Unlocking the Secrets of Advance Reader Copies: How to Get Noticed Before Your Book Launch
In today’s competitive literary landscape, standing out before your book launch can feel like a daunting challenge. Enter Advance Reader Copies (ARCs)—a powerful tool that can pave the way for your success. These early editions don’t just generate buzz; they cultivate a dedicated reader base eager to promote your work.
But if you’re going to distribute ARCs, they need to be as polished and professional as possible. That’s where services like editing, typesetting, and cover design come in. No one is going to take a rough draft seriously—least of all reviewers or librarians who live and breathe books everyday.
So let’s look at how to make the most of ARCs, and how to use them to turn your book launch into a real event.
I’m Michael Pietrobon, founder of Foglio, a self-publishing studio that’s helped hundreds of independent authors turn their manuscripts into market-ready books without compromising their style and goals. With over a decade of experience in book design, typesetting, print, and publishing logistics, I’ve seen firsthand what makes a book launch succeed—and what causes even great stories to fall flat. I work closely with authors at every stage of the publishing process, ensuring their work is not only visually appealing but credible and market-ready as well. This blog draws on my experience to help you navigate one of the most overlooked (but powerful) tools in indie publishing: the Advance Reader Copy.
What Is an ARC—and Why Does It Matter?
An Advance Reader Copy (ARC) is a pre-publication version of your book shared with select readers, reviewers, and influencers before the official release date. It could be digital or printed. The goal? Build early momentum and credibility.
ARCs serve two purposes: to generate advance reviews and to build buzz among early readers who will hopefully become champions of your book. This kind of grassroots marketing is especially valuable for independent authors who might not have access to mainstream media coverage. A well-produced ARC can lead to blurbs, social media mentions, Goodreads reviews, and crucial feedback before launch.
While beta readers help you revise your manuscript, ARC readers are seeing the final product. You’re not asking for feedback—you’re asking them to help spread the word.
Pro Tip: Share your manuscript with Beta Readers before sending it to an ARC Reader. What’s a Beta Reader, you ask? Read this blog post to learn more, then download our FREE Beta Reader Questionnaires.
Digital vs. Physical ARCs
ARCs can come in both digital and print formats, and each has its place. Digital ARCs (also called eARCs) are easy to distribute via email or platforms like NetGalley, Edelweiss+, and Reedsy Discovery. These platforms allow you to upload your book and manage requests from reviewers across the globe.
That said, many reviewers, librarians, and influencers still prefer physical copies. They’re easier to feature in social media posts, more fun to unbox, and they feel more personal. If you’re on a budget, the most cost-effective way to print single copies of your book is through Amazon KDP, which offers a print-on-demand option for author copies at a reduced rate.
When sending out a physical ARC, consider adding a short letter, bookmarks, or even branded stickers to make your package stand out. These small extras don’t have to be expensive—but they go a long way toward making your book feel special.
Step 1: Make It Polished (Really Polished)
An ARC is your first impression. If the cover looks amateur or the interior has inconsistent formatting, no one will bother reading it—let alone reviewing it.
So start with the essentials:
A professionally designed cover (Foglio can help)
Interior typesetting that reflects your genre and tone (Formatting services)
Proper editing and proofing (Editing services)
When people talk about “author brand,” this is what they mean. Your cover, interior layout, ebook edition, print materials (bookmarks, posters, etc.), and digital assets (social media images, ads) should all reinforce one another. If you’re not sure where to begin, our free Self-Publishing Checklist is a good place to start.
You might also consider designing a one-page sell sheet—something you can send along with your ARC to give librarians, booksellers, and media contacts everything they need to know at a glance.
Step 2: Build Your ARC List
You don’t need a massive list—you need a curated one. Start with:
Book bloggers and Goodreads reviewers who cover your genre
Bookstagrammers, BookTubers, and BookTokers
Librarians and bookstore buyers
You can also sign up for ARC-specific platforms like:
NetGalley — ideal for getting librarian and reviewer attention
Edelweiss+ — another go-to for publishers and advanced reviewers
CanReads — specifically for Canadian authors and readers
Reedsy Discovery — great for indie books and early reviews
If you’ve been building a newsletter list, this is where that work pays off. Want to know how to build a real platform as an author, not just “get followers”? Our free masterclass walks you through the exact steps.
Step 3: Send It Out—With a Purpose
When you send your ARC, include:
A short pitch about the book
Your publication date
Links to preorders or your website
A request for an honest review, along with a deadline if needed
If it’s printed, include a sell sheet: a one-pager with a summary, your bio, ISBN, trim size, price, and comparable titles. You can also use this sheet when pitching to bookstores and libraries. Make sure it looks clean and professional. If you need help designing one, Foglio can create custom marketing assets tailored to your launch.
Step 4: Engage with Your Readers and Influencers
ARC readers aren’t just doing you a favour. They’re investing their time and attention. Show that you value it.
Say thank you. Always!
Engage with their posts. Share them to your own feed.
Keep a spreadsheet to track who received your ARC, whether they posted, and whether to follow up.
Feedback from ARC readers is also your last chance to catch anything before the book goes wide. If multiple people are flagging the same typo or confusing moment, it may be worth a last-minute tweak.
Don’t forget to collect and reuse the best quotes from early reviews. These make excellent blurbs for your back cover, Amazon page, or social media posts.
Step 5: Promote Your ARC on Social Media
Social media isn’t just for launch day. It’s a crucial piece of the ARC strategy.
Share photos of the ARC package
Highlight early reviews or pull quotes
Tag reviewers and thank them publicly
Use relevant hashtags like #bookreviewer, #arccopy, #booklaunch, and #indieauthors
You can also host a giveaway to build excitement. For example, offer a free signed copy to someone who shares your ARC post or tags a friend in the comments.
If you’re not sure how to structure this, take a look at our blog on house styles to get a sense of how visual consistency can elevate your marketing.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re just getting started with Advance Reader Copies—or if you’re looking to refine your existing strategy—we’ve got resources to help you make each step count.
New to publishing? Our free Self-Publishing Checklist walks you through the whole process, from manuscript to marketing.
Need help making your book look like a book? Start with Formatting & Typesetting and Cover Design.
Want to make sure your ebook passes validation and works on every platform? Our Ebook Design & Validation service takes care of the technical heavy lifting.
Looking to polish your manuscript before it gets into reviewers’ hands? Learn more about our Editing Services, whether you need a light copyedit or a full line-by-line revision.
You can also browse the Foglio blog for practical tips on book production and design, like:
And if you’re looking for a step-by-step walkthrough of how to build your author platform, pitch to libraries, and launch your book with confidence, the Foglio Masterclass is a great place to start.
Final Thoughts
An ARC isn’t just a preview—it’s a proof of concept. It shows that your book is worthy of attention, and it gives others the chance to be part of something early. If you can deliver a beautiful, compelling ARC to the right people, you’re not just asking for attention. You’re earning it.
With the right plan—and the right presentation—your ARC can become the cornerstone of a successful launch.
Need help getting there? That’s what we do at Foglio. Reach out any time.
