What is an ARC Reader, and Why Are They so Important?
What is the first thing you do when you consider buying something? If you’re anything like me, you ask questions and read reviews. You don’t want to waste time or money on things that won't fit your life or make you happy, so you rely on other consumers to give you a heads-up about their experience with the product.
Readers do the exact same thing. That’s why reviews are so important, and why ARC reviews are critical.
What is an ARC, and who are these reviewers?
Advanced Reader Copy
Just like the name suggests, ARCs are copies of a book, printed or digital, sent to readers so they can read and review the novel before it’s published. Why is this so important? Because the reviews ARC readers write provide social proof and advice to the reading public so that when the book officially launches, there are already helpful reviews to let them know whether a book is right for them before they purchase.
These reviews can cover things like what the reader liked and disliked about the book, as well as the story arc, pacing, and character development.
These reviews generate buzz and anticipation, as well as provide a valuable resource for readers to make smart decisions about which books to buy.
Who Are ARC Reviewers?
In the past, ARCs were sent out by traditional publishing companies to influential readers and professional reviewers, librarians, bookstore owners, professors, and other people who influence or cultivate book-reading communities.
Today, with the rise of independent publishing and self-publishing, ARC reviewers also include book influencers on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, bloggers, and YouTube personalities.
But more and more authors are opening up their ARC applications to everyday readers who want to review books and are simply excited and passionate about reading.
Personally, I will give an ARC copy to anyone who loves to read and can commit to leaving a review on the platforms of their choice, focusing on Amazon and Goodreads as the main bookish resources for readers.
I believe anyone who is passionate about books, loves reading fantasy and wants to review them is a worthy person to send an ARC to, even if they don’t have a large platform.
How ARCs Help Authors
ARC reviews help authors by generating buzz if reviewers are excited about the story, creating anticipation around a launch, and providing proof to booksellers that the novel is worth carrying.
Advanced reviews tend to catch algorithms and tell platforms that people are reading and paying attention to a book. This, in turn, makes it worthwhile for the platform to push the book to more readers because there is a bigger chance of sales.
Often, these advanced reviews can catapult a book into bestseller status or ensure it has a great showing during its first few weeks, which influences whether it is successful or not.
Want to be an ARC reader?
Many authors have ARC requests or applications available on their websites. You can also become part of platforms like NetGalley and Reedsy Discovery if you want to start receiving and reviewing advanced reader copies.
If you’d like to be an ARC reader for me, you’ll find the application right here. Please note that I will never stick my nose in your business. Your reviews are your own, and they should be honest and confident. If you review one of my books and you didn’t love it, we can still be friends, I promise ;)