How to Request Advanced Reader Copies From Publishers

Updated: 11 Nov 2024

Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) are a dream come true for book lovers and reviewers who want to read highly anticipated books before their official release. But how can you, as a reader, reviewer, or blogger, get your hands on these exclusive pre-release copies?

Requesting ARCs from publishers can seem daunting, but with the right approach, it’s easier than you might think.

a person reading ARC and a text "how to receive an ARC

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to successfully request ARCs, build relationships with publishers, and start receiving books before they hit the shelves.

Table of Content

What Are ARCs, and Why Are They Distributed?
Who Can Request ARCs?
Steps to Request ARCs From Publishers
Other Ways to Request ARCs
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Requesting ARCs
Conclusion: Start Your ARC Journey Today

What Are ARCs, and Why Are They Distributed?

Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) are pre-release versions of books distributed to reviewers, booksellers, librarians, and influencers. Publishers send ARCs to generate buzz, collect early reviews, and increase visibility for upcoming releases.

For more details, check out our comprehensive blog post on Advanced Reader Copy (ARC).

Purpose of ARCs:

Promote the book before its release.
Gather reviews that help shape marketing strategies.
Build excitement and anticipation among readers.

If you love sharing your thoughts on books and have a platform to influence others, publishers will see value in providing you with ARCs.

Who Can Request ARCs?

While ARCs are not sold to the public, anyone with a platform to promote books can request them. This includes:

Book Bloggers: Write reviews and feature books on your blog.
Bookstagrammers: Share reviews and aesthetics on Instagram.
BookTubers: Create YouTube content focused on books.
Librarians and Booksellers: Help promote books to your patrons or customers.
Reviewers on Goodreads/NetGalley: Post detailed, constructive reviews online.

Having an audience—big or small—shows publishers that you can help their books reach more readers.

Steps to Request ARCs From Publishers

Step 1: Build an Online Presence

Publishers want to know that their ARCs will reach an audience. Establish a strong online presence where you regularly discuss books.

Start a blog or website dedicated to book reviews.
Create an engaging Bookstagram account.
Post reviews consistently on Goodreads, Amazon, or YouTube.

A professional, active platform increases your credibility.

Step 2: Identify Publishers of the Books You Love

Research publishers that release books in your preferred genres. You can usually find this information on the back of a book or the author’s website.

Examples of Major Publishers:

Penguin Random House
HarperCollins
Simon & Schuster
Hachette Book Group
Macmillan

Tip:
Don’t forget smaller or independent publishers! They often have less competition for ARCs and may be more willing to work with new reviewers.

Step 3: Find Contact Information

Visit the publisher’s website and look for their publicity or marketing department. Many publishers have a page dedicated to ARC requests, especially for bloggers and reviewers.

Common Resources to Check:

Publicity/Press email addresses.
Online request forms.
NetGalley or Edelweiss accounts (for digital ARCs).

Step 4: Craft a Professional Request Email

When reaching out to publishers, your email should be polite, professional, and concise.

What to Include in Your Email:

Subject Line: “ARC Request: [Book Title] by [Author Name]”
Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and your platform (e.g., “I’m [Name], a book blogger at [Website Name] focusing on [specific genre].”).
Request: Mention the specific book you’re requesting and why you’re interested in it.
Platform Stats: Share relevant statistics, like blog traffic, social media followers, or Goodreads activity.
Contact Information: Include your mailing address if requesting a physical copy.
Call to Action: Politely ask for a response or provide additional information if needed.

Sample Email Template:
Subject: ARC Request: [Book Title] by [Author Name] Dear [Publisher’s Name or Publicity Team], My name is [Your Name], and I run [Your Blog/Social Media Handle]. I focus on reviewing [specific genre], and I was thrilled to learn about the upcoming release of [Book Title] by [Author Name]. I would love to receive an ARC for review on my platform, where I have [specific follower count or monthly visitors]. My audience is highly engaged and enjoys discovering new books. If possible, I’d prefer a [physical/digital] copy of the ARC. My mailing address is: [Your Address]. Thank you so much for considering my request. Please let me know if you need additional information. Best regards, [Your Name] [Your Contact Information]

Sample Email Template:

Subject: ARC Request: [Book Title] by [Author Name]
Dear [Publisher’s Name or Publicity Team],
My name is [Your Name], and I run [Your Blog/Social Media Handle]. I focus on reviewing [specific genre], and I was thrilled to learn about the upcoming release of [Book Title] by [Author Name].
I would love to receive an ARC for review on my platform, where I have [specific follower count or monthly visitors]. My audience is highly engaged and enjoys discovering new books.
If possible, I’d prefer a [physical/digital] copy of the ARC. My mailing address is:
[Your Address].
Thank you so much for considering my request. Please let me know if you need additional information.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]

Step 5: Be Patient and Follow Up

Publishers receive numerous ARC requests, so it might take weeks to get a response. If you don’t hear back after 2-3 weeks, it’s okay to send a polite follow-up email.

Tip:
Don’t be discouraged by rejections. Keep building your platform and try again for future titles.

Other Ways to Request ARCs

If emailing publishers doesn’t yield results, try these alternative methods:

arrows showing different ways to getting ARCs

1. Join NetGalley or Edelweiss

These platforms allow reviewers to request digital ARCs from publishers. They’re user-friendly and offer a wide selection of upcoming books.

NetGalley Tips: Keep your reviewer profile detailed and professional. Publishers often approve requests based on profile quality.
Edelweiss Tips: Focus on writing compelling reviews for books you’ve already read to increase your chances of approval.

Please read our blog to learn about more websites offering ARCs.

2. Enter ARC Giveaways

Many authors and publishers host giveaways on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Follow your favorite authors and participate in their contests.

3. Attend Book Events

Book conventions and festivals often have free ARCs available for attendees. Look out for:

BookExpo America (BEA)
ALA (American Library Association) Annual Conference
Local book festivals

4. Build Relationships With Authors

Interacting with authors on social media and sharing your enthusiasm for their work can sometimes lead to ARC opportunities. Be genuine and supportive in your engagement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Requesting ARCs

Requesting Without a Platform: Publishers need assurance that you’ll review and promote the ARC.
Spamming Publishers: Sending multiple requests or generic emails can hurt your credibility.
Ignoring Instructions: If a publisher has a specific request process, always follow it.
Not Reviewing the ARC: Failing to post reviews for ARCs you’ve received can damage your reputation as a reviewer.

Conclusion: Start Your ARC Journey Today

Requesting ARCs from publishers might seem intimidating at first, but with the right approach, it’s an achievable goal. By building a credible platform, researching publishers, and crafting professional requests, you can open doors to reading and reviewing books before they’re released.

Remember, patience and persistence are key. Keep growing your audience, writing quality reviews, and engaging with the book community—you’ll soon find yourself with exciting ARCs to read and share!

Have you requested ARCs before? Share your experiences or tips in the comments below!