So you want to be an ARC reader?
- Reading Reaper (El)
- Oct 9
- 9 min read
Everything You Need to Know About Becoming an ARC Reader 📚
If you’ve been reading for a while, and love to share all about your bookish journey, this post is for you. In this post I will list some tips and advice, places to find ARCs, and red flags to look out for.
I’m a romance author PA and avid reader, and this post will cover the questions most new ARC readers have asked. I work with independent authors who do not knowingly use genAI. They write a bit of everything and you can learn more about them here.
What does ARC stand for?
ARC = Advanced Reader Copy An ARC reader is someone who receives a pre-publication version of a book to read and review before its official release. Their reviews help generate buzz and provide early feedback to potential readers. Every team is different, but the basics are the same across the board.
Short Breakdown:
Read early. You get to fall in love with the story before anyone else.
Connect directly with your favourite (or new) authors. ARC teams often get sneak peeks, bonus content, or exclusive chats.
Help shape book launches. Your feedback, word of mouth, and genuine reviews can greatly influence a book’s reach and success, especially for indie authors.
Build community. Many authors’ ARC groups develop into warm, supportive reader spaces.
Connect on bookish socials with other readers. They thought the same book looked cool and you’ll be talking about the same story. Who knows…you might have more in common than you think!
The ARC is usually digital format, but sometimes print ARCs are available. You are volunteering to leave an honest review. These reviews help boost visibility and credibility for a book before and during launch week. The first 1-3 weeks after the book goes live are critical for the trajectory of the author’s work and socials.
🌟 Tip: Make sure you include all of the information they ask for, yes even the links! If the author’s team can’t vet you they won’t send you the book and it makes extra work for the team.
Let’s dive into the important stuff!
Becoming part of an ARC (Advance Reader Copy) team sounds like every reader’s dream. You get to connect with fellow book lovers, read books before release day, exclusive author access, and occasional team-only perks. But the excitement comes with responsibilities and boundaries as well. ARC readers aren’t just fans; they’re part of an author’s marketing team and volunteer to be in that position.
If you’re considering joining one, here’s what you should know before you click “apply.”
Team members are usually chosen by the author or their representative. That means a publisher, agent, PA, or manager may handle the vetting and send-out process. By filling out an interest form it does not mean you are accepted by default, so keep an eye on your email and check the spam folder often to see if you hear back.
Depending on the author or platform, some ARCs are open for readers to claim, while others require an application through designated ARC sites or campaign forms. While it is fun, membership implies a level of trust and legal obligations—you’re being given unpublished material and are expected to handle it responsibly.
Confidentiality
ARC books are unpublished manuscripts or proofs. That means:
Don’t share, repost, alter, or distribute the file in any way. Add it to your eReader or app of choice, then read and review.
Don’t share screenshots of full pages or spoilers without permission. Usually a favourite quote or 2 is fine.
Don’t forward the ARC to friends or upload it anywhere—especially to pirate sites or book groups/forums.
The ARC is not the final file, if you spot a typo, grammatical errors, or concern make a not if you’d like to tell the author. ARC readers are the last step before it goes live, so it’s okay to take notes to share with the author’s team!
Leaking an ARC, even accidentally, can harm an author’s release, damage publisher relationships, and, in some cases, lead to legal consequences.
Honesty and Integrity
Your reviews should always be honest. Authors don’t expect glowing praise and understand that their books aren’t for everyone. A professional ARC reader will balance transparency with kindness, and communication over all.
If you didn’t connect with a book, you can still leave a respectful review that focuses on your experience rather than attacking the author.
If you need to DNF because a story is not for you or triggers you, that’s okay! Let the author’s team know and they will know not to look for a review. Many readers choose not to review their DNFs, that is a personal choice.
Timeliness
Authors usually provide a timeframe for when they’d like reviews posted—often on or near release day. Meeting these deadlines helps ensure their marketing strategies stay effective. Keep an eye on your email and/or in the author’s ARC group(s) for reminders and team communications. If life happens and you can’t finish in time, communicate! Most authors understand; ghosting isn’t it and you’ll end up removed from the team to make space for active team members.
Disclosure
According to FTC guidelines, you must disclose that you received a free copy and that you are leaving your own honest review, voluntarily.
Authors cannot pay for reviews or reads.
Authors cannot guilt, manipulate, or otherwise give incentives to better your review.
Reviewers who charge for reviews are also in violation of the FTC and marketplace policies.
🌟 Tip: Avoid saying “in exchange.” Some platforms and the FTC may decline posts from, flag, or terminate accounts they find to be violating these laws and exchange is a sticky word. It also may put the author and their work/earnings at risk. Try something like this:
“I received a complimentary advance copy and chose to share my honest thoughts” is both ethical and legally appropriate.
“I received a complimentary ARC and am voluntarily sharing my honest opinion.
FAQ:
Why are ARCs not usually physical copies? 📕
While physical ARCs do exist, especially for major publishers. Most authors, particularly in indie authors, distribute digital copies. The reasons are straightforward:
Printing and shipping physical ARCs can be expensive, especially for indie authors managing their own budgets.
Digital files (like EPUB) can be delivered instantly through services like Bookfunnel, letting authors send books to readers all over the world without waiting for postal delays or added shipping fees that are out of their control.
Many platforms that send eARCs include watermarks or tracking tools that help protect the author’s work from piracy.
Even if a book is stripped down and pirated (which is highly illegal, but unfortunately shady people exist) it can be traced back so that legal action can be taken.
Digital ARCs make it possible for authors to share their stories affordably, safely, and efficiently across the world.
