An advance reader copy sent to reviewers, bloggers, and influencers before a book's official publication date to build buzz.
ARC stands for Advance Reader Copy (sometimes called Advance Review Copy). It's an early version of your book distributed to reviewers, bookstagrammers, BookTok creators, librarians, and booksellers weeks or months before publication. ARCs often carry a disclaimer noting that the text isn't final and may contain minor errors. The goal is simple: get people talking about your book before anyone can buy it.
Reviews drive book sales, and reviews need lead time. If your book launches with zero reviews on Goodreads or Amazon, it's invisible. ARCs solve this by putting your book in readers' hands early so that reviews, social media posts, and word-of-mouth recommendations are already rolling when launch day arrives. Whether you're traditionally published or indie, your ARC strategy can make or break your first few weeks of sales.
Your ARC should be fully edited and close to final. Readers understand minor typos, but a sloppy ARC signals an unprofessional book and can generate negative early reviews that stick around forever.
Focus on reviewers who read your genre and have engaged audiences. Fifty ARCs to the right readers beat five hundred to random people who won't read them.
When you send ARCs, include a clear request for when you'd like the review posted (ideally around launch week). Without guidance, reviews trickle in randomly and lose their collective impact.
Create an ARC distribution plan for a hypothetical book launch. List ten specific reviewers, bloggers, or content creators in your genre you'd want to receive your ARC. For each, note why they're a good fit and what platform they'd likely review on. Then draft the short email you'd send with the ARC, including your book's hook and your preferred review timeline.