Definition
An ARC — advance reader copy, sometimes called an advance review copy — is a version of a book distributed before release so that reviewers, bloggers, BookTokers and early readers can read it and post reviews around launch.
Indie authors usually distribute ARCs as ebooks, either directly, through an ARC team built from their newsletter, or through dedicated ARC and review services. ARCs may contain small errors and are often marked as uncorrected proofs.
When giving ARCs, ask for honest reviews and follow each platform's review rules: for example, Amazon's community guidelines restrict reviews in exchange for compensation, so free copies should never be tied to positive reviews.
Practical tips
- Send ARCs 4–8 weeks before launch so reviews can be ready.
- Give reviewers ready-made assets: cover, blurb, short video clips.
- Ask for honesty, not stars.