Why do authors say not to tag them in sub 4 star reviews? ⭐️
Many authors have requested that readers avoid tagging them in reviews under four stars or in posts containing negative criticism. It’s not because they can’t handle feedback—it’s about maintaining healthy boundaries.
Reviews are for readers, not for authors. They exist to help other readers decide whether a book is right for them. .
Most authors don’t read or engage with critical reviews because doing so can blur the line between creator and audience, and even unintentionally influence their future work or mental health.
Tagging an author in a critical review can also be emotionally difficult. Writing a book is deeply personal, and seeing negative feedback in a public notification can sting, even when it’s valid.
If you want to discuss your honest experience, do so freely in your own spaces—just don’t tag the author. It keeps the reading and reviewing spaces safe and comfortable for everyone involved.
As an ARC reader the author’s team will be available to receive kind feedback, thoughts, and errors spotted.It’s best to communicate through the methods provided if you feel like they need to know. .
You can always post your own thoughts, but they reserve the right to protect their mental health.
What should my review include?
Keep it simple. You don’t need to repeat the blurb or summary in your review, those can be found online with listings.
Include how the ARC made you feel, your review should reflect the story and not the author.
How was the pacing, the burn, the tension, plot, spice, etc.
Were the characters loveable?
How was the setting/world building?
For romance: do you have your own spice rating scale?
Include your favourite tropes, themes, or a favourite quote if you’re unsure what else to add.
Use the spoiler functions that are available on review platforms so that other readers don’t see the spoilers before reading.
Since ARC copies are not final versions, most authors ask that typos, formatting errors, or other minor issues not be included in your public review. That said, you are usually encouraged to share them directly with the author or their team. Your feedback helps make the final book the best it can be before they hit publish!
🚩 Red Flag Alerts:
If an author asks you to wait to post your review because it’s under 4 stars, that is a violation of FTC guidelines. Sellers/Authors cannot ask for honest reviews and then limit reviews or their timing to suit their desires, especially when ARC readers (and most product testers) are volunteers.
You can choose to wait the first week or two before posting, but that is a personal decision.
You have the right to DNF or not review as per FTC laws, but communicating those decisions goes a long way!
If an author or their representative guilt you or try to manipulate/incentivize you into changing your star rating that is a violation of FTC guidelines. Authors can recommend that you add spoiler warnings for community enjoyment. They cannot change your feelings.
If an author or their representative violates, berates, bullies, or acts in a harmful way to you or other members you do not have to stay. You are an unpaid volunteer, and you have the right to say no to toxic situations.
Team emails should be direct or BCC only. Your private information should never be shared, your email should not be visible to others.
If you see your email and the emails of other team members, bring it to the author’s attention as that is a privacy violation.
You are a volunteer. Most authors and their teams will provide optional graphics or content for your social media posts. These are meant to make sharing easier and fun—but they are never mandatory.
Street teams are separate and often come with their own posting guidelines and expectations. These are more about marketing, bookish posts on your socials, and content creation.
If an author or their team pressures you to promote content, comment on specific posts in groups where they’re restricted, or treats you like an unpaid employee, that is unethical. ARC readers should never feel obligated beyond reviewing and sharing in ways they’ve agreed to. Your time, energy, and boundaries matter.
Authors may share their recent posts in their groups, servers, and communities so you don’t miss out! Interaction is a bonus but never mandatory. Usually this is because notifications and algorithms can be inconsistent.
The next step is finding ARCs!
Below are tips and some of the more trusted platforms and sites where readers can claim or request ARCs. Use them wisely, follow the rules, and enjoy!
Tips before you pick:
Stick to genres you love—you’ll review more honestly and enjoy the process. Passion shows on social media and you’ll get through ARCs faster.
Check the review deadline before claiming. Don’t overcommit. Use your notes, a schedule, or calendar app to set alerts.
Be selective. Don’t take on more ARCs than you can read and review well.
Always follow the rules of each site and the author’s instructions for tagging, disclosures, and posting.
This is not freebie shopping. Please be respectful of the author and their hard work. If you can’t review you can always wait for a sale, see if it’s on KU/Kobo Plus, or purchase a copy when you’re ready.
Places to Find ARCs
NetGalley 📗 Check it out here Many publishers and authors list eARCs there, and you can submit requests or be approved directly depending on their settings. Multiple genres are available.
Directly from indie authors 📚 Many indie authors and their representatives promote their upcoming ARC campaigns on their social media, newsletters, Facebook groups, or Discord servers. You can also try searching for Facebook groups that focus on ARCs for your favourite genres.
BookSprout 📖 Check it out here A simple reviewer-friendly platform where you can browse available eARCs and sign up to review them. Multiple genres are available.
BookSirens 📕 Check it our here Readers can claim a handful of eARCs at a time. It also allows cross-posting and gives authors data like impressions. Multiple genres are available.
Hidden Gems 💎 Check it out here This is a smaller site with a reviewer gem level which is based on feedback given. This referral program allows me to earn a small reward when new readers join and actively participate in the ARC program. There is no additional cost to you, and your experience remains unchanged.
The RRAS Master List 👻 Check it out here If you like to read adult open-door romance, my teams are accepting new members! You’d get alerts for all of my client campaigns, giveaways, multi-team opportunities, and more.
Notes: Some of these sites have a high number of genAI covers and the filtering is not great, keep that in mind as you look. None of these sites charge for ARCs, none of these sites will pay for reviews. These are legitimate sources used by authors and publishers and this is not a paid partnership.