What is an ARC?
An ARC is an Advanced Reader Copy. More specifically, an ARC is a book that is complete but has not yet been published. Authors and publishers often give away free ARCs prior to publication in order build buzz and garner early book reviews.
Why do I need ARC readers?
Reviews are a critical component to selling books. On Amazon, your book will get a "lift" in the rankings for the first 30 days (give or take). That means the traffic on your book sales page will it be at its highest. Great, right?
Only if you have reviews. Book browsers are far more likely to convert to book buyers when your books has social proof, aka reviews. Nobody wants to buy a book with no reviews from an unknown author (to them). Don't believe me? Browse the Kindle Top 100 for your favorite genre.
If you're thinking you'll get lots of organic reviews, you're wrong. I've seen dozens of authors estimate these ratios in popular forums. The cold reality... 1 in every 500 purchasers will review your book (at best).
Now, on to the meat of this article.
What does a good ARC reader recruitment post include?
When you are seeking new ARC readers, you will need to include the following information:
Book Cover
Title
Genre
Blurb
Review Deadline (When do you need reviews submitted by? I suggest giving your readers 4-6 weeks lead time.)
Where do you want them to leave reviews? (If you want reviews on Amazon, don't assume that's where your readers will put them. They might post to Kobo, Google Play, GoodReads, or their blog. Be specific.)
Tell them how to apply. Make it simple. (Good resources to help you manage this process are StoryOrigin, BookSprout, and BookFunnel. Some authors also use Facebook or plain old email. I prefer StoryOrigin. Bonus, it's free!)
Where can I find ARC readers?
Check out the compiled list below. Please note, inclusion on this list does not indicate endorsement. If you have a suggested group for me to add, please add it in the blog comments.
OTHER
Reddit ARC Readers
https://www.reddit.com/r/ARCReaders/
LibraryThings
https://www.librarything.com/er/giveaway/list
Your Newsletter
Your Social Media Platforms
YA Book Stop
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2052321714995808
Fantasy ARC & Beta Readers
https://www.facebook.com/groups/fantasyarcreaders/
Reading Owls ARC Team
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2749394122009843/
ARC Group for Readers & Authors
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1623950861238483/
ARC Readers
https://www.facebook.com/groups/393039901080388/
Indie Alpha, Beta, and ARC Readers for ALL Genres
https://www.facebook.com/groups/IndieABAReaders4ALLGenres/
Beta & ARC Readers
https://www.facebook.com/groups/466019413522302/
YA Fantasy Readers
https://www.facebook.com/groups/485480292199563/
GOODREADS
GoodReads ARC of Authors
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/93438-arc-of-authors
GoodReads Advanced Copies for Review & Book Giveaways
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/58575-advanced-copies-for-review-book-giveaways
GoodReads Read 4 Review
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/96918-read-4-review
GoodReads FREE BOOKS for Book lovers: ARC & Polished Manuscript Readers for Authors
GoodReads Authors & Reviewers
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/103713-authors-reviewers
GoodReads Book Review Club
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/71494-book-review-club
PAID
NetGalley (can go through co-op for best pricing)
*This is the resource most traditional publishers use. It is also one of the most expensive in the market.*
Edelweiss (must go through a co-op, cannot post directly)
*This is the resource most traditional publishers use. It is also one of the most expensive in the market.*
BookSirens
Voracious Readers (first book, first 20 free)
https://voraciousreadersonly.com/
BookSprout (free plan available and upgraded plans)
Did I leave any off the list? Add your favorites in the comments below.