Advance Reader Copies (ARCs)

What Are Advance Reader Copies?

Advance reader copies (ARC) are pre-publication versions of a book that authors and publishers send to early readers like booksellers, librarians, influencers, and reviewers before the official release date. 

ARCs can be digital (eARCs) or printed, and their main purpose is to generate publicity, gather early reviews, and help businesses decide whether to stock or promote the book. Unlike a final published copy, an ARC may still have small errors or placeholder design elements. It is a near-final draft meant for feedback and visibility, and not representative of how the book will look and feel by the end of the publishing process.

In this article, we offer an overview of the importance of advance reader copies and cover the following topics:

➜ Why ARCs are important, the types of ARCs, and the most important readers to target.

➜ Practical guidance on how to create, distribute, and time your ARCs.

➜ Answers to common questions and best practices so authors at any stage can confidently use ARCs to support a strong book launch.

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Why ARCs Matter for Authors

Advance reader copies matter for one reason: to help an author’s book make a strong first impression. 

ARCs give readers, particularly those with influence, an early look at the story so they can decide whether to recommend it, review it, or stock it.

Build Early Reviews and Social Proof

When reviewers, bloggers, or influencers post about a book before it launches, they are encouraging their audience to read it by their recommendation. This creates a kind of social proof that the book is worth buying and reading. Publicity of this kind is particularly valuable in an age where readers look to reviews and social media to sift through the landscape of options. These early reviews also give authors pull quotes they can use on their website, book jacket, or marketing materials.

Strengthen Bookseller and Librarian Interest

Booksellers and librarians often rely on ARCs to decide what to order. A compelling ARC and a thoughtful pitch can lead to these responses from readers, all of which meaningfully impact launch momentum:

➜ Pre-orders, which can begin the planning process of packing and shipping books to buyers.

➜ Shelf placement that usually shows the bookseller is confident their customers will enjoy the book.

➜ Staff picks, which can get the attention of frequent customers who look to bookstore employees for recommendations.

Create Momentum for Launch Week

Algorithms reward engagement. The more attention a book receives before and during release week, the more visibility it gets on retailer platforms. ARCs help generate that engagement early, so launch week doesn’t have to do all the heavy lifting.

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Types of Advance Reader Copies (ARCs)

Not all advance reader copies look the same. There are three types of ARCs: print, digital, and galley copies.

Depending on your budget, goals, and publishing path, you may use printed ARCs, digital ARCs, or earlier-stage galleys. Each format serves a slightly different purpose, but all help you build early visibility for your book.

Print ARCs

Printed ARCs resemble a lightweight paperback. They’re more expensive to produce but can make a stronger impression on booksellers, librarians, and media outlets who still prefer physical copies. Authors often send fewer print ARCs due to cost, focusing them on high-impact recipients.

Digital ARCs (eARCs)

Digital ARCs are the most accessible option. They’re fast to send, easy to track, and far more affordable than print. Many authors distribute eARCs through dedicated platforms such as NetGalley, Edelweiss, or BookFunnel, or simply attach them to personalized outreach emails. For most authors, digital ARCs offer the best balance of reach and cost.

Galleys vs. ARCs

Galleys are earlier, less polished versions of the book. They may contain placeholder formatting or more noticeable errors and are usually shared with industry professionals who need longer lead times to make a decision on books. ARCs come later in the process, after the manuscript has been copyedited and shaped into something close to the final version.

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How Authors Get and Use ARCs

Authors either receive advance reader copies from their publisher or use their skills and resources to create them independently.

Advance reader copies are used by large publishers and indie authors alike. Whether you’re preparing a digital ARC or ordering printed copies, the process is generally the same. Start by creating a near-final version of your book, and then share it with the right people with enough time to read and respond.

How to Create an ARC

Most authors prepare an ARC once the manuscript has gone through line editing and is in a fairly clean state. Advance reader copies should be readable and professionally formatted, but don’t require the same degree of polish as a shelf-ready book. 

