ARC for Authors
There are three steps to start getting ARC reviews:
1) Delivery Mechanism
How will your ARC readers access your book? There are 3 common mechanisms, and I list them in order of my personal preference:
Bookfunnel. You set it up once, and thereafter, just send your Bookfunnel link to potential reviewers. Readers love it because it gives them the most flexibility (see Image below.) It costs USD20 annually but SO worth it in the long run compared to the next 2 options.Send a PDF. First, there is overhead. You manually have to email your PDF after readers have signed up. Second, readers do not have freedom of choice on how they get to read your book.
Send to their Kindle. Slightly better for readers (but only Kindle readers) but oodles more effort for you and them, and confusing if they are not tech savvy. If they don't know how to find their Kindle's email address or how to add you to their Kindle's approved list, you are going to be fielding unnecessary questions. And once all of that has been figured out, you still have to send the file to their Kindle email. Whew.
Bookfunnel Reader Options
2) Prepare the sign-up pages
To begin engaging with interested ARC readers, you want to be able to simply send them a link that will tell them everything they need to know. If that sounds overwhelming, don't panic, it is really simple to set up thanks to Google Forms, especially with me holding your hand.
We need to achieve 3 things:
Sign up a new ARC reader - we use Google Forms for this
Save their information to follow up - we use Google Sheets for this, the setup is simple and automated
Deliver a digital copy of your book using the mechanism you set up in the previous step
Sign up a new ARC reader using Google Forms
I have done most of the work for you so all you need to do is copy my template and fill in details specific to your book.
Step 1. Copy the template here. Click Make a copy.
Step 2. There are 16 points you need to change, and they appear in the form as:
***#1 name of your book***
***#2 name of your book***
***#3 release date for your book***
***#4 REPLACE THIS LINE WITH YOUR BOOK TITLE*** - you will also upload your book cover as part of this step
***#5 Insert the blurb for your book here***
***#6 Replace these with your own tropes***
***#7 Your book title***
***#8 Update the following to whatever you want, or leave as is*** (Reader info, your terms, copyrights)
***#9 Your book's release date***
***#10 Links to your book on Amazon, Goodreads, Bookbub etc ***
***#11 Add or remove options*** (Where will reviews be posted)
***#12 Your book title***
***#13 Your book title***
***#14 Author Name***
***#15 Author Name***
The 16th one is on the Settings tab, which is centered above your form. Look for this:
Questions Responses Settings
16. ***#16 Link to download your book, such as Bookfunnel***
Save the entered information
When the reader Submits the form, we need to save that information in a Google Sheets Document. The form you have just edited above has the option to automate that for you. So, staying on the form, go back to:
Questions Responses Settings
And click "Responses", then click "Link to Sheets"
Voila, your intake form is complete and all you need to do next is add your own tracking columns to the Google Sheet, such as Applied → Accepted → Sent → Finished → Reminded → Reviewed . This is you ARC reader database.
3) Finding ARC readers
You're ready. You've got you sign-up page and a delivery mechanism ready to go. Now the fun part, finding ARC readers.
First, a quick reality check (so you don’t go mad)
You don’t need 200 ARC readers. You need a reliable 10–30 to start.
Quality beats quantity. One reader who actually reviews is worth ten who “totally will” and then vanish into the night.
Where to find ARC readers
1) Your existing people
Email list (even if it’s tiny)
Your social media followers
Friends who actually read in your genre (not your cousin who “doesn’t really read books”)
People in your writing group (I highly recommend finding a writing group that fits you)
2) Online communities
Facebook reader groups (genre-specific groups work best) Two examples are ARC Readers/Authors/Reviewers and ARC Readers and Authors
Goodreads groups
Discord servers for readers/writers (if you’re in any)
3) Bookstagram / BookTok
Find small-to-mid reviewers in your genre
Look for: consistent posting + regular reviews + good vibes
Message politely, briefly, and with an easy “no worries if not” exit
4) Your author friends
Newsletter swaps (“I’ll mention your ARC call-out, you mention mine”)
Cross-posting in each other’s groups/pages
What to say (copy/paste templates)
Short social post
Hi. I’m putting together a small ARC team for my next [genre] release. ARC readers get a free early copy in exchange for an honest review around launch week (if you’re able).
Interested? Sign up here: [link]
Not your genre? All good — feel free to share.
DM to a reviewer
Hey! I’ve seen your reviews and love your work(honest + fair). I’m building a small ARC team for an upcoming release in [genre]. No pressure but if you’re interested, here’s the sign-up link: [link].
No worries if it's not your vibe.
Newsletter blurb
Want an early copy? I’m recruiting a small ARC team. If you’d like to read before release and, if possible, leave an honest review around launch week, sign up here: [link].
How to avoid ARC chaos (future you will thank you)
Put a closing date on sign-ups (even if it’s “rolling until full”)
Limit your first round (example: “I’m taking 25 readers”)
Make it clear the expectations are honest reviews, not praise
Track status in your Google Sign-up sheet: Applied → Accepted → Sent → Finished → Reviewed
In early stages, most of us will accept all applications but you get to be more discerning once you've built a following
Red flags (politely avoid)
People asking for printed copies unless you don't mind the hassle
“I'll review your work!!” but no links or review history
People who won’t agree not to share the file
Anyone that you don't gel with - yes, gut feel.
A simple target that works
Start with 20 sign-ups, expect 10–12 actual reviews, and build from there. ARC teams grow over time — you’re not assembling the Avengers on day one.