What Are ARC Readers? The Ultimate Guide for Romance Self-Publishers

by Lana Wessels April 14, 2025

An ARC (Advance Reader Copy) is an early version of your book that is sent to a select group of readers before its official release. These readers (ARC readers) read the book, provide feedback, and leave reviews on platforms like Amazon, Goodreads, or your own website.

ARC readers are typically fans of your genre or potential future fans who haven’t yet discovered you. The goal is to gather honest reviews, generate buzz, and improve your book’s chances of ranking on Amazon and other retailers once it’s launched.

How to Find ARC Readers for Your Book

Not all readers make great ARC readers—and that’s a good thing. You’re not looking for just anyone. You want readers who:

Love romance (especially your subgenre)
Understand the purpose of ARCs
Are willing to read before launch and leave an honest review

Here’s how to build a reliable ARC team without spamming strangers or begging for feedback:

Start With Your Email List

If you have a mailing list—even a small one—it’s your best starting point. These readers already know and like your writing, and many will be thrilled to support your next release.

How to use it:

Send out a call for ARC readers with a clear timeline and expectations.
Create a short Google Form to gather info (e.g., favorite tropes, review platforms, reading preferences).

Tap Into Romance Reader Communities

There are entire ecosystems of readers who live for early access—especially in romance.

Where to look:

Facebook Groups (search: ARC romance readers, book reviewers, specific subgenres like “dark romance ARC team”)
Goodreads Groups that allow review requests (check group rules!)
Subreddits like r/RomanceBooks or r/IndieRomance

Always lead with value, be respectful, and avoid hard-selling your book.

Use ARC Platforms

If you want a streamlined way to distribute and track ARCs, consider using tools made for the job.

Top platforms for romance authors:

BookSprout – great for building a review team and tracking follow-through
StoryOrigin – ideal for newer authors or those managing multiple releases
BookFunnel (with Reviews feature) – more control over who gets access

Some are free with limitations, others offer paid plans with extras like reminders and analytics.

Reach Out to Book Bloggers & Bookstagrammers

Many romance bloggers and Bookstagram reviewers are open to ARC requests, especially in specific niches (e.g., spicy romcoms, slow burns, age gap).

How to do it well:

Research bloggers who actually cover your trope or heat level.
Personalize your pitch. Show them you’ve read their reviews or liked their content.
Make it easy—link to your blurb, tropes, heat level, and expected review deadline.

Invite Your Existing Fans

Even if you’re new, you probably have some loyal followers—on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, or even from past projects. Invite them in.

Frame it as exclusive access. People love to feel like they’re part of something behind-the-scenes.

What to Say (and Not Say) to Your ARC Readers

A smooth ARC process starts with clear, respectful communication. The goal is to get honest reviews, build trust, and create a great experience—for both you and your readers.

ARC readers are doing you a favor, not applying for a job. So approach them like valued early supporters, not employees.

Set expectations, make it easy, and lead with gratitude.

What to Communicate Upfront

Timeline
Let them know:

When they’ll receive the ARC (e.g., April 25)
When you’d like the review posted (e.g., by launch day, May 15)
If reminders will be sent (and how)

Where to Review
Be specific. Common platforms include:

Amazon (once the book is live)
Goodreads (before launch is fine)
BookBub (optional, but helpful)

Tip: Send direct links to your book’s page once live—it removes friction.

Type of Feedback
ARC readers are not beta readers—but some light feedback is fine to invite, especially if you’re open to it.

For example:

“Did anything pull you out of the story?”
“What was your favorite part or character?”
“Were the pacing or emotional beats satisfying?”

Keep it optional—some will just want to review, and that’s okay.

Respect Their Time

A simple “Thank you for helping me launch this book” goes a long way. Let them know their opinion matters, and that you appreciate the time and energy it takes to read and review.

✅ Do Say:

“Your honest review helps other readers decide if this book is for them.”
“You’ll receive the ARC on [Date], and I’d love the review posted by [Date].”
“You can post on Amazon, Goodreads, and BookBub—whatever you use most.”
“Thank you so much for being part of my ARC team!”

❌ Don’t Say:

“Please only leave a 5-star review.” (It’s against Amazon’s guidelines and erodes trust.)
“Don’t post a review if you didn’t like it.” (Instead, say: “If the book isn’t for you, feel free to skip the review!”)
“I’m a small author, please help me.” (Don’t guilt your readers—make it about the story, the shared love of romance, and their voice as a reader.)