To make an ARC from an edited manuscript, authors and publishers typically follow these steps:

➜ Finalize the draft to be used for the ARC. Initial line editing and major substantive changes are important here, but not a fully polished book.

➜ Format the ARC for print and digital distribution. Ensure the eARC is exported to the .epub file format, and the physical version is ready for printing. 

➜ Create a cover for the ARC. This is not typically the final cover, but it must exemplify the tone and character of the book for your advance readers.

➜ Prepare all necessary metadata for each version. This includes the title and subtitle, genre, planned release date, front and back copy, and any important information on the author or future installments if writing a series.

➜ It’s common to include a disclaimer such as “uncorrected proof: not for sale,” especially if the cover isn’t final or some text may still change. Ethically, ARC recipients should treat the book as confidential until the release date unless the author gives permission to share specific details early.

How Many ARCs Should You Send?

There is no single “right” number. Traditional publishers may distribute dozens or hundreds of ARCs, but indie authors often focus on a smaller, more strategic group. Sending 10–40 print ARCs and a wider batch of digital ARCs is typical for self-published authors. What matters most is choosing recipients who are likely to engage with your genre and audience.

When to Send Out ARCs

Timing is crucial. Most authors send print ARCs three to four months before publication, while digital ARCs often go out six to eight weeks ahead of launch. This lead time lets reviewers read at a natural pace and gives them space to post reviews near your release date, when they have the most impact.

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Where to Send ARCs (and Who Should Receive Them)

Distributing advance reader copies is about targeting the people most likely to enjoy the book and talk about it rather than casting a wide net. A smaller, intentional outreach list will almost always outperform a large, unfocused one.

Where a final copy is meant for sale, ARCs are intended for evaluation and promotion, not profit. Readers who receive ARCs can talk about the book and share impressions, but they should never resell the copy. Below are some of the most important people to look for when writing your list:

➜ Reviewers, who increase their authority in criticism by reviewing more books.

➜ Influencers, who typically build an audience by focusing on specific genres

➜ Booksellers, who are frequently looking for new titles.

➜ Librarians, who want to bring more options to their community.

➜ Press, media, and industry professionals, who seek book promotion opportunities.

Reviewers & Influencers

Book reviewers, bloggers, and content creators on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are prime ARC partners. Look for readers who consistently cover your genre and have an audience that aligns with your target demographics. Even small creators can make a big impact if their followers are engaged and focused on your niche. 

Booksellers & Librarians

Booksellers and librarians use ARCs to help them do their jobs, so they are always looking for new books to consider. When reaching out, keep your pitch respectful and concise. Share your book’s genre, a short synopsis, the publication date, and why you think their readers or patrons might respond well to it. A thoughtful approach stands out far more than a mass email.

Press, Media, and Industry Pros

ARCs are also useful for generating media coverage. Local newspapers, literary bloggers, podcasters, and genre-specific outlets often welcome early access to new books. It’s helpful to include a press sheet with your ARC, especially if you’re pitching reviewers with limited time.

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Are Advance Reader Copies (ARCs) Free?

Yes; advance reader copies (ARCs) are always free (or should be) for the people receiving them.

ARCs are meant to encourage early reviews, word-of-mouth recommendations, and retailer interest, so charging for them would work against their purpose. Recipients should never have to pay for an ARC, whether it’s digital or printed.

For authors, ARCs do come with some cost: printing, shipping, and sometimes platform fees for distributing digital copies. These expenses are part of the book’s overall marketing strategy, similar to running ads or commissioning a cover design, and should be considered during the planning and budgeting stages of your book launch.

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Common Questions About ARCs

Do ARCs count as published?

No. An ARC is not considered a published copy. Because they are pre-release versions that may still contain errors, advance reader copies do not mark the official publication of the book.

Can ARC recipients post reviews on Amazon?

Yes, but usually not until the publication date, unless the author or publisher states otherwise. Many reviewers share early impressions on their blogs or social media first, then post a formal review on Amazon when the book is live.

How early should authors send ARCs?

Most authors send ARCs 6–16 weeks before the release date, depending on the recipient. Influencers and digital reviewers can work with shorter timelines, but booksellers, librarians, and media outlets often need more lead time.

