AKA How to Read Books Before They’re Published
If you’ve ever seen readers talking about ARCs and wondered what they’re on about, here’s the short version:
An ARC (Advance Reader Copy) is a free copy of a book given to readers before it’s published. Authors and publishers use ARCs to generate early reviews and build excitement ahead of release day.
In other words, you get to read the book before everyone else.
Why Do Authors Give Away Free Books?
Launching a book is much easier when reviews are already waiting for new readers.
ARCs help authors:
- Collect honest reviews on release day.
- Spot any last-minute typos.
- Spread the word about a new book.
In return, readers get free books and a sneak peek at upcoming releases.
- Are ARCs eBooks or physical copies?
- Both, but eBooks are far more common because they’re much cheaper to send out.
- Authors are running businesses (unfortunately!) and sending out physical copies/PR boxes costs a fair bits, so they’re super picky about who they send them to. If you have good engagement on BookTok/Bookstagram, and you’ve reliably post thoughtful reviews or beautiful photos of an author’s book in the past, you’re more likely to get one. Think of promo boxes as a thank-you for your hard work.
Are ARC Books Really Free?
Yes. You don’t pay for the book, but there is a hope that you’ll leave an honest review after you’ve read it. The important word here is honest. Authors want genuine feedback, whether you loved the book or it simply wasn’t for you. You should never feel pressured to leave a five-star review.
Do I have to leave a review? No. But equally, authors are under no obligation to keep sending you free books if you’re not reviewing.
But I don’t know what to write in a review! Don’t worry – I’ve written a guide here.
Where Can I Get ARC Books?
Join an Author’s ARC Team
Many authors have dedicated ARC teams made up of readers who enjoy their books, me included.
If you’re accepted, you’ll usually receive new releases before publication. Check your favourite author’s website, newsletter, or social media to see if they’re recruiting.
You can find the sign-up form for my team here.
Subscribe to Author Newsletters
Authors often invite newsletter subscribers to apply for ARC opportunities before anyone else. As a bonus, newsletters frequently include exclusive content, giveaways, and free bonus stories.
Use ARC Websites
Several websites connect readers with authors looking for early reviewers.
Popular options include:
You create a profile, browse available books, and request titles that interest you.
Follow Authors on Social Media
Many authors announce ARC openings on Facebook, Instagram, or other social platforms, especially before a new release.
Is an ARC the Final Version?
Not always. An ARC may still contain minor typos, formatting issues, or small changes that will be corrected before publication, especially for traditionally published books that work on a longer timescale. That’s perfectly normal. Think of it as getting a behind-the-scenes preview.
- Should I send the author feedback?
- If the ARC is from an indie author and you spot a typo, drop them an email. It’s likely they’ll be able to correct the error before release. With a traditionally published book, last-minute corrections are far harder.
- Don’t send the author reams of feedback/critique/notes. At this stage, they’re not making any major changes.
How Can I Make Sure I’m Accepted?
- Fill out the application form carefully. It shows you can follow instructions.
- Let the author know why you’re a good fit for the book/team.
- Why might an author ask to see a screenshot of one of my past reviews?
- Authors are looking for ARC readers who they think will enjoy their book. If they can see you’ve read and enjoyed another of their books in the past, then hopefully you’ll like the new one too! It also shows that you know how to navigate the process of leaving a review.
- Why might an author want to see my social media accounts?
- They want to find readers who love their books, and if they can see you’ve read and liked similar books in the past, that gives them hope!
- They want to make sure you share their values. Many authors prefer to avoid AI, so if your profile is full of it, you might not be a good fit for some teams.
- Speaking for myself, I’m a quality over quantity gal, so I check all applications carefully. There’s no point in me sending my mid-heat romantic suspense to a reader who only reads closed-door historic romance. That’s when I get one-star reviews titled “It’s practically p*rn.” As well as making me reach for the gin, they lead to more disappointment when readers who pick up the book hoping for the aforementioned porn find out it only has like two spicy scenes and zero group action.
ARC Etiquette
- Only request books you genuinely want to read.
- Read the book before publication if possible.
- Leave an honest review on release day or soon after.
- If life gets in the way, let the author know rather than disappearing.
- For Pete’s sake, don’t upload the book to a pirate site. Fun fact: Most ARCs are delivered via BookFunnel, and they have two kinds of watermarks, visible and invisible. Authors can also download books from pirate sites, which means they can see who put them there. Authors talk, and pirates get blacklisted.
- Never sell a physical ARC. Especially before release day. Especially for a stupid amount of money. Physical ARCs are usually sent out in very limited quantities, and it’s reasonably easy to work out who’s selling them from the listing location or personalised message and avoid sending them any more ARCs.
Final Thoughts
Reliable ARC readers are incredibly valuable, and authors remember them. Reading ARCs is a great way to discover new books before anyone else, support your favourite authors, and help new releases get off to a strong start.
If you love reading and enjoy sharing your opinions, joining an ARC team might be your next favourite hobby—and your to-be-read pile will never forgive you.
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