What’s an ARC?

Several weeks before a book’s release date, publishers send Advance Review Copies (ARCs) to select readers in exchange for an honest review of the book. Publishers will often use snippets of these reviews for promotion.

In the same spirit, independent authors need reviews for their books as quickly as possible once the book goes up for sale. Reviews on a sales platform like Amazon allow browsing shoppers to get a good idea of whether a book might be enjoyable for them, and can play a large role in influencing new readers to try the book.

By offering ARCs to readers, an author can guarantee reviews in the first few days of the book’s release, thereby providing genuine reader opinions to shoppers while the book is at its most visible.

How does it work?

My Advance Reader Team is a group of volunteer readers who read and review ARCs of my newest books. Members of the team receive a free copy of a new book before its release date. In exchange, they read the book and post their honest review on Amazon.com and Goodreads before the release date.

ARC reviews should focus on what makes the book enjoyable, while avoiding spoilers or plots summaries (since most people reading the review won’t have read the book yet). Talking about things like characters, pacing, and genre elements help new readers decide if the book suits their tastes.

Since I’m counting on ARC reviews to successfully launch my new releases, members of my team are expected to read and review by the release day deadline. However, before each ARC, I check with every member to make sure they can meet the deadline. If not, they can opt-out until my next release.

How can I apply?

To apply for my Advance Reader Team, please complete the short form linked below.

My Advance Review Team plays an important role in the success of each new book, and I can’t show my appreciation enough. Thanks a million and if you have any questions, shoot me a message!

What if I’m writing for a blog or I’m a professional reviewer?

Please send a brief email to [email protected] with your information, requested title, and relevant site statistics. Note that only successful applicants will be contacted.