How to Get Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) for Free - American Author House Blog
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How to Get Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) for Free

Writing

An advanced reader copy, also called a draft or an ARC, is a form of a book that has yet to be released. Traditional companies, private publishers, and writers can build early buzz about a book by getting it into the world. This early talk can help a book get off to a better start, leading to more sales over its lifetime.

Even though the story in advanced reader copies has been revised and all the plot points are there, the book may still have typos or illustrations that need to be finished. Companies and self-publishers plan to print a hardcover book; a reading copy is usually given as a paperback book. It is because it costs less to make paperback books, s But what is an advanced reader copy for, and how do you get one?

Tips On How To Get Arcs For Free

Let’s discuss Advanced Reader Copies, how to get books before publishing, how to make an ARC share online, and how ARCs can help get early book reviews.

1- Goodreads 

If you read a lot, you may already know about Goodreads and the prizes they give away. Goodreads is a free website that lets you keep track of books you want or have already read. It also often gives away print and digital copies of books. 

If a book on your TBR list comes up in a giveaway, you will get an email telling you to enter. So you can win, but it seems like a shot in the dark. 

2-By Engaging In Blog Tours

Blog tours are run by other book writers, book groups, a American Author House, publishing companies, or public relations firms. If you spend time on social media sites where people talk about books, you’ve probably seen someone post about their stop on a blog tour.

If not, these blog tours are like internet book trips. You can join them by signing up for a blog tour on the host’s site. 

3- Net Galley

Those who read books should come here. Any reader can make a free account on NetGalley, log in, and ask the authors for digital ARCs. Most of the books on this site are downloads, but podcasts have been added more recently. 

NetGalley is all about numbers… More books will be available on this site as you use them. I have a high acceptance rate on this site, so I limit the number of books I request.

4- Social Media

Goodreads feels like a shot in the dark, but the author or publishing house offers on social media have been more accessible for me to win. Authors usually only get a small number of Advanced Reader Copies to give to friends and family, but sometimes they share a copy with fans on their social media. 

Publishing Houses are also great to follow. Because they give away books and are the first to tell you about news and future issues. You need to know what’s coming out soon and what ARCs you want. 

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5- Bookish First

It is the best way to get actual ARCs and the one you can trust the most. Bookish First asks reviewers to do a little work upfront, but it gives them a chance to get actual ARCs regularly. 

The winner is picked the following week. I like that you don’t have to rely on lottery-style draws to win. You will get 100 points to your account when you write a review. When you have 2,000 points, you can choose one book from the week’s list without joining the raffle. I average about one book a month between the draw and getting books with issues.

6- Direct Requests

Most writers have an official website with information about their future books and how to contact them. If there’s an author you like, I’d look on their website for details on how to get in touch with their agent. Also, send a friendly email explaining why you’d like to read the book early. 

To get advanced reader copies (ARC) of a forthcoming book, you should first familiarise yourself with the publisher and then go to their website. The contact information for the majority of business owners is freely available.

Then you should submit an email requesting assistance. It may provide light on the motivations behind your request, the scope of your intended review, and your current support.

7- Go To Book Fairs And Workshops

Book shows are another great way to get early Advanced Reader Copies of books. These days, book shows don’t give away as many books as they used to, and when they do, they often do so online. You can sign up for the days when the public can come. Also, you could get some great copies signed by the authors if you’re willing to wait in long lines. Check to see if there are any book gatherings near where you live if you live in a big city. 

The Worth Of Advance Copies For Readers

If you read a lot, you know that advanced reader copies (ARCs) can be helpful in many ways. If you have yet to hear of ARCs, they are just early copies of a book sent to writers, stores, and other people in the book business before the book comes out.

Even though ARCs aren’t always available to everyone, there are still a few ways to get your hands on one.

1. The most apparent benefit of using an ARC is reading a book before it comes out to the general public. 

2. Using an ARC can also tell the author or publisher what you think about the book. This input can be constructive because it can shape how the result turns out. Also, it’s always fun to be a part of the process.

3. Lastly, ARCs are usually cheaper than buying the finished book. Authors often give deals on ARCs to get people to read them and write reviews. ARCs are also often sold at library book sales or on online selling sites.

Conclusion

You may enjoy reading a book for free and have a hand in shaping the book’s future using advanced reader copies (ARCs). Furthermore, it’s great to be included in the exclusive group of individuals who got to read the book before it was launched. By following the steps outlined in this guide, such as joining online book clubs, connecting with authors and publishers, and participating in giveaways and contests, you can increase your chances of receiving ARCs for free.

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