What are ARC books?
Spend a little time on this site (please?) or any book/reading related site, and you’ll see references to “ARCs.” What the heck are ARC books?
ARC is an acronym for Advance Reader Copy (or Advance Review Copy depending on who you listen to).
It’s exactly what it sounds like. It’s a copy of a book, usually distributed prior to publishing, that is given to readers.
GIVEN? Yes, usually an ARC is given away. Why in the world would an author or publisher just hand someone a book for free?
Because they would like you to publish a review of said book. While they can’t make you write a review, it seems like a more than fair exchange. Let’s face it, writing a book is a lot of work. Authors (and publishers) pour their blood, sweat, tears, and quite probably cursing into producing a work they hope you find appealing. If they are going to give it away, it’s not unrealistic to ask for something in exchange.
Book reviews are probably the best way to drive book sales. How does an author or publisher get reviews? From people reading the book… see where this is going? And ARC reader and an author have a symbiotic relationship. They scratch your back with a free book, you scratch theirs with a timely review.
We’ve all walked around a book store, pulled a book off the shelf (likely because the cover attracted us, which is why covers are important), and read the cover flaps or back of the book (which is why that copy is important). That’s much harder to do online, so what do we do instead? We read reviews. That’s why having reviews early, available when the book is launched, is so important to push the sales.
Hence, authors and publishers will give away some copies of their books before (and shortly after) publication. It’s worth giving the product away to receive marketing material. The best form of marketing for any product is word-of-mouth, and a book review is word-of-mouth marketing that works 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
How do you get free ARCs?
How can you get a free ARC? Simply put, ask!
OK, that’s WAY oversimplified.
First, have reasonable expectations. You’re probably not going to get an ARC from a mega-seller like Stephen King, John Grisham, etc. But there are many authors that would love to exchange an ARC for a review. There are two basic ways to find and request them.
By the way, if Mr. Grisham or King happen to read this (HA!), I’d love an ARC of your next book. (That goes for just about any author.)
From a website
Websites abound where a large reason for their existence is connecting authors and publishers to ARC readers. Here are a few:
All of these sites work basically the same way. You create a free profile, and can request an ARC. Some publishers review member profiles and select who to send an ARC based on a wide variety of criteria. Some publishers send an ARC to anyone that requests one.
Some tips for setting up an ARC profile:
- Complete every field of the profile.
- Include links to your Amazon and Goodreads profiles. Having reviews on these sites shows the publisher how you write reviews (another hint: publishers don’t like spoilers. No one does.)
- Include your “social reach” — how many followers you have on major social sites. Publishers like lots of followers.
- Include which genres you like, and don’t like.
In addition to the dedicated book/review sites, there are many ARC reader groups on Facebook. Just do a search for “ARC reader” and join a few groups. Some are very active, some are set up for specific genres. All are free to join. Be sure to follow the group rules.
And whatever you do, don’t request an ARC and blow off leaving the review. That’s not cool, or appreciated. Do the right thing.
Also, don’t beg. It’s just not all that becoming. Ask nicely. And don’t expect to get every ARC you request.
Direct from the author or publisher
You can also request an ARC book directly from the publisher or author. Again, having published reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, or a blog helps a lot. Having a social presence helps, a lot. You can find publisher’s email addresses by Googling “publisher name ARC request.”
Some publishers ask that you submit an “application,” some do not.
Many authors have a page on Facebook where they will announce availability of ARC copies. Some authors are also very receptive (and responsive) to emails from their readers (some not-so-much.) If an author makes their email address readily available, or mentions in a book or online that they enjoy hearing from readers, email them and ask about getting on their ARC list. The worst that can happen is you get a no.
Don’t be a stalker. If you have to dig deep to find an author’s email address, respect their privacy.
ARC books aren’t for everyone
I enjoy getting ARC books because I enjoy helping to promote authors and books. I also enjoy writing reviews. And let’s face it, it’s pretty cool being able to read a book before it’s published. I also read about 75 books a year, and at $10 a pop, that’s $750. If I can get a few for free, I’m not going to complain (although to be honest, I’ve bought just about every book I’ve received as an ARC, because I also enjoy supporting authors. The vast majority of them don’t make nearly as much money as many believe). ARCs are not, however, for everyone. It’s a commitment to read and review the book by the deadline. That has zero appeal to many. (And that’s OK.)
Summary
ARCs are a wonderful way to get free copies of books, before they are published. It takes a little planning and legwork on your part, but the return is well worth it.
Here is a terrific list of publishers and other avenues to start you on your ARC journey.
Happy reading and reviewing!
Image credit: Quote Catalog
