Minnie's Fiction Addiction

Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) have become the golden ticket of the book world. These pre-publication copies offer readers a coveted glimpse into upcoming releases, but with great power comes great responsibility. Whether you’re new to receiving ARCs or a seasoned reviewer looking to brush up on best practices, understanding ARC etiquette is crucial for maintaining good relationships with publishers, authors, and the broader book community.

What Are ARCs, Really?

Before diving into etiquette, let’s establish what ARCs actually are. Advanced Reader Copies are promotional materials sent by publishers to generate buzz and reviews before a book’s official release. They’re not finished products, they often contain typos, formatting issues, and may differ from the final published version. Think of them as a publisher’s investment in you as a reviewer, and treat them accordingly.

The Golden Rules of ARC Etiquette

1. Honor Your Commitment (But Don’t Overcommit)

The most fundamental rule of ARC etiquette is simple: if you request it, read it. Publishers track which reviewers actually follow through on their requests, and your credibility depends on your reliability. This means being realistic about how many ARCs you can actually handle. It’s better to request five books and review all five than to request twenty and only review two.

If life happens and you genuinely can’t review a book you’ve received, reach out to the publisher or publicist. A brief, honest explanation goes much further than radio silence.

2. Respect the Embargo Date

That release date isn’t a suggestion, it’s a marketing strategy. Publishers coordinate reviews, interviews, and promotional campaigns around specific dates. Posting your review too early can disrupt carefully planned publicity efforts and potentially harm your relationship with publishers. Most ARCs clearly state “Not for sale before [date]” for a reason.

3. Be Honest, But Be Professional

Your job as an ARC reviewer is to provide honest feedback, not to write marketing copy. Publishers want genuine reactions, even if they’re mixed or negative. However, there’s a difference between being honest and being cruel. Focus on specific elements like plot, character development, or writing style rather than making personal attacks on the author.

Remember, you’re reviewing an unfinished product. If you notice obvious typos or formatting issues, it’s worth mentioning that you read an ARC, as these issues are likely to be corrected in the final version.

4. Disclose, Disclose, Disclose

Transparency is non-negotiable in the current media landscape. Always mention that you received an ARC in your review, whether it’s on your blog, Goodreads, social media, or anywhere else. This isn’t just good practice, it’s often legally required depending on your location and platform. A simple “Thank you to [Publisher] for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review” covers your bases.

5. Don’t Sell or Give Away ARCs

This should go without saying, but ARCs are not meant to be sold or traded. Most ARCs explicitly state “Not for sale” on the cover. They’re promotional materials given to you specifically for review purposes. Selling them undermines the entire system and can result in publishers blacklisting you from future ARC programs.

Platform-Specific Considerations

NetGalley Etiquette

NetGalley has revolutionized ARC distribution, but it comes with its own set of expectations. Your approval ratio matters, publishers look at whether you actually review the books you download. Set up your profile thoughtfully, including your blog or social media information, and make sure to mark books as “read” when you finish them.

Don’t request everything that looks interesting. Publishers can see your request history and approval ratios. Be selective and focus on books you’re genuinely excited to read and review.

Social Media ARCs

With the rise of BookTok and Bookstagram, publishers are increasingly sending physical ARCs to social media influencers. If you’re lucky enough to receive these, remember that unboxing videos and aesthetic photos are great, but they should complement, not replace, actual reviews.

Direct Publisher Relationships

If you’ve built relationships with specific publishers or publicists, maintaining professionalism is key. Respond to emails promptly, meet deadlines, and communicate clearly about your availability and preferences. These relationships are built on mutual respect and reliability.

The Don’ts That Could End Your ARC Access

Some behaviors can quickly result in publishers removing you from their reviewer lists:

Don’t ghost publishers. If you’ve built a relationship with a publicist, suddenly disappearing without explanation damages your professional reputation.

Don’t request ARCs just to have them. Publishers track conversion rates, and reviewers who consistently request but don’t review won’t receive ARCs indefinitely.

Don’t spoil major plot points. Even in honest reviews, be mindful of spoilers. Use spoiler warnings when necessary, especially for mysteries, thrillers, or books with major twists.

Don’t make it personal. Critique the work, not the author. Professional reviews focus on craft elements rather than personal attacks.

Building Long-Term Relationships

The best ARC reviewers think beyond individual books to build lasting relationships with publishers and authors. This means being consistent in your reviewing schedule, developing a recognizable voice and style, and being someone publishers can count on for reliable, thoughtful reviews.

Consider specializing in certain genres or types of books. Publishers often maintain lists of reviewers who excel at specific categories, whether that’s literary fiction, romance, mystery, or young adult novels.

When Things Go Wrong

Sometimes you’ll receive an ARC that you absolutely cannot finish, whether due to content concerns, quality issues, or simply because it’s not working for you. In these cases, honesty is still the best policy. You can choose not to review the book publicly while still reaching out to the publisher to explain your decision. Many publishers appreciate this feedback, even if it’s not what they wanted to hear.

The Future of ARC Culture

As the publishing industry continues to evolve, so does ARC culture. Digital ARCs are becoming more common, review embargoes are being enforced more strictly, and publishers are becoming more selective about who receives advance copies. Staying informed about these changes and adapting your practices accordingly will help ensure you remain part of the ARC ecosystem.

Final Thoughts

Receiving ARCs is a privilege that comes with real responsibilities. The books you receive represent significant investments from publishers, in printing costs, shipping, and the hope that you’ll help generate buzz for their upcoming releases. By following these etiquette guidelines, you’re not just being a good reviewer; you’re contributing to a system that benefits readers, authors, and publishers alike.

Remember, the goal isn’t just to get free books (though that’s certainly a perk). It’s to be part of the conversation around literature, to help readers discover their next favorite book, and to support the publishing ecosystem that makes it all possible. When done right, reviewing ARCs can be one of the most rewarding aspects of being part of the book community.

The world of ARCs can seem overwhelming at first, but by approaching it with professionalism, honesty, and respect, you’ll find yourself welcomed into a community of readers and industry professionals who share your passion for books. And who knows? That ARC sitting on your shelf right now might just be the next big thing.