What is an ARC Reader? A Guide for Book Lovers & Book Reviewers
If you spend any time on #Booktok, #Bookstagram, or Goodreads, you’ve probably heard people talk about ARCs - those mysterious early copies of books that are treated like they’re a crown jewel in the reading world. And truth be told, they kind of are.
But if you’re sitting there wondering what an ARC even is (and how you can start getting them), don't worry. I was in the same position up until recently. So let’s talk about it: what is an ARC, what is an ARC reader, why do authors and publishers provide ARCs to readers, and how you can join the club.
First: What Is an ARC?
ARC stands for Advanced Reader Copy (sometimes called an Advance Review Copy). Basically it is an early copy of a book that publishers, authors, or publicists send out before the official release date.
The purpose of this? To get people talking about the book early. The reviews you see popping up on TikTok, Instagram, or Goodreads before launch day? Yeah, those are often thanks to ARC readers.
So, Who are ARC Readers?
ARC readers are the fortunate few who get their hands on early copies of books in exchange for honest reviews. You’ll find them in all kinds of places:
Book bloggers and reviewers writing about book on their sites or Goodreads
BookTok and Bookstagram creators making aesthetic bookish content
Librarians and booksellers recommending reads to their communities
Readers on platforms like NetGalley or BookSirens applying for digital ARCs (eARCs)
Some ARC readers have thousands of followers. Others - like me - just love reading and sharing their thoughts. While one focuses on specific audiences and other reads ARCs for enjoyment, both are important in helping new books find their audience.
Why Do Authors and Publishers Send ARCs?
The short answer: buzz matters.
ARCs help authors and publishers:
Create hype before launch - Early reviews build excitement and get readers talking. When a book goes viral, like The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood, Red Rising by Pierce Brown, or the highly anticipated book by SenLinYu Alechmised, it creates traction that usually increases the closer the release date comes.
Boost preorders and sales - People are more likely to buy a book they keep hearing about. By seeing early reviews, readers can determine if they ultimately want to purchase the book or not. By seeing hype about an upcoming new release, publishers are more confident that they will get a good return on producing the book.
Get valuable feedback - This is probably the number one reason why there are ARC readers. When early copies are sent out and readers get their hands on them, readers can find spelling and grammatical errors before the final version is printed for the masses. This means that you have 50 to 100 to 500+ readers scanning your book for errors that may have otherwise not been caught.
Basically, ARC readers help a book be released into wild with as much fanfare as possible already behind it.
How Can I Become an ARC reader?
If getting your hands on early copies of books sounds interesting to you, let me share how I got started:
My algorithm on TikTok - through much calibrating - ended up on BookTok. From there I started seeing creators post reviews about books that haven’t yet been released. After seeing a video about NetGalley, I decided to check it out. Because it was free, I signed up right away and filled out my profile taking into account the guidelines NetGalley and publishers put in place. Within a couple days, I had my first ARC approved for my review and about 10 days later, I am sitting at nine books I still need to read and review.
While nine books seems like a lot, each has its designated release date, which makes managing the To Be Read (TBR) List a lot easier than having to read all at the same time. Outside of NetGalley, somehow I ended up on the side of Instagram and TikTok where self-published authors and indie authors have been posting about needing ARC readers. After checking out their profiles, what the book is about, and determining if I can read it before the release date, I filled out the form. While I was accepted as an ARC reader for some, others I wasn’t accepted for - which is 100% okay.
My way seems like a more complicated route, but there is an easier way to go about it. You can:
Follow authors and publishers on social media - a lot of them announce ARC opportunities on social media first.
Join author newsletters - Indie authors often recruit for their ARC teams through their mailing lists.
Build your review presence - Post honest reviews on TikTok, Instagram, Goodreads, Amazon, BN.com, or a blog so publishers can see you’re serious. Because I didn’t already have a review presence when I initially signed up, I created this blog - KLS Reviews - to show that I am serious about providing accurate feedback.
The more professional and consistent you in reviewing books and providing feedback, the more likely you’ll keep getting opportunities. Eventually you may even become an Alpha or Beta reader, which helps authors revise their books as they write (look for this in an upcoming article).
ARC Reader Etiquette
While getting early access to books is exciting - it is also a responsibility. Authors and publishers rely on timely feedback, so here is a short list of how to stay in good standing:
Write honest but respectful reviews - You don't have to love every book you read, but no author wants to be the target of cruel remarks that are disguised as criticism
Post on time - Most authors hope for reviews on Amazon or Goodreads by release day or shortly after
Respect the embargo dates - Some books have a strict review deadline.
Don’t share or sell ARCs - These books are for your eyes only. Many times digital copies are encrypted with tracking to determine if it is shared with others and digital copies may come with a disclaimer stating that you will agree to not upload to A.I. programs. Physical versions come with a disclaimer attached to the book to ensure that it is not copied or sold.
By respecting these guidelines, it shows that you are professional and courteous to not only the author but also the publisher. By following this, you are more likely to be approved for more advanced copies as you provide feedback.
The Takeaway
The opportunity to become an ARC reader is one that is provided by authors and publishers. ARC readers help books make their early debut, we share which are well written and some that maybe could have used a bit more revision before being published, and sometimes we find the next breakout novel before everyone else.
If you love reading as much as I do, want to provide honest and constructive feedback, and want to support authors publish their works, becoming an ARC reader might just be your next favorite adventure in the literary world. I know that for me, it is a blessing that I now have a list of around 20 books to read before June 2026 gets here. Feel free to reach out directly if you’d like more information on the process to become an ARC reader.
