You have probably seen readers on BookTok finishing books that are not out yet. They are not breaking any rules. They have Advance Reader Copies: free books given to readers before the official publication date, in exchange for an honest review.
Getting ARCs used to require knowing the right people or having a large enough following to attract publisher attention. That is changing fast. The barrier today is not your follower count. It is whether you can be trusted to read and review honestly.
What is an Advance Reader Copy?
An Advance Reader Copy (ARC) is a pre-publication version of a book sent to readers free of charge. Authors and publishers send them out to build early reviews, word of mouth, and social proof before launch day.
For readers, the exchange is simple. You get the book free, you read it, and you leave an honest review on Amazon, Goodreads, or wherever the author asks. No payment. No fake praise. Honest is the key word here.
The review does not need to be positive. A three-star review that explains why the pacing dragged in the second act helps the author and future readers more than a hollow five-star that says nothing useful.
Why Authors Give Away Free Books
Reviews are the currency of publishing. A book that launches with zero reviews is invisible on Amazon. A book that launches with 30 honest reviews gets surfaced by the algorithm, trusted by shoppers, and found by readers who would never have discovered it otherwise.
ARC readers are not charity cases. They are a strategic part of every serious book launch. They are the first wave of real readers whose honest reactions shape how the book performs in the market.
Where to Get ARC Books
NetGalley and Edelweiss
These are the two largest ARC platforms. Publishers list upcoming titles and readers apply to read them. Approval rates improve once you have a history of completed reviews on your profile. Both are free to join.
The catalogue leans toward traditional publishing: major houses and well-known imprints. If you read commercial fiction, thrillers, or big-name literary releases, start here. Independent authors are underrepresented on these platforms.
Author Newsletters and Social Media
Many independent authors run their own ARC lists. They announce openings on Instagram, TikTok, or by email. The easiest way in is to follow authors in genres you love and watch for those calls.
The downside is that it is scattered. You might catch the announcement or you might miss it. There is no central place to check.
ReadOma
ReadOma is built specifically for this exchange. Authors upload books and open ARC slots directly in the platform. Readers browse titles by genre, request a copy, and read through the app. After finishing, they submit a review that goes straight to Amazon or Goodreads.
What makes ReadOma different: it confirms you actually read the book before you can submit a review. That step is what makes the reviews credible to authors and keeps the whole system honest.
What Authors Expect from ARC Readers
- Read within the agreed window, usually two to four weeks before the launch date
- Leave an honest review, not a promotional summary
- Post on the platform the author asked for: Amazon, Goodreads, or both
- Some authors ask for a BookTok or Instagram post if you create content, but this is always optional unless you agreed to it upfront
You are not obligated to finish a book you genuinely cannot get into. Most authors would rather you stop than leave a dishonest review out of obligation.
How to Get Approved When You Are New
New profiles get fewer approvals until there is a review history behind them. Here is how to build that history fast.
Review books you have already read. You do not need ARCs to start. Write honest reviews for five or ten books you have finished in the past year and post them on Goodreads. That history counts.
Be specific in your requests. When you apply for an ARC, mention the genre you read most, a comparable book you enjoyed, and what drew you to this particular title. Two sentences of genuine interest beats a generic one-line application.
Start with independent authors. There is less competition, more approvals, and indie authors are often more responsive and appreciative. A track record of completed indie reviews opens doors to traditional publishing catalogues later.
Finish what you start. A profile with ten completed reviews gets approved far more consistently than one with thirty requests and five completions. Platforms track your completion rate.
The One Thing That Kills ARC Credibility
Some readers feel pressure to leave positive reviews because the book was free. This is the wrong instinct. Authors who want genuine feedback, and most serious authors do, are actively hurt by inflated ratings that mislead buyers and pollute their review data.
A critical but fair review from a reader who engaged honestly is worth more than ten hollow five-stars. The authors worth reading know this.
Read what you actually enjoy. Review honestly. That is the whole agreement.
ReadOma is free for readers. Start reading and request your first ARC today.
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