What the Heck Is an ARC?

A Beginner's Guide to Advanced Reader Copies and How to Get Them

Before official publication, an author might share Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) with readers. It’s usually not the finalized version of the story. There might still be typos because line edits are ongoing, but the major developmental edits are complete.

ARCs can be a physical book, but it is usually digital because it is cheaper to send. In exchange for early access, the reader reviews the book on Goodreads, NetGalley, and/or social media. This helps build buzz and get people excited before the book’s release.

Why Would a Reader Read an ARC?

There are many reasons. For example, I like reading ARCs because it’s cool to have access to a book before it’s released. I don’t have to wait for it to come in at the library or wait until I can go to the bookstore, which can be months after the book releases.

Additionally, I love supporting other authors and celebrating their work and accomplishments. It’s fun being part of a writer’s journey to publication and getting to join in the excitement.

Finally, I like helping other readers find great books. It’s my favorite thing to talk about books with other people who love reading.

How Do You Find an ARC?

FYI, I have only read five ARCs. I’m not an expert. But I wanted to demystify the process for anyone who might be interested because it was very confusing to me for a long time.

Obtaining an ARC may vary depending on whether the author is indie or traditionally published. For indie authors, the process often involves open applications on their social media platforms. For example, I applied to Nicole Yvette’s ARC Reader Sign Up and was accepted. In another instance, I joined Tatum Jayme’s Book Launch Team, and one of the benefits of joining is getting her ARC. Typically, the author provides a Google Form, and after you fill it out, they’ll notify you of your acceptance status.

For traditionally published authors, getting access to an ARC is usually through a platform called NetGalley, which I’ll discuss further below. The other author, whose ARC I’m reading, is a friend from graduate school. Her book Camp People will be published on August 11th, and I asked her to be on the podcast. She offered to give us ARCs to read before the book is published. Be sure to check out our upcoming podcasts about that.

What is NetGalley?

NetGalley is a platform where authors and publishers offer free digital books and audiobooks. Anyone can sign up. It’s pretty easy to create a profile and apply to ARCs. However, it can be a little tricky getting ARCs when you’re starting out because your approval is based on your percentage. What’s your percentage? Great question. I had no idea.

Under your profile, you want your feedback ratio to be around 80%. If you’re below, that means you need to finish some of the books you’re reading and send back the feedback before accepting any more. I have been approved for A Time of Witches by Madeline Martin and Nat and Cami’s Guide to Running an Undercover GSA by Karis Rogerson. I have finished one of these books and submitted my feedback, but I’m still finishing the other. Once I do, my feedback ratio will update.

I haven’t gone crazy and applied to too many books because I have other commitments and don’t want to overcommit. I’m only applying to ARCs that I desperately want to read or to authors that I semi-know. But it doesn’t hurt to try. You never know if you will or won’t get approved. I wasn’t approved for the first book I requested, but I was for the second book. Don’t feel discouraged! If I have more free time, I may apply to more.

Conclusion

It’s kinda cool to feel like a bookstagrammer. The ARCs I’m reading are books I would read once they are published and share about anyway. I’m just doing it in a more official capacity.

I hope this cleared up any confusion about ARCs and convinces you to check them out!

Book Talk

Cassandra, the Princess of Salzt, has an arranged marriage with the Prince of Linderservia to form a political alliance. On their wedding night, the Queen of Linderservia dies. The Prince blames Cassandra for distracting him because he misses spending those last moments with his mother. This begins their tumultuous relationship, even though they’re soulmates and love each other. Behind the Prince’s back, his younger brother is conspiring to claim the crown because their father, the King of Linderservia, is losing his mind and won’t be able to rule the kingdom much longer, and the Prince might have some of the madness inside of him too…

I loved the medieval vibes from the court intrigue to the battles in the middle of a blizzard to the plague! The scheming and plot twists were a lot of fun. With so much happening, I couldn’t wait to find out who ends up on the throne. Christine is going to be on the podcast! Be sure to listen in.

Sending you lots of sun, sand, and soccer,

Liza