ARC Reading — Reading for Reviews

Hearing the words "ARC reading" floating around? We are too, which is why we want to tell you all about it. There are many steps in the publication journey, and ARC (advanced reader copy) readers are an essential component of a successful book. So, what does this mean? Keep reading to find out.

This could be you, reading an Advanced Reader Copy of a ShearingHome book!

What is an ARC book?

An advanced reader copy (ARC) book is a book that's released to certain individuals right before publication. This is one of the final steps (if not the final) step that a book takes on its publication journey. Oftentimes, authors give ARC books in return for reviews. This can have a profound effect on how successful a book launch is. Having these reviews can make or break a book on launch day, which is why so many successful authors have a carefully cultivated list of ARC readers who have a steady history of writing book reviews.

Why become an ARC reader?

One of the biggest benefits of being an ARC reader is getting a copy of a book before it hits the shelves — for free. Yes, seriously. Free. Now this doesn't mean that authors are just giving these books away left and right (we gotta make a living, too), there is a purpose behind the madness. As mentioned before, many times authors ask for readers to provide reviews on their book on launch day, which can help influence other readers to pick up their book.

Wait, how is this different from editing?

By the time a book reaches the ARC reader stage, it's already been through multiple rounds of edits. Many times this is the final version that is to appear in stores. The purpose of ARC reading is less on the grammar, editing, and development side and more on the marketing and getting reviews side.

Benefits of becoming an ARC reader

So, we briefly touched on this before, but there are a few key benefits to becoming an ARC reader. Here's a more detailed overview of all the rewards you can reap by not only being an ARC reader but being a consistent ARC reader (meaning you consistently leave reviews on ARC reads):

• You get to read books before the general public

• Some authors send signed physical copies to their "street team" (consistent ARC reader group)

• Provide valuable insights and feedback to your favorite authors

• Improve the quality of books before they go to their final print

Become an ARC reader for ShearingHome

Now that you've learned quite a bit about ARC readers and the various reasons you might want to become one, are you ready to join the ARC reader group for ShearingHome? Sign up to become an ARC reader for us using this form and enjoy all the unique perks that come along with it. We look forward to hearing about all you have to say about our upcoming releases. Happy reading!