The glamorous world of ARCs — Advanced Reader Copies — is mildly chaotic. These are books that aren’t out yet, but somehow you’re reading it like you’re a VIP! Here’s how you can make that happen!
So, What Even Is an ARC?
An ARC is an Advanced Reader Copy—basically a sneak peek at a book before it’s officially published. It’s kind of like a movie trailer… But its the whole movie… And it’s a book. They sometimes have typos, weird formatting, or unfinished covers, but they’re still a pretty sweet deal in my opinion. It’s not perfect, but it’s a advanced copy of the book.
Who Gets ARCs?
You don’t need to have thousands of follows on Bookstagram or run a blog with 10K followers to receive an ARC. If you read a lot, talk about books online, and leave reviews, publishers want you! They’re just looking for bookworms who can spread the word without accidentally spoiling the twist halfway through.
Where to Find ARCs Without Having to Summon a Demon
🖥 NetGalley
This is the holy grail of ARCs! You make a (free) profile, request books, and cross your fingers! Your “feedback ratio” matters (it’s basically your report card), so review what you read! And do not feel bad if you’re denied! I have been denied countless times for books I really, really want to read, but you just have to continue reading and reviewing!
➡️ netgalley.com
📚 Edelweiss+
A little more “professional” and slightly more confusing. Feels like NetGalley’s older, moodier sibling who reads The New Yorker. But worth learning if you want access to more publishers.
➡️ edelweiss.plus
🎟 Bookish First
You read a sample, write your “first impression,” and enter a raffle to win a physical ARC. Nothing crazy, just some words!
➡️ bookishfirst.com
📦 Publisher Newsletters & ARC Programs
Big publishers have sign-ups or influencer programs (some even mail you real-life, touchable books). Look for things like “Street Teams” or “Early Reviewers” on their websites. I personally follow a lot of indie authors and am signed up for their newsletters, so I know when they need an ARC reader!
📬 Old-Fashioned Emailing
Sometimes, you just shoot your shot. Email a publicist or author (politely, always!) with your blog or social links, say what you loved about their work, and ask if they have an ARC list. It works more often than you’d think.
ARC Etiquette: Don’t Be That Person
- Don’t ghost your ARCs. If you’re sent a free book, review it. Doesn’t have to be an essay—Goodreads or a quick post works!
- Say it loud, say it proud: “I got this ARC for free in exchange for an honest review.” That’s the law (and by law I mean FTC guidelines).
- Don’t leak spoilers or post full reviews too early. Respect the pub date. (You’ll still be smug about reading it first.)
- Be kind. Honest ≠ mean. Especially with debut authors—we’re not out here crushing dreams.
Final Thoughts (and Slightly Unhinged Encouragement)
Getting ARCs isn’t about hoarding free books (though it’s a nice perk). It’s about supporting authors, helping good books find their audience, and feeling a little bit like a literary secret agent. If you love reading and shouting about books on the internet, you’re already halfway there.
Have ARC questions? Drop them below and I will happily overshare.
What are your thoughts?