I have gotten a few questions on various platforms about ARCs - what are they, why do I read them, and how do you get into it if you are interested in being an ARC reader? So I thought I would write up some of my thoughts, along with the above video where I go through some of this stuff!

What are ARCs, and why read them?

If you're new to reading or the online book world, you may not even know what an ARC is. ARC stands for "advanced reader copy." It is an advanced copy of an unpublished book that the author and/or publisher sends out for readers to rate and review ahead of time. They do this for a few reasons, but the most important is to create buzz around a book, and get some advanced reviews to help push and promote the books, especially on platforms like Goodreads and Amazon. Advance ratings and pre-orders will help boost visibility to the books, leading to more sales and increased awareness of the book to the wider world. They can also help the publishers figure out or hone in on their marketing strategy - who will like the book, where should attention be focused, and what readers should they zone in on?

So why would you be interested in reading them? Well, first off you should be someone who enjoys reviewing books, whether in written form, video form, or both. Second, you want to help out publishers and authors by reading these books and getting the world out. And lastly, you want to explore new and different books.

How do you get started?

I think a lot of folks think they need to have a massive following online to get ARCs, but this is simply not the case. I got approved for my first ARC under 500 followers. They are more looking for people who demonstrate good review activity, and good follow through. Also, you should be reviewing on big platforms like Goodreads - however you feel about Amazon, this is the biggest one, and authors rely on reviews on here for visibility and sales.

I always recommend people start on websites like NetGalley and BookSirens. You can make a reviewer profile for free, start requesting ARCs, and start getting your review profile built up. On NetGalley in particular, they have a whole section of "Read it now" ARCs. These do not require any sort of application or approval - they are there for anyone who wants to read and review. So simply download, read, and review. Once you have shown that you are an on time reviewer and reader, and that you follow through on posting the reviews, and you start building up a bit of a review profile, you can start requesting books outside of this list. Don't be discouraged if you get turned down, and don't be afraid to apply! It does help to also post reviews on platforms like IG and TikTok, whether in video or post form. The big thing publishers are looking for is that you are an active reviewer and promoter of books.

Another good resource is to follow publishers and authors on social media sites - they will often post about looking for ARC readers, and you can apply there. The same goes for their websites - if there is a book that you know is coming out that you want to read and review, check out websites and look for ARC applications. Last but not least, you can always email publishers PR departments, and ask about being a reviewer. Often they have an application, or a mailing list.

The "Don'ts" of ARC reading...

• Don't just do this to get free books. Along with this, don't take a book if you can't read it by the deadline, unless this has been ok'd by the author/publisher.

• Don't get discouraged if you get turned down at first. It will happen, but you may also be pleasantly surprised.

• Don't compare yourself to others, or wonder why someone else got something and you didn't. I have been turned down for books that were approved for creators with a fraction of the platform - it's no big deal, it all depends on who and what they're looking for!

• Don't harass authors personally about getting an ARC. You can send a message, but they are busy and if they don't respond, leave it at that.

• Don't expect physical copies at first - you will usually get e-ARCs.

• Don't ask for an ARC if you can't meet the deadlines and expectations. Treat this like what it is - an author and publisher have trusted you with a book and some tasks, so do them properly and on time.

The "Do's" of ARC reading...

• Make sure you understand the deadlines and expectations, especially if getting an ARC directly from the author.

• Read and review the books on time.

• Share your reviews across platforms - Goodreads, Amazon, StoryGraph, Fable, social sites, and websites like NetGalley and BookSirens.

• Be honest in your reviews - you do no one any services by being fake or trying to be positive when you don't like a book. They need honest reviewers, and so do readers.

• Request within your reading means.

• Try to avoid "experimenting" with books and genres. Experiment on already published books, and try ARCs in genres you like.

• Do check with the author if they want to be tagged in reviews on socials. Some do, some don't. Generally speaking though, don't tag authors and publishers in negative social media reviews.

• Remember that you are providing a service, and this is your time. You should expect to be able to give an honest review.

Important questions to establish...

• What is the publication date?

• What are the expectations - video review, written review, platforms to post on, deadline.

• Are they ok with honest reviews - I always double check this when authors directly contact me. I have turned down a few because they have asked me to only post and review if it is positive. That's not how I roll.

• This is also the time to ask about AI involvement (if that's something you're worried about), or any other concerns you have.

• Finish by summarizing your understanding of the expectations. Example: "Great, so just so I make sure I'm clear: the book is going to be published on March 10. You would like reviews on GR, IG, Amazon, TT, and StoryGraph done by March 5. You are ok with me doing an honest review, and if I do not like it I will not make any videos about it. You are going to send me a physical copy at my address by this date."

ARC reading is a fun way to interact with the book world, help authors, publishers, and other readers, and build up a reviewing portfolio. If you have any additional tips or questions, let me know or share them down in the comments below!

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