What Is an ARC and How Do You Use It to Get Book Reviews?

So, you’ve finished your book—cue confetti and celebratory biscuits. Maybe you even wrote a dramatic prologue book scene you’re oddly proud of. Now comes the bit that makes many indie authors shift uncomfortably in their chairs: getting people to read it. Not just your nan or your mate from work, but actual readers who’ll leave real reviews. Enter the ARC. No, not Noah’s. We're talking Advance Reader Copies.

What is an ARC Anyway?

Right, let’s break this down in plain English. ARC stands for Advance Reader Copy. It’s a version of your book you share before it’s officially published. Not the final final version, but close enough. You send it out to early readers, book bloggers, influencers, or even just that one mate who devours books faster than a Labrador at dinner time.This early access helps build up reviews before your book's big debut. Now, you might be wondering, “Why not wait until the book is out?” Fair question. But here's the thing—when a book launches with zero reviews, it looks a bit lonely. Like the last biscuit on the plate that everyone’s too polite to take.

The Real Purpose Behind ARCs

I used to think ARCs were only for big-name authors or those signed with print publishers. Turns out, that’s rubbish. Any author, including self-publishers, can and should use them. Think of it like film critics getting an early viewing. You want reviews to be out and buzzing on the day your book hits the shelves—or the screen if you’re selling digitally on your favourite ebook selling platform. That early momentum can do wonders. I once launched a novella without bothering to send out ARCs, and it just… floated there. Like a balloon with a slow leak.

My First ARC Experience: A Comedy of Errors

I still remember sending out my first ARC. It was a scruffy PDF that I forgot to watermark (rookie mistake), and I confused people's names in the thank-you email. Classic me. But hey, the feedback was gold. One reader caught a character’s eye colour changing mid-book. Another pointed out a scene that didn’t quite work—turns out, describing a sword fight in complete darkness is not only impractical, but also unintentionally hilarious.

Lesson learned: ARCs don’t just help with marketing. They also help improve the book itself.

How to Distribute ARCs Without Losing Your Mind

There are loads of ways to get your ARC into the right hands. Some are free. Some cost a bit. All can be useful.

Email

If you’ve got a list of readers or newsletter subscribers, they’re your first port of call. They already like your work (or your personality), so offering them an ARC feels like giving mates first dibs at a garage sale.Also, If you can find a relevant Facebook group you might also want to reach out to the group moderator and ask if you can offer your ARCs to that community. There's no harm in asking.

Social Media

Twitter, Instagram, TikTok—whatever your poison. A simple “Looking for ARC readers!” post can get more responses than you'd think, especially in book-loving communities. Facebook groups for indie authors and readers can also be goldmines. Using Hastags like: #arc #bookstagram #bookreview #books #booklover #bookish #bookaddict #arcreview #bookreviewer will help with post visibility.

BookFunnel

I swear by this one. It lets you send secure download links and track who’s opened your ARC. If someone starts sharing your book around like it’s the town gossip, you’ll know. There’s a free version, but the paid options have extra perks.

Book Sprout

This one’s is a review service. But it’s where some great reviewers hang out. If you’ve got the budget and want some professional eyes on your work, it’s worth considering.

What Format Should Your ARC Be?

Let’s talk logistics. Do you send out a PDF? An ePub? A lovingly bound hard copy with a note tucked inside? Well, it depends.

Digital ARCs

For most of us self-pubbers, digital is the way to go. Easy to distribute, cheap (or free), and fast. Make sure your formatting’s clean though—I once got a review that said, “Great story, but half the lines were cut off.” Oops.

Physical ARCs

Fancy, sure, but expensive. If you’re hoping to impress a big-name reviewer or send something to a competition, physical copies can make a difference. Just remember that average book pages matter—nobody wants to lug around a 700-page doorstop unless it’s worth its weight in plot twists.

When Should You Send Out ARCs?

This is all about the subtle art of timing. Too early, and readers forget what your book’s about by the time it launches. Too late, and no one has time to read it. The sweet spot? About four to six weeks before your publication date. That gives people time to read, mull it over, and write something thoughtful. Or at least copy and paste their review to Goodreads and Amazon.

Following Up Without Being a Pest

This is tricky, innit? You don’t want to nag, but you also don’t want your ARC buried under a mountain of other books.

A gentle nudge works wonders. A week before launch, send a polite reminder. Include the date, a thank-you, and maybe a cute GIF if you’re feeling brave. Just… don’t guilt-trip anyone. Nobody owes you a review, and coming on too strong can backfire.

Mistakes I’ve Made So You Don’t Have To

Look, I’ve messed this up more than once. Here’s a highlight reel:

Sent ARCs with typos because I didn’t proofread them properly.
Forgot to mention the actual release date. (You’d be amazed how many people ask, “So, when’s it out?”)
Sent out ARCs to people who don’t like the genre. Don’t do that. It’s like giving steak to a vegetarian.

If you’re using free online book publishers, make sure they allow ARC distribution—some have restrictions. And for heaven’s sake, include a little note at the start saying it’s an ARC and might differ slightly from the final version. It’s just good manners.

How ARCs Fit Into the Bigger Picture

Your ARC strategy isn’t a one-off. It’s part of a long game. Regular readers who trust you are more likely to grab future books and leave reviews. And if you’re building a following, ARCs help form that bond.

Reviews also feed the algorithm on whatever ebook selling platform you use, whether that’s Amazon, Kobo, or somewhere niche. Reviews = credibility. Even middling reviews help. They show real people are reading.

And don't overlook the community aspect. I’ve met loads of lovely people through ARC exchanges—fellow authors, reviewers, and readers who’ve now become friends. It’s not just about sales; it’s about connection. (Yeah, that sounded a bit sappy, but it’s true.)

Final Thoughts From the Coffee-Stained Corner of My Desk

So, now you know the meaning of an ARC in book terms, you will probably be asking yourself is this route worth it? 100%. Will you mess it up the first time? Probably. But that’s okay. Self-publishing is a bit like baking without a recipe. You’ll burn a few before you nail it. Just remember what ARCs are—they’re not magic wands. They won’t guarantee bestseller status. But they will help get honest feedback, real reviews, author platform building and possibly a few rants about that cliffhanger you thought was genius. And hey, if someone spots a typo on page 212? Better to find out before it goes live.

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