Pro Tip:
Use a welcome email or Google Doc to share all of this info clearly. Bonus points if you include:

The blurb
Tropes and heat level
Content warnings (if applicable)
Review deadline and links

How to Send ARCs (The Logistics)

Once you’ve built your ARC team and set expectations, it’s time to deliver.

Make it easy for readers to access your book and even easier for them to follow through with a review.

Choose Your Distribution Method

Email (DIY route)
You can manually send ARC files (PDF, ePub, or .mobi) to readers via email. This works well if your list is small and manageable.

Pro: Free and personal
Con: You’ll need to manage downloads, reminders, and reader questions yourself

ARC Platforms
Use services designed for ARC distribution like:

BookSprout: Free and paid options, with built-in reminders and review tracking
StoryOrigin: Great for organizing reviews and newsletter swaps
BookFunnel: Ideal if you’re already using it for reader magnets or newsletter delivery

Pro: Automates delivery and reduces tech headaches
Con: Some platforms require readers to create accounts

Send to Kindle (for tech-savvy readers)
If your ARC readers use Kindle, you can send a .mobi or ePub file directly to their Kindle email address. Just ask them to whitelist your sender email in their Amazon settings.

Pro: Seamless for Kindle readers
Con: Requires setup on the reader’s side and manual email sending

Follow Up (Without Being a Pest)

Send two gentle reminders:

One week before release:
“Hey [Name], just a quick reminder that launch day is around the corner! If you’ve had a chance to read [Book Title], I’d be so grateful for a quick review on Amazon or Goodreads. Here’s the link!”
One day before release (optional):
Keep it friendly and upbeat. Thank them again, and include all the links they’ll need to leave a review.

When Should You Use ARC Readers?

ARC teams aren’t just for big launches, they’re a versatile marketing tool.

Ideal for:

New releases (build buzz + social proof)
Relaunches (new covers, blurbs, or edits)
Series continuations (keep momentum and reviews rolling in)

Timing Tips:

4–6 weeks before launch: Recruit ARC readers
2–3 weeks before launch: Send out the ARC
1 week before launch: First reminder
1 day before launch: Final gentle nudge

Pro Tip: Keep a spreadsheet or tracker (or use an ARC platform’s built-in tools) to monitor who received the ARC and who followed through with a review. That way, you can invite your most reliable readers back for future launches.

How to Use ARC Reviews to Your Advantage

Getting reviews is just the start. Smart authors use ARC feedback to improve visibility, build reader trust, and sharpen their storytelling.

Why ARC Reviews Matter

Improve Amazon Rankings
The more (and earlier) reviews you receive, the more credibility your book has with Amazon’s algorithm. Early reviews can improve your chances of landing on “Customers Also Bought” and “Hot New Releases” lists.

Build Social Proof
A glowing review is a powerful sales tool. Pull snippets and use them:

On your book’s Amazon page (via Editorial Reviews or A+ Content if enrolled in Amazon Author Central)
On social media posts, ads, and launch announcements
On your website or newsletter as testimonials

Strengthen Reader Relationships
ARC readers are doing you a favor—thank them like VIPs. A quick personal message or public thank-you goes a long way in turning a one-time reader into a loyal superfan.

Analyze & Adapt
Pay attention to repeated feedback patterns. Are readers confused about pacing? Unclear on character motivations? Even a 3-star review can be a goldmine of insight for your next book.

Strategy Tips to Maximize ARC Reviews

Use Goodreads Shelves Early:
Add your book to Goodreads well before launch. Ask ARC readers to shelve and review it there to generate early buzz and social proof.
Leverage Amazon Preorders:
Encourage ARC readers who preordered to leave their review the day your book goes live. Verified purchase reviews carry more weight.
Include Review Links in Reminders:
Make it easy. Always link directly to your book’s Amazon and Goodreads review pages in reminder emails.
Create Shareable Quote Graphics:
Turn ARC praise into visual content for launch week. Pull juicy review lines and pair them with your cover for use on social media or in your newsletter.
Offer First Dibs on Your Next Book (the FTC-Friendly Way):
Instead of offering gifts in exchange for reviews (which violates Amazon and FTC guidelines), offer early access to your next book as a thank-you for reviewing.

Pro Tip: Keep track of which ARC readers follow through and which ones ghost. Over time, build a core review team you can count on for every release.

How to Manage Your ARC Team Without Losing Your Mind (Post-Launch)

Just because the book is live doesn’t mean the ARC journey ends. If managed well, your ARC team can become the foundation of a loyal, review-ready fanbase for every release. Here’s how to keep the momentum going without burning out.

