So You Want to Read Before Everyone Else?

Here’s how to snag ARCs. Or, how to never run out of books to read again.

Summer (c. 1958), Donald Moodie. Royal Scottish Academy of Art & Architecture.

Dear reader,

Let me tell you about one of the best-kept secrets in the book world, or at least it felt like a secret when I first stumbled onto it back in 2022.

At the time, I kept seeing readers online discussing NetGalley, Edelweiss+, and BookSirens, and tossing around acronyms like «ARC» and «eARC» as if we all knew what they meant. I didn’t. So I did what any curious, slightly obsessive reader does — I researched. (Read: I Googled, dived into Reddit threads, scoured publishing blogs, and before I knew it, I was in too deep.)

That’s how I discovered I had been missing out on the magic of the Advance Reader Copy, those special pre-release editions of books sent out to industry professionals, reviewers, and influencers in exchange for honest feedback.

And guess what? While early 2000s ARCs were often hefty print copies stuffed into padded envelopes, today most of them come in sleek, instant-download digital formats, such as PDFs and ePubs.

Not only are eARCs¹ cost-effective and eco-friendly, they also make it easier than ever for publishers to gather early feedback, fine-tune marketing campaigns, and get books seen by the right readers.

Publishers need buzz — and early reviews are the match that lights the fire.

The goal is to create anticipation, spread the word, and encourage readers to pre-order² or mark a book as “to-read” before it hits the shelves. For book lovers, this means we get to read books before everyone else — and yes, it’s as thrilling as it sounds.

If you're someone who loves shouting about books everywhere (even in chaotic, sleep-deprived bursts, like me as a first-time mom), you’re exactly the kind of reader publishers want to reach.

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HOW TO GET ARCS (EVEN IF YOU’RE NOT “BIG” ONLINE)

No, you don’t need 10K followers or a BookTok that makes people cry (though, that certainly helps). Here’s where to start:

1. CHOOSE A PLATFORM

First, sign up for a platform that connects publishers and authors with early readers. The big three are: NetGalley, Edelweiss+ and BookSirens.

NETGALLEY

My personal favourite. It’s incredibly user-friendly and packed with titles from major traditional publishers. You can filter by genre, request books with a click or download instantly, and even track everything from your current reads to your review stats. The dashboard is a dream: badges!³ auto-approvals! progress tracking!

⚠️ Heads-up:

• International readers may face hurdles getting approved, depending on the publisher.

• NetGalley does offer Kobo support, but only for some titles. If you don’t see the “Send to Kobo” button on a book’s page, that means the title isn’t supported on Kobo at all. Downloading the EPUB won’t help either, as it’s protected and won’t open on your device. In those cases, your best option is to read via the NetGalley Shelf app or on another compatible platform.

EDELWEISS+

Huge catalogue, more complex interface. It’s still worth exploring, especially if the book you’re dying to read isn’t on the other platforms. You’ll need a bit more patience, but it can pay off. I’ve been using it more recently.

BOOKSIRENS

More indie-focused and perfect for discovering hidden gems. If you’re open to lesser-known titles (and want to support emerging authors), this is the platform for you. I’ve found some real standouts here, including the California Dreaming series by Rodney LaMarr and Bradley’s Dragons by Patrick Matthews. Bonus: it offers a detailed public reviewer profile and fun achievement badges to keep you motivated.

2. CRAFT A READER PROFILE

After choosing your preferred platform, you have to think about crafting a compelling profile, since it plays a pivotal role in determining whether you’ll be granted access to that highly anticipated book.

A well-maintained and thoughtful profile can instil confidence that you’ll provide valuable feedback. And, when requesting, demonstrating your passion for the book’s subject matter, as showcasing your reviewing track record, can also increase your chances of approval.

Tips to stand out:

• Be concise and engaging. Mention your favourite genres, what kind of reviews you write, and where you post them (blog, newsletter, Goodreads, social media, etc.).

• Include stats (if you have them): Monthly pageviews, follower counts, engagement.

• Add any relevant extras: Do you run a book club? Host reading events? Part of an author street team?

• Double-check that all your links work, and set a calendar reminder to update your profile every few months.

Think of this as your reviewer CV. Show you’re thoughtful, reliable, and excited about books — because that’s what publishers want to see.

