What an advance reader copy is
An advance reader copy, often shortened to ARC, is a version of a book shared before publication with readers who have agreed to read it. Authors use ARCs to gather private feedback, help interested readers prepare, or invite an honest review if the reader chooses to leave one.
An ARC may be a proof or an intentionally prepared digital file. It can differ from the final edition: copy edits, layout, page numbers, and cover details may still change. Label the version and make its status clear so no one mistakes it for the finished book.
An ARC is not the same as a paid endorsement, a guarantee of a review, or a guarantee that a retailer will display a review. Participation should remain voluntary, and a reader should never be asked to rate the book positively in exchange for receiving a copy.
When an ARC round may be useful
Consider an ARC round when the manuscript and core design are stable enough that readers can engage with the work, and when you have time to manage invitations and questions. A book with substantial unfinished changes may be better served by a private feedback round first.
An ARC can also help you learn whether a description sets the right expectation or whether readers encounter avoidable confusion. Ask a few focused questions for private feedback, but keep that separate from any request for a public review.
The right size and timing depend on the book, audience, format, and your capacity. A smaller, well-organized group may be easier to support than a larger group you cannot communicate with consistently.
- The manuscript has passed the revisions you intended to complete before sharing.
- You can provide a stable file and explain how readers should report technical issues.
- You have a plan for respecting reader privacy and following platform policies.
Prepare the copy and invitation
Share the book’s working title, genre, brief description, file format, and the version date. Tell readers what may change before publication. For digital copies, consider whether the file includes personal information or draft material you did not intend to circulate.
Write a short invitation that explains the choice involved: reading is optional, feedback is welcome if the reader wants to provide it, and a public review is entirely up to them. State any requested response date as a preference, not as a condition for keeping the copy.
Use a simple tracker for invitations, accepted copies, delivery, and follow-up preferences. Collect only information you need, explain how you will use it, and do not add readers to a marketing list unless they separately choose to join it.
Keep feedback honest and voluntary
Readers should be free to share an honest opinion or to say nothing publicly. Do not ask for a particular rating, write a review for someone else, or imply that access depends on praise. Check the current rules of the retailer or review platform before encouraging a public post; policies can differ and change.
If a reader receives a free copy and chooses to post publicly, disclosure expectations may apply depending on the platform and applicable rules. Do not assume one disclosure sentence fits every situation. Ask readers to follow the instructions that apply to them.
Treat private critique as useful information, not a vote. Look for recurring points, decide which changes serve the book, and thank readers without arguing for a particular response. Keep one person’s experience separate from any claim about how the book will perform.