How I Discovered ARC Reading—and How You Can Become One Too.
ARC Reader: Advanced Reader Copy. Given to a select few readers before the book's official launch.
It was 2020, and COVID was taking over the world. As an introvert, I didn't mind the “shelter in place” order at all. It was then that I decided to fall back on one of my favorite activities: READING.
But I’m not your average reader. No. I find a genre I love and devour the stories ASAP. I can read a 400–500-page book in a day—if I have the time. In fact, I read books so fast that when I was pre-reading the Twilight series to make sure my middle school daughter could handle it, I finished the whole series in 5 days. My daughter, ever the competitor, took it as a challenge to read as fast as Mom. That competition turned her into a voracious reader.
Big pat on the back for Mom!
What does this have to do with ARC Readers?
Well, as I started exploring different genres and tropes, I found authors I couldn’t get enough of. I joined their Facebook groups. I subscribed to their newsletters. I pre-ordered their books and stalked their launch dates. And that’s when I started hearing the term ARC Reader.
To be honest, I had no clue what that meant. I assumed it was some kind of editor or proofreader. But here’s the thing: I don’t read to analyze or critique—I read to get lost in a story.
Then I became an author myself.
As I got ready to launch my first book (a novella, really), I discovered the importance of ARC readers. These early readers get a free copy of your book—before it’s published—with the understanding that they’ll help promote it during launch week. Think of them as your book’s hype team.
I scrambled to find a few ARC readers for Dare You to Want Me. I ended up with four.
Only one left a review.
So what is the purpose of an ARC reader?
To help the author. It’s that simple. Your job as an ARC reader is to:
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Read the book before launch (within the timeframe the author provides)
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Share your honest thoughts—either in a review, a social media post, or both
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Post a review on launch day (Amazon, Goodreads, TikTok, wherever you hang out)
You’re not required to love every book, but if you agree to be on someone’s ARC team, you're committing to support their launch in a meaningful way.
How to Become an ARC Reader (Step-by-Step)
Want to join an ARC team? Here’s how to get started:
- Find authors you love
Start with authors you already read. Follow them on Instagram, TikTok, or subscribe to their newsletter. Many announce ARC opportunities through email or social posts. -
Join author Facebook groups or reader communities
Most indie authors have private reader groups where they share early access links and invite readers to sign up for ARCs. -
Look for ARC signup forms
Authors will usually post a Google Form or BookFunnel link where you can apply to join their ARC team. -
Apply—and be honest
You don’t have to be a blogger or influencer. Just let them know if you’re on Goodreads, TikTok, or review on Amazon. -
Read the book before the launch date
ARC reading usually comes with a timeline. Make sure you can finish on time. -
Post your review (and share it!)
Leave a thoughtful review on Amazon or Goodreads—and if you love the book, post about it on social!
Want to be one of my ARC Readers?
I’m already working on my next book, Dare You to Choose Me (title still baking), and it’s tentatively scheduled for launch this July. If you love emotional slow burns, unrequited love, and stories you can devour in a day… I’d love to have you on my ARC team.
👉 Sign up here to get early access before it launches!
You’ll get a free digital copy before anyone else—and a front-row seat to the drama, tension, and swoony chaos.
Ava Vail
Ava Vail is a contemporary romance author specializing in short, emotionally intense love stories with strong character arcs and just the right amount of steam.
Her books are perfect for readers who love slow-burn tension, forbidden attraction, and binge-worthy romance you can finish in one sitting.