3. START READING AND REVIEWING

Once you’re approved, you’ll usually get instant access to the eARC, and that’s when the fun begins. But don’t forget: these books come with a quiet agreement — read me, review me.

A few golden rules:

• Be honest and constructive.

• Always mention you received an ARC when posting your review.

• If you DNF, that’s okay; explain why. Your feedback still helps other readers and authors.

And if you want to go the extra mile? Share your review across platforms: Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, BookBub, StoryGraph, BookHype — wherever books are talked about.

4. MANAGE YOUR REQUESTS AND FEEDBACK RATIO

Let me be blunt: don’t go ARC-happy. It’s tempting, I know — like a book buffet! But requesting more than you can handle will hurt your feedback ratio (the number of books you review versus those you’re approved for), and that’s a key factor in getting future approvals.

Aim for a feedback ratio of 80% or higher.

If you can manage it (aka resist temptation), follow the Four R’s Rule:

Request ➝ Read & Review ➝ Repeat
(Not: Request ➝ Forget ➝ Regret.)

5. KEEP THE STRESS AWAY

Lastly — and most importantly — remember this is meant to be fun. Not getting approved for an ARC? Totally normal. It’s not a reflection of your worth or your writing skills.

This is a hobby, not a hustle. (Or at least, I’m guessing it is for you—unless you’ve got a publishing deal and I’m just over here typing in your dust.)

So if you ever feel overwhelmed by stats, ratios, or FOMO, take a breather. Step back. Reconnect with why you love reading in the first place.

Books will always be there. Approval emails come and go. Your joy? That’s the priority.

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I’m working on a follow-up post packed with everything you need to level up your ARC game and boost your reviewer cred:

• A pitch template to request ARCs directly from publishers

• A list of newsletter-friendly publishers who love early reviewers

• A round-up of ARC programs you should know about

Want in? Hit the ♥️ or reply and let me know. Also, spill the tea:

👇 What was your first ARC? Did it live up to the hype?

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I’m still reading How to Read a Book by Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van Doren. I requested it from the library, but now I want to buy a physical copy for myself.

Most of your favourite authors have private Facebook groups, Discord servers, or newsletters where they share exclusives, including early ARC opportunities. These communities are often the first to hear about upcoming releases, cover reveals, or chances to sign up for advance copies before the book even hits platforms like NetGalley.

Sometimes authors are also looking for beta readers to read and give feedback on an early draft, before the final polish. If you love an author’s work, joining their inner circle is a win-win: you get sneak peeks and they get trusted readers they can count on.

Another insider tip? Many of the big publishing houses — think Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Macmillan, and others — run influencer programs, which are hands-down one of the best ways to get access to physical ARCs. These programs typically open for applications once a year or seasonally, seeking readers who actively post reviews, share on social media, or create content related to books. If you’re accepted, not only might you get surprise book packages sent to your door (cue happy dance), but you’re often also auto-approved for that publisher’s titles on NetGalley, which is a major bonus if you’re tired of requesting and waiting.

Don’t sleep on PR firms, either. Many book and author publicity firms operate their own influencer programs and ARC teams. These are often separate from publisher-run programs and can be a great way to access a wide range of indie and traditionally published titles. Most of these also send out weekly newsletters packed with upcoming eARC opportunities, blog tours, and review copy sign-ups. All you need to do is subscribe and stay on top of those deadlines (some fill up fast!). It’s a low-effort, high-reward move if you’re trying to build your ARC shelf and work with different authors and genres.

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If you enjoyed this issue, don’t forget to spread the word — the more, the merrier! I’d also love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to reach out. It helps keep this community growing and thriving.

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• Pledge for a paid subscription

• Buy me a coffee

• Send me some change via PayPal

• Help me declutter

1. Just like physical ARCs, eARCs aren’t the final product. They’re pre-publication versions, which means you might run into the occasional typo, formatting glitch, or placeholder text. Don’t be surprised if maps, illustrations, or acknowledgements are missing, especially in fantasy novels or graphic works, which are often shared in black and white or in rougher formats. Big changes are rare (since reformatting is expensive), but minor tweaks can and do happen before the final release.

2. Pre-orders signal that a book is worth watching. For booksellers, strong pre-order numbers suggest potential success and can lead to larger initial orders, often creating a ripple effect across the publishing industry.

3. I’ve got three, thank you very much, including one for reviewing 50+ books.