What is an ARC and Why Do I Need Them?
If you’ve ever scrolled through Amazon and seen a book with dozens of reviews on release day, you’ve probably witnessed the quiet power of ARCs in action.
ARCs, short for Advance Reader Copies, are one of the most important tools in your book marketing arsenal. Yet, many new (and even seasoned) authors skip them, either because they don’t know how to use them strategically or they don’t realize just how much they can impact sales.
Let’s break down what ARCs are, why you need them, and how to make them work for you.
What is an ARC?
An ARC is a pre-publication copy of your book that you send out to readers, reviewers, and influencers before your official launch.
They’re sometimes called galleys or review copies, and they can be:
- Digital ARCs: ePub, MOBI, or PDF files sent via email or a distribution platform (e.g., BookFunnel, NetGalley).
- Print ARCs: Physical copies printed and mailed before launch (more expensive but sometimes more impactful).
The purpose of an ARC isn’t to give away free books just for the sake of it, it’s to generate buzz, reviews, and momentum before launch day.
Why You Need ARCs
1. Build Early Social Proof
In publishing, reviews = trust. A new reader who doesn’t know you is far more likely to buy if they see multiple reviews already in place. ARCs allow you to collect those reviews before launch so your book doesn’t look “cold” on day one.
2. Increase Launch Day Sales
When readers are excited about your book before it’s released, they’re more likely to:
- Pre-order it
- Share it on social media
- Recommend it to friends and book clubs
ARCs essentially give you a street team of advocates who help spread the word.
3. Build Relationships with Influencers & Reviewers
Sending ARCs to book bloggers, podcasters, BookTokers, and Bookstagrammers gets your work in front of larger audiences. Many of these influencers have loyal followings who trust their recommendations.
4. Generate Buzz on Multiple Platforms
ARC readers can create content before your launch that keeps you top of mind:
- Social media posts with your cover
- Blog reviews and YouTube unboxings
- Goodreads updates and early star ratings
5. Catch Last-Minute Typos or Issues
While ARCs should be close to final, early readers sometimes spot typos, formatting errors, or plot inconsistencies you can still fix before launch.
How to Use ARCs Effectively
Step 1: Recruit Your ARC Team
Aim for at least 20–50 readers. These can be:
- Loyal fans from your email list
- Fellow authors in your genre
- Book bloggers & reviewers
- Genre-specific influencers on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube
Create an ARC sign-up form and require agreement to leave an honest review.
Step 2: Set Clear Expectations
Communicate:
- When they’ll receive the ARC
- When you’d like their review posted (ideally within 1–3 days of launch)
- Where to post (Amazon, Goodreads, BookBub, blog, etc.)
Step 3: Make Delivery Easy
Use a platform like BookFunnel or BookSprout to securely send digital ARCs, or work with your printer for physical copies.
Step 4: Follow Up Without Being Pushy
Send polite reminders close to launch and thank your ARC readers publicly. Appreciation keeps your review team engaged for future books.
ARC Best Practices
- Send them 4–8 weeks before launch to give readers time to finish and review.
- Include a short thank-you note and book blurb with the ARC.
- Don’t send unedited drafts, ARCs should be as close to final as possible.
- Keep a spreadsheet to track who has received and posted reviews.
ARCs aren’t just a nice-to-have, they’re an essential part of launching a book with momentum. A well-organized ARC team means you start release week with reviews in place, buzz online, and readers already talking about your work. If you skip them, you’ll be starting from zero, and in today’s crowded market, zero is a hard place to climb from.