Have you ever scrolled through Goodreads or Bookstagram and thought, “Wait… how did they read THAT book before it even came out?” Or have you seen the term ARC readers being used on social media, and not sure what it means? Keep on reading and I’ll explain everything you need to know about being an ARC reader.

What is an ARC Reader?

ARC stands for Advance Reader Copy, or sometimes Advance Review Copy. Being an ARC reader is kind of like having a backstage pass to the book world. You get to read books before their official release, and all the author asks in return is your honest review. Sounds like a dream gig, right? It definitely can be—but there are a few things to know before diving in.

In simple terms, ARC readers are early readers who help authors and publishers build buzz around a book. Before a book launches, the author or publisher sends out copies to a group of readers—often in digital format—so they can read it, review it, and talk about it ahead of time.

Why? Because early reviews matter. They create momentum, help boost visibility, and give other readers a better sense of what the book is like. Think of ARC readers as a book’s first champions.

What Do ARC Readers Actually Do?

Once you receive an ARC (usually a PDF or ePub file), your main role is to read it and leave a review. That’s it! The review doesn’t need to be fancy or professional—just honest. You can post it on Goodreads, the StoryGraph App your blog, Bookstagram, TikTok, or wherever you normally talk about books.

If you’re part of a book community, even better. Sharing your reactions, quotes, or thoughts while reading can really help build anticipation for the book.

What Authors Look for in ARC Readers?

• Genuine enthusiasm for reading: You don’t need to read 100 books a year, but you should want to read the types of books you’re signing up for.
• Timeliness: The goal is to review the book before or around release day. Life happens, and that’s okay—but ARC reading usually comes with a loose deadline, so it helps to be realistic about your schedule.
• Respect and honesty: You’re not expected to sugar-coat anything. Authors want honest feedback. That said, even if you didn’t like the book, there are still ways you can help THAT book reach its IDEAL READER. You can write a review pointing out the tropes in the book, or what type of reader that book would be a good fit for.
• A willingness to share: Whether you write long reviews or short ones, share deep dives or aesthetic vibes, the key thing is sharing your thoughts in a way that helps other readers.

How Can You Become an ARC Reader?

There are a few different ways to get involved:

• Follow your favourite authors: Many indie authors run ARC programs through their newsletters or websites. Being part of their mailing list is often the first step. Many authors give priority to their newsletter subscribers when offering ARCs.
• Join ARC sites or review platforms: Places like NetGalley or BookSirens are built specifically for ARC readers and reviewers. You’ll need to create a profile and request titles that interest you.
• Engage with the bookish community: If you’re active on Bookstagram, TikTok, Facebook, or Goodreads, you’ll naturally come across ARC opportunities. There are so many Facebook groups connecting ARC readers with indie authors.

Do You Need a Big Following?

Not at all. You don’t need thousands of followers, a blog, or influencer status to become an ARC reader. You don’t even need to be on social media if you don’t want to. In fact, most authors are thrilled just to have reviews posted on platforms like Goodreads or The StoryGraph. Those reviews are incredibly valuable because that’s where many readers go to decide what to pick up next. You do need a profile on those sites, though. It helps establish you as a real reader and gives authors somewhere to link your review when it goes live.

Have I convinced you to become an ARC reader?

Becoming an ARC reader is a fun way to get involved in the book community, support authors, and discover stories before they hit the shelves. Plus, who doesn’t love being the first to read something amazing?

If you’re interested in receiving updates about ARC opportunities of my books, make sure you join my newsletter below. I share early access sign-ups, behind-the-scenes updates, and new release news, straight to your inbox.

Happy reading—and happy reviewing!