ARC Copies Explained: How to Use Advance Reader Copies to Build Buzz for Your Book
If you’ve spent any time in self-publishing spaces, you’ve probably seen the term ‘ARC’—an acronym for ‘advance reader copies’—tossed around, usually with a sense of urgency or exclusivity, with all the feel of a limited time entryway to a secret, fabulous party (or so we wish). While ARCs may seem magical, they are simply a tool. If used thoughtfully, an ARC of a book can help you gather early feedback, seed reviews, and build quiet momentum before publication. Used carelessly, they can create confusion, disappointment, or even administrative headaches.
This guide explains what an ARC actually is, how advance reader copies fit into book marketing in Canada, and how to use them deliberately rather than performatively.
What Is an ARC of a Book?
An ARC or Advance Reader Copy, is a version of your book shared before official publication with a small group of early readers. These copies are typically distributed to reviewers, bloggers, librarians, booksellers, or engaged readers who are likely to leave honest feedback or reviews once the book is released.
But keep in mind, ARC’s are not final retail products! They may contain minor errors, placeholder text, or design elements that are not yet locked. For this reason, ARCs are usually marked clearly as Advance Reader Copy or Uncorrected Proof. The purpose of an ARC is not sales; it is preparation.
Specifically, ARCs help with:
Gathering early reader reactions;
Identifying last-minute issues before final files are locked;
Securing reviews timed to launch; and
Creating early awareness among the right audience.
In other words, ARCs support readiness, not hype.
Why Advance Reader Copies Matter
Reviews are one of the most difficult things to generate after a book is published, especially for first-time or independent authors. Asking readers to review a book they discover after paying full price is somewhat of a high bar. Advance reader copies can lower that barrier.
When someone receives an advance reader copy, they understand they are part of an early, intentional process. As a result, expectations are clearer and feedback is often more thoughtful with respect to that more intimate feel. And the reviews for your book as an ARC, when they come, well they feel less transactional and more studied as well.
For Canadian authors in particular, ARCs also play a role in:
Early outreach to libraries and booksellers;
Building credibility beyond Amazon; and
Supporting launch plans that extend past a single platform.
ARCs are not mandatory but for many authors, they are one of the most accessible ways to begin book marketing without turning the process into a spectacle.
What an ARC Is (and Is Not)
Before going further, it’s worth clarifying a few misconceptions.
An ARC is:
A pre-publication version of your book;
Shared with a limited audience; and
Intended for feedback, reviews, or professional consideration.
An ARC is not:
A draft shared casually with friends;
A sales product;
A replacement for editing or proofreading; or
A guarantee of reviews.
Releasing ARCs should be a thoughtful and involved process, not exclusively a marketing strategy or promotional tactic. Distributing ARCs does not obligate anyone to promote your book; think of the sharing of an ARC as an invitation, and not a contract.
Digital ARCs vs Print ARCs
Most advance reader copies today are digital, but print ARCs still have a place depending on your audience and goals.
Digital ARCs
Digital ARCs are typically distributed as EPUB or PDF files. They are cost-effective, fast to distribute and very easily updateable if minor corrections are needed. Digital ARCs work especially well for online reviewers, bloggers, and early readers who are comfortable reading on devices.
Print ARCs
Print ARCs are usually softcover proofs produced via short-run printing or print-on-demand. They are often used for bookstore buyers, librarians or media reviewers who prefer physical copies. Since print ARCs require more lead time and higher upfront costs, they should be used selectively rather than automatically.
In either case, ARC copies should be clearly labelled and professionally prepared. Even unfinished books deserve respectful presentation.
What Should Be Included in an ARC?
An ARC version of a book should feel complete, even if it is not final.
At minimum, it should include:
The full manuscript
Clean, readable formatting
A temporary or near-final cover
A clear Advance Reader Copy notice
Publication date (or expected date)
A short note explaining how feedback or reviews can be shared
What it should not include is sloppy layout, obvious placeholders, or unedited text. Early readers are still readers, and their impressions matter.
This is where many authors misjudge timing. ARCs should be created after substantive editing and layout decisions are complete, not while the book is still in flux.
Choosing the Right ARC Readers
Sending ARCs widely is less effective than sending them thoughtfully.
Strong ARC readers tend to be familiar with your genre, comprising of people who are comfortable reviewing books publicly and submitting honest but constructive feedback.
These might include:
Book bloggers or reviewers;
Librarians or educators;
Members of your newsletter list;
Fellow authors in your genre; or
Early supporters who understand your goals.
It is generally better to send ten advance reader copies to engaged, appropriate readers than fifty to people who feel indifferent or overwhelmed.
How to Send ARCs (Without Losing Your Mind)
Managing ARC distribution manually can become chaotic quickly! Especially if files change or feedback arrives in multiple places. Many authors use dedicated tools to streamline the process.
BookFunnel allows you to deliver secure digital copies and manage downloads without file-sharing confusion. Alternatively, NetGalley offers access to professional reviewers, librarians, and booksellers, though it requires a more structured approach and budget.
These tools are optional, not mandatory; the key is having a system that allows you to track who received what, when, and why.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
An ARC, or Advance Reader Copy, is a pre-publication version of a book shared with select readers for early feedback, reviews, or professional consideration. ARC copies are not final retail editions and are typically labelled as Advance Reader Copy or Uncorrected Proof.
-
No. ARC copies generally do not require an ISBN, since they are not sold commercially and are not considered published editions. ISBNs should be assigned to the final formats (paperback, hardcover, eBook, audiobook) that will be distributed publicly.
-
No — ARCs are optional. However, many Canadian self-published authors use advance reader copies to secure early reviews, gather feedback, and prepare for launch, especially when distributing beyond Amazon.
-
There’s no universal number. Most authors send 10–30 ARC copies, focusing on relevance and engagement rather than volume. A smaller group of thoughtful readers is far more valuable than a large, disengaged list.
Legal Deposit Considerations in Canada
A common question among Canadian authors is whether ARCs trigger legal deposit requirements.
In short: legal deposit applies to published books, not advance reader copies. ARCs distributed privately before official release do not need to be deposited with Library and Archives Canada.
However, once the book is formally published, legal deposit obligations do apply. This distinction is important when planning timelines and print runs, particularly if print ARCs closely resemble final editions.
When in doubt, clarity and documentation matter. Keeping ARCs clearly marked as advance copies helps avoid confusion later.
When to Send Advance Reader Copies
Timing matters more than volume.
Most authors send ARCs between six and twelve weeks before publication, depending on reviewer turnaround times, platform review policies or print production schedules.
Sending ARCs too early can result in forgotten feedback. Sending them too late may mean reviews are not ready when the book launches. A measured, realistic timeline keeps the process useful rather than stressful.
ARCs as Part of a Larger Strategy
Advance reader copies work best when they are part of a broader, sustainable approach to publishing. They support metadata readiness, launch planning, early discoverability and long-term credibility.
They do not replace editing, cover design, distribution planning, or thoughtful marketing. They simply help ensure that when your book enters the world, it does so with context rather than silence.
Make Your ARC Copies Count
Advance reader copies are more than just a pre-publication novelty—they are a practical tool for building awareness, gathering meaningful feedback, and setting your book up for a strong launch. By creating thoughtfully prepared digital or print ARCs, selecting the right readers, and timing distribution strategically, you can generate early buzz without unnecessary stress. For Canadian authors, ARCs also complement library outreach, bookstore connections, and broader launch plans, all while staying compliant with legal deposit rules. When handled deliberately, your ARC copies become an extension of your publishing craft, ensuring your book enters the world confidently, professionally, and ready to be discovered.