Should indie authors use ARCs?

ARCs are one of the most effective tools indie authors have for building early reviews, generating visibility, and supporting a strong launch, particularly on a smaller budget.

What should an ARC email say?

A good ARC request email is short and courteous. It includes the book’s title, genre, a quick blurb, the release date, and a friendly note that there’s no pressure if they can’t review. A small, personalized message can have a greater impact than a long, impersonal rundown. 

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Best Practices for Distributing ARCs

Sending out ARCs can feel intimidating, but a few simple habits make the process smoother and more effective. Clear expectations, organized tracking, and respectful communication go a long way toward building genuine relationships with early readers.

Write Clear Expectations

Let your ARC recipients know what you’re hoping for, and what’s optional. A friendly request along the lines of “If you enjoy the book, I would appreciate an honest review by launch week” sets expectations without pressure. Clarity helps reviewers plan their reading schedule while keeping the relationship warm and respectful.

Track Your ARC Outreach

A simple spreadsheet can save you hours of stress later. Track who you sent ARCs to, when you sent them, who responded, and what they are offering in return. This makes follow-ups easier and helps you understand which outreach methods are most effective for future launches.

Avoid Common Mistakes

Many authors accidentally make the ARC process harder than it needs to be. Try to avoid:

➜ Sending ARCs too late, leaving little time for readers to finish.

➜ Mass, untargeted outreach, which leads to low response rates.

➜ Overprinting, which drains your budget quickly.

➜ Skipping disclaimers, especially on printed ARCs.

With a bit of planning, distributing ARCs can feel encouraging and energizing as you experience outside perspectives on your near-finished book for the first time.

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Template 1: ARC Request Email for Authors

If you’re stuck in writing your ARC outreach email, review our template below. The pitch should be short and respectful, because book reviewers tend to dislike long introductions to new books. The tone is respectful of the reviewer’s time and responsibility, which creates a low-pressure scenario and encourages a “yes.” The template also includes an optional call to action, the request to review if they enjoy it, which avoids miscommunication in the future. 

ARC Outreach Template for Authors

Subject: ARC of [Book Title]: Would You Be Interested?

Hi [Name],

I hope you’re doing well. I’m reaching out because I have an advance reader copy of my upcoming [genre] novel, [Book Title], and I thought it might be a good fit for you and your [audience/readers/patrons].

A quick overview of the book:

✦ Title: [Book Title]

✦ Genre/Audience: [e.g., cozy mystery for fans of X]

✦ Release Date: [Date]

✦ Brief Description (1–2 sentences): [Short hook]

I’d be happy to send you a [digital/print] ARC if you’re interested. No pressure, and no obligation. I know reading schedules can be packed. If you do have time and end up enjoying it, an honest review or mention around launch week would mean a lot.

Just let me know what format you prefer!

Thank you so much for your time,
[Your Name]
[Website or socials, optional]

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Template 2: ARC Request Email for Readers

Below is a template you can use to reach out to authors and request an ARC of an upcoming book. It’s written to be polite, unobtrusive, and acknowledge the author may not have an ARC to give out at this time. It contains a brief rundown of the reviewer’s credentials, with a promise of an honest review after reading. Wording like this maintains modest expectations for the author, but including links to your work shows you are serious about the potential opportunity to read their work:

ARC Request Template for Readers

Subject: ARC Request for [Book Title]

Hi [Author/Publisher Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I’m a reader/reviewer who focuses on [genre or niche, if relevant]. I saw that your upcoming book, [Book Title], is releasing on [Date], and I’d love to request an advance reader copy if any are available.

A bit about me:

✦ I review on: [Goodreads, BookTok, Instagram, blog, etc.]

✦ My audience/reading interests: [Short relevant description]

If you’re offering ARCs, I’d be happy to read and post an honest review around release week. I completely understand if your ARC list is full — no pressure at all.

Thank you for your time, and congrats on the upcoming release!
[Your Name]
[Links to profiles]

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