Nurture, Don’t Ghost

Keep ARC readers in the loop
Treat them like insiders. Let them know about upcoming releases, cover reveals, or bonus scenes—before anyone else. Even a quick “You saw it first because you helped launch this!” builds goodwill.

Invite them to join your Street Team
Some ARC readers will want to do more. Offer a path into your inner circle: a street team or launch squad that helps with reviews, social shares, or just spreading the word. It creates a community around your books—and makes promotion feel personal.

Show appreciation
A heartfelt thank-you goes a long way. Options include:

A personal thank-you email or message
A shoutout on social media
A special mention in your acknowledgments
Exclusive bonus scenes or sneak peeks

Even small gestures make readers feel valued—and far more likely to stick around.

Tools to Keep You Organized and Sane

BookFunnel – Reliable, professional ARC delivery with expiration dates and reader support built-in.
Google Sheets / Airtable – Track who you sent ARCs to, whether they’ve reviewed, and where.
Email Automation – Use platforms like MailerLite or ConvertKit to schedule reminder emails and thank-yous with minimal effort.

Follow-Up Workflow That Doesn’t Feel Pushy

2 weeks pre-launch: Reminder that the ARC is coming soon and where reviews should be posted
3–5 days pre-launch: “Reviews open on [date]—thank you so much for helping me!”
Launch day: Friendly check-in with direct review links
1 week post-launch: Thank-you + bonus content or early access to your next ARC offer

Pro Tip: Keep a “super-reviewer” list of your most consistent ARC readers. These are the folks who review every time and might eventually become beta readers, street team members, or even your first line of feedback on future projects.

How to Avoid Common ARC Mistakes

Here’s what trips up many self-published romance authors and how to get it right:

Mistake #1: Sending ARCs Too Late

The fix: Plan your ARC timeline early. Ideally, send ARCs 2–4 weeks before release so readers have time to read and review without pressure.

Bonus Tip: If you’re sending a preorder, aim to have reviews ready to go on launch day, when visibility matters most.

Mistake #2: Not Getting Enough Reviews

A handful of reviews won’t move the needle—especially in competitive romance categories.

The fix:

Set a review goal: Aim for 10–30 reviews in the first 30 days.
Over-recruit: Not everyone will follow through, so if you want 20 reviews, recruit 40 ARC readers.
Make reviewing easy: Include direct Amazon and Goodreads links in every reminder.

Mistake #3: Not Following Up

Many authors feel awkward sending reminders—but polite follow-ups are essential.

The fix:

Set up a reminder sequence (2–3 total messages) with clear, friendly language.
Emphasize gratitude and ease: “Thank you so much for reading! Here’s where to post your review—it really helps.”
Never guilt trip. Instead, keep it reader-focused: “Your feedback helps other readers find books they’ll love.”

FAQs

1. How many ARC readers do I actually need?

It depends on your goals, but 15–50 active reviewers is a solid starting point. Expect 50–70% of them to post reviews if you follow up well.

2. What if my ARC readers don’t leave reviews?

It happens. That’s why it’s smart to over-recruit, follow up with reminders, and track who delivers. Long-term: nurture your list, and prioritize reliable readers.

3. Can I send ARCs to my friends or family?

Technically yes, but Amazon may flag their reviews as biased. Safer strategy: build a pool of genre readers who aren’t personally connected to you.

4. Is it okay to give an ARC in exchange for a 5-star review?

No. Ask for honest reviews only. Incentivizing or requiring a specific star rating violates Amazon’s review policy and can get you in trouble.

5. How early should I send out ARCs?

Ideally 2–3 weeks before launch. That gives readers time to read and write a review, while keeping the story fresh in their mind.

6. Do I need a finished book before I send it?

Yes, a final or nearly final version. Don’t send an ARC full of typos or plot holes—it reflects on your brand and can tank reviews.

7. Should I watermark my ARC copies?

Yes, especially if you're worried about piracy. BookFunnel and other services can do this automatically.

8. Can I use ARC reviews in my marketing?

Definitely! Grab great quotes for your social posts, email newsletters, or even your blurb—just avoid using full names without permission.

9. How do I keep ARC readers engaged between books?

Email them periodically with updates, bonus scenes, or early looks. Treat them like VIPs—not just a review machine.

10. Do ARC readers get paid?

No, ARC readers are not paid. The “exchange” is that they receive a free early copy of your book in return for an honest review. Most ARC readers are book lovers who enjoy being part of the publishing process and getting exclusive access to new releases. Paying for reviews violates Amazon’s terms of service and can result in your reviews being removed or your account penalized.