How to Get ARCs and Reviews Before Book Launch

Why Pre-Launch Reviews Matter

Advanced reader copies (ARCs) distributed before launch can generate the early reviews that make or break a book's success. Authentic reviews from engaged readers not only boost visibility on platforms like Amazon, but also provide social proof that encourages other readers to take a chance on your work. When done strategically, securing numerous ARCs can translate into dozens of genuine reviews that appear on launch day.

This approach has proven effective for many authors who've built successful launches through careful planning and genuine relationship building. The key is approaching it systematically and maintaining authenticity throughout the process.

Step 1: Create a Book Worth Reviewing

The foundation of any successful ARC campaign begins with the book itself. Authors must write a compelling story, thoroughly edit the manuscript, and genuinely believe in the work. When reaching out to potential readers, enthusiasm about the book should be authentic and evident.

It's important to present the book confidently. Readers can sense when authors are uncertain about their own work, which undermines credibility. Instead, authors should position their book with genuine passion and clarity about what makes it special.

Step 2: Build Your Social Media Presence

Before reaching out for ARCs, authors should establish a social media presence that gives potential readers a preview of what to expect. Creating accounts on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter allows authors to share behind-the-scenes content, character profiles, memorable quotes, and artwork related to the book.

This content serves multiple purposes: it builds anticipation, helps readers understand the book's tone and style, and demonstrates that the author is serious about promoting the work. When potential ARC readers visit an author's profile, they should find enough content to make an informed decision about whether the book aligns with their interests.

Step 3: Create an ARC Sign-Up Form

Setting up a Google Form for ARC sign-ups provides an organized way to collect reader information and manage the distribution process. While email addresses are the primary requirement, including a few strategic questions helps filter out automated submissions and identify genuinely interested readers.

Effective questions include asking about review frequency ("How often do you review books?" with options like "Every time," "Only when I like it," etc.) and what aspects of the story appeal to them. Requiring written responses helps distinguish real readers from bots while gathering useful information about the book's target audience.

Step 4: Set Up BookFunnel with Watermarking

BookFunnel is a specialized platform designed for distributing digital books to readers securely. The service offers a watermarking feature that helps protect against piracy while allowing authors to track download activity. At approximately $10, it provides significant value for managing ARC distribution.

The watermarking feature embeds each reader's information into their copy of the book, discouraging unauthorized sharing. Additionally, BookFunnel automatically sends follow-up reminders about review deadlines and posting locations, reducing the administrative burden on authors.

Step 5: Convert Your Book to EPUB Format

EPUB files are the standard format for digital book distribution and work seamlessly with Kindle devices and apps. Converting a manuscript to EPUB doesn't require expensive software; free tools like Draft2Digital can handle the conversion effectively.

When preparing the file, simplicity is key. Complex formatting can cause conversion issues, so authors should keep layouts clean and straightforward. Multiple formatting passes may be necessary to ensure the EPUB displays correctly across different devices and reading apps.

Step 6: Promote Your ARC Campaign

Once the infrastructure is in place, authors should promote their ARC opportunity across social media platforms and in relevant online communities. Sharing the sign-up form in book-focused forums, Facebook groups, and Reddit communities dedicated to reading can generate substantial interest.

When posting about ARCs, authors should clearly explain what an ARC is for newcomers who might not be familiar with the concept. This helps avoid confusion and makes the opportunity accessible to more potential readers. It's also crucial to emphasize that reviews are optional and welcome regardless of whether they're positive or constructive.

Step 7: Target Small Bookstagram Accounts Strategically

This approach represents a significant opportunity for authors: reaching out directly to small bookstagram accounts in the same genre. Unlike larger accounts that receive countless requests, smaller accounts often appreciate being approached and may respond more enthusiastically.

To find these accounts, authors can look up reviews of comparable books (perhaps another dystopian romance or similar genre title) and examine the accounts that liked those posts. From there, authors should message accounts with usernames containing book-related terms like "book," "read," "pages," "story," or "chapters."

After sending the initial message, it's essential to respect boundaries. Authors should not follow up repeatedly or pressure recipients. The goal is to build genuine relationships, not to harass potential readers.

The effort required is significant. Securing numerous ARC readers might mean messaging hundreds of accounts. However, the results often justify the investment. Unlike traditional review platforms where engagement can be low, bookstagram accounts dedicated to sharing books tend to post reviews enthusiastically. Many authors report that some bookstagrammers post about their book multiple times, creating ongoing visibility.

When readers feel valued and important enough to receive early access, they often become loyal advocates. Some authors have found that their most passionate defenders come from this community of engaged bookstagrammers.

Step 8: Distribute ARCs Through BookFunnel

Once the ARC campaign is set up on BookFunnel, authors can gather all collected email addresses and add them to the platform. BookFunnel will automatically send each recipient a personalized download link that typically expires after approximately three weeks, creating urgency while allowing adequate reading time.

The platform provides tracking capabilities, showing authors how many readers have actually downloaded their book. This data helps identify engagement levels and can inform future marketing strategies. Authors can also add new readers during the ARC period, making the system flexible for ongoing campaigns.

Because ARCs are distributed as EPUB files, they work seamlessly with Kindle devices and apps. Readers don't need special accounts or software. They can simply download and start reading. The watermarking feature provides security, and because most sign-ups come from accounts with public platforms, the risk of piracy is minimal.

Measuring Your Success

Success in ARC campaigns should be measured beyond just numbers. While securing numerous ARCs and generating dozens of reviews is an impressive achievement, authors should also consider:

• Quality of reviews (detailed feedback is valuable)
• Engagement on social media posts about the book
• Ongoing relationship building with bookstagram accounts
• Download rates through BookFunnel
• Early sales momentum on launch day

Remember that every successful launch is unique. Some books generate more buzz than others, and that's normal. The key is building genuine relationships with readers who connect with the story and want to share it with others.