The Book Lover's Guide to Receiving ARCs and ALCs

Bookish Guide: Free Reads Edition, by Aminata Babut

For those who love reading and are passionate about books, there's nothing quite like the excitement of getting your hands on a new read before it's officially released. Get ready to be ahead of the game with Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) and Advanced Listening Copies (ALCs)!

These free, exclusive previews give you the chance to immerse yourself in highly anticipated stories before anyone else. But how can you acquire these highly sought-after copies? This guide will help you navigate the process, making sure you're prepared to start receiving ARCs and ALCs — even if you don't have a large following!

Step 1: Set up your platform

Having an online presence is absolutely crucial to receiving ARCs and ALCs, even if you don't have thousands of followers.  It's a common misconception that you need a large following to be eligible to receive ARCs and  ALCs. Begin by selecting the platform of your choice. Whether it's a blog, Instagram (often referred to as Bookstagram in the book community), or TikTok (BookTok), the important thing is to consistently provide high-quality content centered around books.

Step 2: Register for ARC and ALC programs 

NetGalley, Edelweiss, and Nerdy Girls Collective are popular digital platforms where publishers list ARCs for reviewers. Get ready to have a blast as you create your profile,  connect your blog or social media accounts, and dive into the exciting world of requesting titles! Customize your requests to suit your reading preferences and maintain a professional approach.

Looking for some exciting opportunities in the world of audiobooks? Look no further! ALCs are covered with programs that allow you to request and review upcoming audiobooks. Websites like Libro.fm and Audiobookworm Promotions offer amazing opportunities for getting into the world of audiobook reviews. Be sure to include your audio reviewing platform, whether it's a podcast or a blog, in your application.  

Step 3: Reach out to publishers and publicists directly

After gaining some experience and receiving positive feedback, you can begin reaching out to publishers or PR firms directly. Find their publicity contact information on their website and send a friendly and brief email or submit a form expressing your interest in reviewing ARCs. Provide the statistics of your platform, such as the number of followers and average views, to showcase why it would be a great choice for promoting their titles. 

Step 4: Get involved in bookish communities!

Join active book communities on popular social media platforms such as Facebook, Goodreads, Threads, or Discord. These online spaces are where authors and publishers frequently provide ARCs and ALCs to members in return for honest reviews and promotional support. Engaging with these communities can greatly improve your chances of getting chosen. Building connections within the bookish community has proven to be quite fruitful, as it led to me receiving my very first ARC.

Also, many indie authors run their own beta reader or street team groups, so keep an eye on your favorite authors’s social media pages, newsletters, or websites to find new opportunities to join their next open cohort!

Keys to receiving ARCs and ALCs

• Share your honest thoughts: publishers and authors value your honest opinions and feedback. Being honest in your reviews helps to establish your credibility as a reviewer. 

• Stay engaged: interact with authors and publishers through various social media platforms. Feel free to share your reviews and tag them if the individuals are comfortable with it (many authors have shared frustration with being tagged in negative or neutral reviews, so be mindful before you tag). Remember, having a strong and consistent online presence can increase your chances of receiving ARCs and ALCs. 

• Keep your promises and don't overestimate yourself: when you make a promise to review a book, make sure to follow through. Not following through on commitments can have negative consequences for your reputation and future opportunities to receive ARCs. 

What it’s all about

Getting advanced reader copies and advanced listener copies is a special perk in the book community. It's all about having the right mindset, being dedicated, and having a true love for spreading the word about books. Through creating a strong online presence, actively interacting with your audience, and establishing relationships with publishers, you'll have the opportunity to experience the thrill of reading books before they hit the shelves. Keep in mind that each review you write and share plays a crucial role in the success of the books you love. Happy reading!