copies have to offer? Here’s everything about ARCs if you’re the author.
1. How do I distribute ARCs?
In order to get ARCs to readers, you have to send them. Duh, right? But nowadays there are a ton of various methods to do so. Should you use NetGalley, Edelweiss, BookFunnel, or just email PDFs?
It depends on your audience and how much work you want to do. First time authors can find ease in sending books off as a PDF. You can also email the book in an epub format to a person’s kindle directly.
If you have the means, though, physical copies will always increase the likelihood that the book will be read. Plus, readers will also be able to comment on the cover even if it has the ARC banner on it.
2. How many ARCs should I send out?
The ideal number of ARCs (Advance Reader Copies) depends on your goals and audience size. For indie authors, sending out 20-50 copies can be a good balance between maximizing reviews and avoiding over-distribution, but even this is tough to do simply because you have to find those reviewers. More on that later.
Traditional publishers often send out hundreds to their pre-formed lists of ARC readers. Prioritize engaged readers who are likely to leave reviews to make the most of your ARCs.
3. How early should I send out ARCs before release?
Send ARCs 1-3 months before your book's release. This gives reviewers time to read, write, and post their reviews close to launch day. Bloggers and influencers may need more lead time, so consider sending to them first.
4. How do I find ARC readers?
Your inner circle will work well, so long as they’re the audience for your book. Otherwise, you can also try these mediums:
Reliable ARC readers can be found through:
- Your email list or street team
- Book blogger directories
- Facebook groups for ARC readers
- Services like NetGalley, BookSprout, or StoryOrigin
- Engaged followers on social media (Bookstagram, TikTok, etc.)
There are plenty of Facebook groups dedicated to this. Just search "ARC readers", go to "groups" and find one that fits. So if you’re $ writing a fantasy novel$ , use the fantasy group to ensure the reader is within your target audience (which also plays into the Amazon algorithm). Make sure to look at how many posts there are a day! This is proof of activity.
5. What should I include in my ARC package?
You want to send the following when you ship out ARCs:
- The book (PDF, ePub, or print)
- A media kit with a blurb, author bio, and links
- A review guide with suggested sites to post on
- A disclaimer noting it’s an uncorrected proof and not for resale
6. Will all ARC readers leave a review?
It’s not guaranteed. Legally and ethically, you can’t force ARC readers to leave a review. However, you can encourage them by reminding them in follow-up emails and making the process easy with direct links to review sites.
7. What if an ARC reader leaves a bad review?
Negative reviews are part of the process. Do not respond defensively. If a review is unfair or violates a platform’s guidelines, you can report it, but otherwise, let it stand and move on.
Plus, some negative reviews are a good thing. If a book has all 5-star reviews, readers will think they’re fake. Mostly good ratings with only a couple low ones is ideal for $ selling books$ .
8. Do ARC reviews affect my book’s success?
Yes, early reviews can help boost credibility, improve visibility on platforms like Amazon, and influence potential readers. More reviews can lead to better rankings, which will boost your book’s visibility in online places like Amazon, and increase sales.
9. How do I track who leaves reviews?
Use a Google Form, spreadsheet, or a service like StoryOrigin to track which ARC readers leave reviews. You can follow up with those who haven’t reviewed yet with a gentle reminder.
These will mostly have to be self-reported or their names will have to be obvious to track. Not everyone will have a username or profile that matches who they are.
For ARC Readers & Reviewers:
Someone asked you to be an ARC reviewer. What the heck does that mean? Here’s everything about ARCs for the readers.
1. How do I get ARCs to review?
Who doesn’t love free books? You can just sign up to be a reviewer in various places—including just joining one of those Facebook groups.
You can also sign up here:
- Publisher websites
- Author newsletters
- ARC-focused Facebook groups
- Book review sites like and
2. Do I have to be a blogger or influencer to get ARCs?
No, many indie authors and publishers are happy to provide ARCs to dedicated readers who review on Amazon, Goodreads, or social media.
3. What happens if I don’t finish reading an ARC?
If you don’t finish because you just got lazy, don’t do that. You made a commitment, stick it out. But if you don’t want to finish because the book isn’t your taste, or it’s not well done, let the author know. I’d say that if you want to give the book 1 star, don’t. Go to the author.
But if you can make a case for a 3-star review that’s fair and has constructive feedback—along with recommendations for who the book is for—leave it.
4. Can I sell or give away an ARC?
No. ARCs are not for resale or redistribution. Selling or giving them away without permission is unethical and could lead to legal action.
5. Do I have to post a positive review?
No. Honest reviews are important. If you didn’t enjoy the book, provide constructive criticism rather than personal attacks. And if it’s really bad, just go to the author directly and skip the review. They don’t need to be decimated by negative reviews.
6. Where should I post my review?
The author may tell you their preferred review platform, otherwise you can leave them on Amazon and Goodreads, as they’re the most impactful, but you can also share on:
- Your blog or BookTube channel
- Bookstagram (Instagram) or TikTok
- Online bookstores that accept reviews
7. Can I quote from an ARC in my review?
Yes, but include a disclaimer that the quote is from an uncorrected proof and may change before publication. And if it contains any spoilers, make sure to say so!
8. How detailed should my ARC review be?
Reviews can be short or long. A simple star rating with a few sentences is fine, but more detailed insights help readers decide if the book is for them. Bonus if you upload a picture of the book!
9. What should I do if I find typos or errors in an ARC?
Firstly, it depends on if the author has asked for those. Usually they’ll have editors and proofreaders go through it prior to launching. That said, if they said it’d be helpful go ahead and tell them.
If you have communication with the author, just ask. It’s helpful to privately notify the author or publisher rather than mentioning it in your public review, as ARCs can be uncorrected proofs.
10. Do I get paid to review ARCs?
Most ARC reviews are unpaid, as receiving a free book is considered compensation. Accepting payment for a review can compromise ethical guidelines, though some professional reviewers do charge for editorial reviews.
When it comes to book review bloggers specifically, or those with large social followings, they can be compensated for a review. But it is $ against review guidelines$ for most retailers to be paid to post a review there.
There’s just about everything about ARCs you’d need to know as an author or reader. It’s a pretty straightforward process, and highly beneficial in selling books!
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