Advance Reader Copies (ARCs)

What Is an Advance Reader Copy?

An advance reader copy (ARC) is a pre-publication version of a book sent to reviewers, booksellers, librarians, and influencers before its official release date.

ARCs are used to generate early reviews, build buzz, and help industry professionals decide whether to promote or stock a book. They can be distributed as digital files, known as eARCs, or printed paperbacks.

Unlike a finished book, an ARC is not the final version. For example, an ARC may include minor errors, placeholder formatting, or an unfinished cover. Most are labeled “uncorrected proof” and are not intended for sale.

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Quick Answer: What Is an ARC in Publishing?

An advance reader copy (ARC) is an early version of a book shared before publication to generate reviews, publicity, and reader feedback.

In short:

➞ ARCs are free copies sent before launch

➞ They are used for marketing and early visibility

➞ They are not final versions of the book

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ARC vs Final Book (Quick Comparison)

Feature	ARC	Final Published Book
Editing	May contain minor errors	Fully edited
Cover	May be temporary	Final design
Distribution	Limited, targeted for selected readers	Public release
Purpose	Reviews and promotion	Sales and readership

Why ARCs Matter for Authors

ARCs play a critical role in modern book launches. Early reviews and recommendations help signal quality to readers, retailers, and algorithms, increasing a book’s visibility at the moment it matters most.

As independent publishing has grown, ARCs have become one of the most accessible and effective tools authors can use to build momentum before release. Additionally, readers with influence have the opportunity to decide whether to recommend, review, or stock the book.

Build Early Reviews and Social Proof

Early reviews, blog posts, or videos create social proof. When readers see others recommending a book before it releases, they are more likely to trust and purchase it. This kind of publicity is valuable in an age where readers look to reviews and social media to sift through the landscape of options. It also offers authors some 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 strong ARC and a thoughtful pitch can lead to several outcomes that directly influence launch momentum:

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

➞ Shelf placement that usually shows the bookseller 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

Retail algorithms reward engagement, increasing visibility for books that generate activity around their launches. ARCs help generate that engagement early, so launch week doesn’t have to do all the heavy lifting.

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Types of ARCs (Print, Digital, and Galleys)

Not all advance reader copies look the same. 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 are designed to build early visibility for your book.

Quick Comparison of ARC Types

Type	Best For	Cost	Speed
Print ARCs	Booksellers, librarians, media, high-impact reviewers	High	Slower (printing + shipping)
Digital ARCs (eARCs)	Influencers, reviewers, wide distribution	Low	Fast (instant delivery)
Galleys	Early industry review, long-lead media	Low–Medium	Medium

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 typically 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 many 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 with 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. ARCs should be readable and professionally formatted, but don’t require the same degree of polish as a shelf-ready book. 

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. ARC recipients are generally expected to treat the book as confidential until the release date, unless the author grants permission to share details earlier. 

How Many ARCs Should You Send?

There is no single recommended 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 selecting recipients who are likely to engage with your genre. 

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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Who Should Receive an ARC?

Quick Answer: Keep your list small, and focused on reviewers, booksellers, and industry professionals.

Distributing ARCs 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 the audience by focusing on specific genres

➞ Booksellers which are frequently looking for new titles.

➞ Librarians that 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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Common ARC Mistakes to Avoid

Sending ARCs out can feel straightforward, but a few common missteps can limit their impact or waste time and budget. Intentionality with timing, targeting, and communication makes a significant difference.

Sending ARCs Too Late

Timing is one of the most important factors in a successful ARC strategy. If ARCs go out too close to your release date, readers may not have enough time to finish the book and post reviews when they matter most. This reduces early momentum and limits the visibility boost that ARCs are meant to create.

Targeting the Wrong Readers

It may seem like a good idea to cast a wide net, but the practice often limits engagement. ARCs are most effective when sent to readers who already enjoy your genre and regularly review or recommend books. A smaller, well-matched group will almost always outperform a large, unfocused list.

Overprinting Physical ARCs

Printed ARCs are valuable, but they can become expensive quickly. Ordering too many copies without a clear distribution plan can drain your budget without improving results. Most authors benefit from sending a limited number of print ARCs to high-impact recipients and relying on digital copies for broader reach.

Unclear Expectations

If recipients don’t know what you’re hoping for, they’re less likely to follow through. A simple, respectful note such as “If you enjoy the book, I would appreciate an honest review around launch” helps set expectations without creating pressure. Clear communication leads to better outcomes and stronger relationships.

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Are ARCs Free?

Yes. Advance reader copies are almost always free for the people receiving them.

ARCs are meant to encourage 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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Best Practices for Distributing ARCs

Sending out ARCs can feel complex, 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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Frequently Asked Questions About ARCs

Do ARCs count as published?

No. An ARC is not considered a published copy. Because it’s a pre-release version that may still contain errors, it does 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?

Yes. 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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