Topics Covered: How To GET ARCS, READ AFFORDABLY
Getting ARCs
ARC = Advanced Review Copy or Advanced Reader Copy
Helps authors obtain reviews, helps readers read affordably while helping authors and their books succeed. Everyone wins.
Net Galley
Pros
- Badges, percentage points, cool widgets, add links and more to your bio. Cool abilities with profile.
- Usually getting books from publishers
- Way less AI
- Really cool opportunities
- Covers are cooler
- Easier to sort through due to simplified design
- More protection for readers
- Community
- The main one I use and the main one most readers use today
Cons
- Have to get approved for many of the books. This requires a goodreads account usually.
- When you get really excited for a book and get rejected. The good news is you can buy the book once it comes out or get it from your library most likely.
Edeilweiss Plus
Pros:
- See more books from publishers
Cons:
- Website is confusing, you have to use Community as a reader, as the other genuinely works closer to a POS (Point Of Sale) system than a place to request books (which makes sense, because this is how a lot of bookstore owners buy books from my understanding).
- Only booksellers and librarians get approved for most reads
- Books are almost never formatted for ereaders
PR Agencies
Pros:
- More personal
- Goody bags and physical copies sometimes but if you reach out to a publisher or author, you can usually try to get this anyways.
- If you have a “large” following, it’s just about connections.
Cons:
- You may be required to do more labor, breaking FTC violations.
- You may also be asked to post specific pictures to show your association with the agency or even change your profile picture.
- You might be asked to create an account on what’s app discord etc.
- Can be toxic
- I have never personally joined one, but I have only heard good experiences from those who have.
Social Media Searches
Threads, Instagram mainly
Search for #ARCreadersneeded or simply look for authors online, many of them really need readers and do not have the ability or budget to get their book out there.
Pros:
- Potentially find cool books
Cons:
- Need to know where to look and/or get lucky.
Read Affordably
Library Cards
I have 7 (KING COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM, NORTH CALIFORNIA DIGITAL LIBRARY, SNO-ISLE LIBRARIES, QUEER LIBERATION LIBRARY, and two others, look up libraries in your area and see which ones you can side up for!)
I think I pay $20 yearly for one of them?
Kindle Unlimited
$12 monthly?
ARC Reading
If you get approved and are willing to take the time to read and review prior to pub date, I heavily recommend ARC reading to book lovers who truly can’t get enough.
I enjoy having deadlines to some extent weirdly as it helps with decision making on what to read next. Many ARC readers find this part to be stressful.