All About ARCs

In the blogging world, ARCs are kid of a big deal. They can be seen as a symbol of a ‘good blogger’, as in, only the good bloggers get the ARCS, which is SO UNTRUE. They can cause jealousy. Before I started blogging, I didn’t even know what an ARC was, and was so confused by everyone throwing that term around.

Now, I understand what it is, and even have received a few ARCs of my own! But a lot of people don’t, and so I wanted to make a post talking all about ARCs. Basically, all of the information I’ve learned about ARCs in the past few months will be in here.

First off: What is an ARC?

ARC stands for Advance Reader’s Copy. They are copies of books printed out before a book’s release date and sent out to bloggers and other people in the industry to read and promote.

But what’s an eARC?

EARCs are ebook forms of ARCs. I’d definitely recommend requesting eARCs first, especially if you’re a new-ish blogger.

Where can I get an ARC?

There are a few different ways to receive an ARC.

Primarily, ARCs are sent to you from publishers. You request the ARC in an email, and sometimes, the publisher will mail you it.

Or, you can receive an eARC through sites like NetGalley or Edelweiss. On that sites, you request an eARC of the book you want, and sometimes, your wish will be granted. You’ll be able to read it on an electronic device.

You can also receive an ARC through trading. Some of the first ARCs I got were through #booksfortrade on Twitter.

Requesting ARCs

You can usually find the publisher’s email for review copy requests on their website. You send an email to that address, with something like ARC Request: Name of book by Name of author in the subject line.

In the actual email, be polite. Include your address in the email. Because publishers are so busy, they just don’t have the time to email you back for your address. Put your stats in the email, as well as any plans you have for the book (are you going to feature it specially with an interview with the author? Do an ARC tour?)

You normally won’t receive a response. Publishers are very busy and get lots of requests, so don’t be worried if you don’t. Just check your mailbox, and who knows? You might receive that ARC!

Here’s a sample of an email I sent to request an ARC.

Hi! My name’s Ava, and I blog at ‪bookishnessandtea.wordpress.com‬. The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi sounds amazing, and exactly like the kind of book I’d really enjoy. I’ve also heard a lot of good things about it from bloggers I trust. I would love to be sent an Advance Reader’s Copy to review. 

I post my reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, and my blog, and promote the book and link to my review on my Instagram, where I have 7900 followers who love to see my reviews of books, and my Twitter, which is specifically for my blog. I have 250 followers on my blog, and receive around 2,000 page views per month. 

I love reading and reviewing Young Adult fantasy, contemporary, historical fiction, dystopian, and more. I completely understand if I’m not who you’re looking for to send an ARC to! Just in case, my mailing address is:

[insert address]

Thank you for your time!
Ava Mortier

Bookishness and Tea

I received a response from the publisher, which was unusual, saying that they put me on the waiting list. After a few weeks of nothing, I had given up on that ARC. Then, a few weeks after that, I received the ARC in my mailbox.

I’m not sure how other bloggers do it, but I think it’s mostly similar to this. And it worked for me! Be sure not to copy my email. Be original! Let the publisher see YOU and your passion and excitement for the book. That will make them be more likely to send you a book.

What NOT To Do When Requesting ARCs

• Be rude or threaten the publisher. It’s awful that this has to be said, but still. DON’T DO IT.
• Act unprofessional. You are asking the publisher to send you a book for free. You need to seem like you deserve it.
• Seem greedy or whiny or desperate. Don’t EVER include something like I’ll kill myself if I don’t get this ARC! Yes, that might seem exaggerated, and it is. But don’t include anything that makes you look desperate. It’s a certain way to NOT receive the ARC.
• Fake your stats to make it seem like you have a bigger blog than you really do.

What To Do After You Read It

There are multiple things you can do with an ARC after you finish it.

1. Keep it. I’ve seen so many beautiful ARC collections, and if that interests you, do it!

2. Pass it on. Give it to a friend so they can read it before its release as well.

3. Trade it. #Booksfortrade on Twitter is a place where you can trade ARCs for other ARCs. Someone else gets to read a book they’re excited for, and you can read one you’re excited for! It’s a win/win situation.

Make sure you try to get your review up on or before the release date. You’re being sent the ARC to review it- make sure you do! I know that sometimes it can get overwhelming, but the publisher wants that book to get promoted. That’s what we, as bloggers, do, and that’s why we are sent ARCs.

ARCs are NOT FOR SALE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you see that big thing on a cover of an ARC that says Not For Sale? That means you CANNOT SELL IT. It is illegal. But sadly, it still happens. ARCs are a a promotional tool that we receive for free- don’t ruin it by trying to sell it.

ARC Jealousy

Most bloggers will eventually experience ARC jealousy- when you’re jealous of someone who else who has a certain ARC you want. It makes you think, why are they so much better then me? Why do they get this and I don’t? If you’ve never experienced ARC jealousy, well, I’m in awe. I know I have before. It pains me to admit it, because it is NOT a nice feeling, but I have.

It’s okay to be jealous of someone else’s ARC, but don’t say anything about it, and don’t think you’re not as good as them because of it. ARCs shouldn’t be a symbol of blogger status.

FAQs

What if I’m an international blogger?

Sadly, publishers don’t usually mail ARCs internationally. 😦 But there are always eARCs to request!

When should I start requesting ARCs?

For eARCs, I would say just two months after blogging consistently is fine! You may not get approved, but it never hurts to try. And it’s much more likely than being sent a physical ARC.

For physical ARCs, well, that’s different. You probably won’t get approved until you’ve been blogging for a little while AND you have a large enough following. Because that does matter. I’d say don’t request until you’ve been blogging for AT LEAST 6 months- but it does change between people! If you have a big follower count, you might be able to get an ARC after less time.

Remember: ARCs are not free. They cost money to print, and book bloggers are not ‘owed’ them. Be thankful if you get an ARC, and try to review it before its release! 

If you have any more questions regarding ARCs, leave them in the comments and I’ll answer them! Have you received an ARC before?

Thanks for reading!

Ava