Top 5 Advanced Reader Copy Websites: How ARC Sites Work And Why To Use Them

Many book lovers dream of reading a book before it is published. This is possible through Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs), which are special versions of books that authors and publishers send out early. ARCs help create excitement for new books, and readers get the chance to review them before they hit the shelves.

ARC sites are websites where readers can request these early copies in exchange for writing reviews. These reviews are very important because they help authors and publishers understand what people think about the book. ARC reviews also help other readers decide whether to buy the book.

In this blog post, we will talk about some of the best Advance Reading Copy websites. We will explain how they work, who can use them, and why they are a great way to get free books. If you love reading and want to discover new books before anyone else, ARC sites are a perfect place to start!

Top 5 Advanced Reader Copy Websites 

Here are the top 5 Advanced Reader Copy sites:-

1. NetGalley
2. Edelweiss+
3. BookishFirst
4. LibraryThing
5. BookSirens

1. NetGalley

NetGalley is one of the most popular ARC websites for readers around the world. Publishers, authors, and reviewers use it to share and discover new books. NetGalley offers digital copies of books that you can read on your computer, phone, tablet, or e-reader.

Here’s how NetGalley works:

• Sign up: You first create an account on NetGalley. You can sign up as a reader, librarian, bookseller, educator, or reviewer. Make sure to fill out your profile with details about your reading preferences, your blog (if you have one), and your social media accounts.
• Browse books: Once you’ve signed up, you can browse through a wide range of books across genres like fiction, romance, mystery, and more.
• Request books: If a book interests you, click “Request.” The publisher will decide whether to approve your request. Keep in mind that popular books may have more requests, so make sure your profile looks good.
• Read and review: If your request is approved, you can download the book in a format that works for you. After reading, write your honest review on NetGalley, and optionally share it on sites like Amazon and Goodreads.

Why use NetGalley?

• Huge selection of books: You’ll find books from major publishers and indie authors. There’s always something new to discover.
• Easy to use: The site is simple to navigate, and books are easy to download.
• Build a reviewer profile: The more reviews you write, the more likely you are to get approved for future requests.

2. Edelweiss+

Edelweiss+ is another popular platform that connects readers with publishers. It is a bit more advanced than NetGalley, but it offers many great features. Edelweiss+ is mainly used by librarians, booksellers, and book industry professionals, but readers can also sign up and request ARCs.

Here’s how Edelweiss+ works:

• Sign up: Create an account as a reviewer. Make sure your profile has all the necessary details, like your reading preferences and where you will post reviews.
• Explore catalogs: One of the unique features of Edelweiss+ is its catalog system. Publishers list upcoming books in their catalogs, and you can explore these to find books you want to read.
• Request ARCs: When you find a book that you want to read, click the “Request Digital Review Copy” button. Your request will be sent to the publisher for approval.
• Submit reviews: After you’ve read the ARC, submit your review on the platform. You can also post reviews on other sites and link them back to your Edelweiss+ profile.

Why use Edelweiss+?

• Access to professional tools: Edelweiss+ is not just an ARC site. It also has features for book professionals, like managing book inventories and sales. This gives readers access to books that are often shared with professionals.
• Large selection of books: Like NetGalley, Edelweiss+ offers a wide variety of books from different publishers.
• Great for industry connections: If you’re a librarian or bookseller, this platform allows you to interact directly with publishers and authors.

3. BookishFirst

BookishFirst is a fun and interactive ARC site that allows you to win books based on your first impression. This platform works differently from other ARC sites because you don’t need to request the full book right away. Instead, you read a short excerpt and write your first impression.

Here’s how BookishFirst works:

• Sign up: Like the other platforms, start by creating an account. You’ll get weekly updates on new books available for review.
• Read excerpts: Each week, BookishFirst posts excerpts from upcoming books. These are usually around 50 pages long, so you can get a good feel for the book.
• Write your first impression: After reading the excerpt, you write a short review called a “First Impression.” This review helps you enter a raffle to win the full Advanced Reader Copy.
• Win ARCs: If your First Impression is selected, you’ll receive a physical or digital copy of the ARC to read and review.
• Earn points: You also earn points for writing reviews. These points can be redeemed for additional free books.

Why use BookishFirst?

• Fun and interactive: You get to sample a book before committing to a full review. This helps you avoid books that might not be a good fit.
• Earn points: BookishFirst’s points system rewards you for being an active reviewer, which means more free books!
• Physical ARCs: Unlike some other platforms, BookishFirst often offers physical copies of books, which is great for readers who prefer printed books.

4. LibraryThing Early Reviewers

LibraryThing is a website where book lovers catalog their personal libraries and connect with other readers. The Early Reviewers program offers a chance to win free ARCs by entering monthly giveaways. It’s simple and community-driven, making it a favorite for many readers.

Here’s how LibraryThing Early Reviewers works:

• Sign up: You’ll need to create an account on LibraryThing and build your profile by listing books you own or have read.
• Enter giveaways: Each month, publishers offer a variety of ARCs for free. You can enter to win books that interest you.
• Receive ARCs: If you win, you’ll receive either a physical or digital ARC of the book. The selection is often random, but the more active you are on the site, the better your chances.
• Review books: After reading, you post your review on LibraryThing. You can also share your review on other sites like Goodreads or Amazon.

Why use LibraryThing Early Reviewers?

• Community-driven: LibraryThing has a friendly community of book lovers who enjoy sharing recommendations.
• Monthly giveaways: Regular chances to win ARCs every month, with a wide variety of books available.
• Simple process: You don’t have to request individual books. Just enter the giveaway and wait to see if you win.

5. BookSirens

BookSirens is an ARC website that focuses on indie authors. It’s a great platform for readers who want to discover new voices and genres. BookSirens makes it easy for readers to find books that match their interests, and they send ARCs in exchange for reviews on sites like Amazon and Goodreads.

Here’s how BookSirens works:

• Sign up: Start by creating an account and setting your reading preferences.
• Browse books: BookSirens has a variety of books, mostly from indie authors and small publishers.
• Request ARCs: Once you find a book you like, you can request an ARC and read it on your preferred device.
• Submit reviews: After reading, you submit your review on BookSirens, as well as on Amazon, Goodreads, or other platforms where the book is sold.

Why use BookSirens?

• Focus on indie books: If you love discovering hidden gems and new authors, BookSirens is perfect for you.
• User-friendly: The site is easy to navigate, and you get email notifications when new ARCs are available.
• Wide genre selection: You can find everything from romance to science fiction and fantasy.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the best websites where you can request and review Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs). Whether you’re a professional reviewer or just someone who loves to read, these platforms offer an exciting way to discover new books and share your thoughts with the world. 

By joining these ARC sites, you’ll not only get free books but also help authors and publishers improve their work and reach new readers. Happy reading!