If you’re one of the lucky readers who has gotten your hands on an advanced reader’s copy, you may be wondering what this means. Advanced reader copies of books, affectionately referred to as ARCs, have been known to send shivers of excitement down the backs of anxious, devoted readers. Who wouldn’t want to have an exclusive first look at a highly anticipated new novel by one of their favorite authors? If you’ve received your very first ARC (as many of my readers recently found in their inboxes), here are some quick tips about the nature of ARCs and how you can use your exclusive access to help make the book’s release epic.
Can I Share My ARC with Friends and Family?
By all means, share your excitement and opinions about the book, but please don’t send files or share physical copies. That ARC was meant for you. It’s a big “thank you!” for being part of an exclusive group of readers who get the first glimpses of new material. Exclusivity is moot when everyone else gets access, right?
Can I Post on Social Media?
Please do! Getting a new book noticed once it’s released is one of the biggest hurdles, especially for an independent, self-published author. With so many new titles available every day, it’s readers who spread the word that make a title a bestseller. Here are a few ways you can use your influence on social media and brag that you got the first look at a new release:
- Take a picture of yourself reading your ARC and post it on Instagram.
- Share your exclusive reader status on Facebook. You could say something like, “I feel like a VIP today! I’m reading an advanced copy of [insert book title here] and am loving every minute of it.”
- Add the book to your “reading” or “want to read” list on Goodreads.
If you post on social media, make sure you tag the author!
Can I Post Quotes on Twitter?
Not just yet, please. An ARC is essentially a book that is still going through the editing process. While major plotlines will not change, certain parts may be rewritten or omitted before the final publishing date. Minor characters may even be written out – GASP! If you’re itching to post a blurb that really spoke to you, contact the author first to make sure it is okay if the book has not been published yet.
When Can I Leave a Review?
As soon as you finish the book, you can leave a review on Goodreads. However, all other reviews like those on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other book retailers can’t be submitted until the book is listed as published.
Do you have any other questions about reading ARCs? If so, drop me a question in the comments.
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