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Writer's pictureLaura

Being an ARC Reader


A person holding several books
Image by Atstock Productions, via Adobe Stock

I’m a new ARC Reader! Here’s What That Means (and Why I Love It)


I have been an avid reader for as long as I can remember. My bookshelves are constantly overflowing, and my love for discovering new books never seems to fade. Recently, I’ve taken my passion for reading to a new level by becoming an ARC reader, and I’m excited to share what that means with you!


What Is an ARC Reader?


ARC stands for Advance Reader Copy, and ARC readers like myself are given the opportunity to read books before they are officially published (and sometimes after publication as well). These advance copies are typically provided by authors or publishers in exchange for honest reviews and feedback. ARC reading is a way for me to feed my reading habit and discover new books, while at the same time helping get the word out new books and sharing my thoughts on them.


Being an ARC reader allows me to dive into new books before they hit the shelves, and in return, I provide reviews that help spread the word about the books. Authors and publishers also sometimes use ARC readers’ feedback to fine-tune their work and generate buzz in the months leading up to, or shortly after, a book’s release.


What Does an ARC Reader Do?


As an ARC reader, I read books with an open mind and then provide my honest opinion about them, to include my thoughts on things like an author's writing style, the quality of the book, and anything else that stands out. Here’s a quick rundown of the basics of what being an ARC reader may involve:


  • Reading early copies of books before they are published (or sometimes after)

  • Providing reviews, usually on platforms like Goodreads, Amazon, social media, and personal blogs like mine

  • Giving constructive feedback to authors or publishers, especially if something in the book needs improvement before the final release.


I feel very fortunate to be entrusted with ARC reading and reviewing. It's a neat way to discover new books and authors (including those who might be just starting out or breaking new ground within their genres).


Why I Love Being an ARC Reader


There’s something very special to me about getting an early peek into a book, knowing I am among the first readers to experience it.


Another reason I enjoy ARC reading is that it gives me the chance to connect with other readers. The literary community is such an interesting space, and being an ARC reader brings me closer to that world. It’s also exciting to know that my reviews and recommendations may help others decide whether to pick up a book once it’s officially published.


What’s Next for My ARC Reviews?


Going forward, I’ll be sharing my ARC reviews right here on the blog. Some of the books I read are provided to me through NetGalley, a platform that connects ARC readers with authors and publishers, and others are books provided by other organizations, such as GoodReads.


I’m committed to offering thoughtful and honest reviews about the books that I read.


If you’re a fellow book lover or someone who enjoys diving into new stories and books as much as I do, stay tuned! I’ll be posting regular reviews, which I hope will help you find books that may capture your interest.


Thanks for following along on this journey. I can’t wait to share more of the books I’m reading. If you have any recommendations or questions about ARC reading, feel free to drop a comment below — I’d love to hear from you!




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