ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of books are a powerful way to build early buzz. They’re crucial in getting some honest reviews in exchange for books before the launch. However, ARC team building is often tough for independent, self-published authors.

This article has some proven ways to get readers for ARC books. You’ll also get tips to build a self-published author ARC strategy and convert readers into enthusiastic supporters.

Let’s dive in.

Understand Your Goals for ARCs

Before building your ARC team, it's essential to be clear on why you're sharing early access book copies. Do you want more reviews? Early book feedback before launch? Generate social media book buzz to boost visibility?

Defining your goals upfront helps you choose the right kind of support. If your priority is early reviews, you'll need readers who consistently post on major platforms. For feedback, look for beta-style readers who enjoy giving in-depth opinions. You may also want to consider hiring sensitivity readers if your story involves specific cultures, identities or experiences.

If you're aiming for more hype on Instagram, TikTok and other platforms and have some early book momentum, consider building a street team. It’s a small, engaged group of readers who are excited to post about your book and spread the word online.

For self-published, indie authors, being intentional with ARC strategy is even more important. When you know exactly who you need, it's easier for appropriate readers to deliver. Later, you can build on your readers to maximise book launch marketing with ARCs.

7 Proven Methods to Get Readers for Your ARC

Here are a few practical ways you can try to find ARC readers.

1. Build an Email List of Superfans

As an independent author, your email list is gold when it comes to finding reliable ARC readers. These are the readers who’ve already shown interest in your writing. They can be those who’ve read a past book, joined your newsletter, or engaged with your content. So, reach out to this group with a special offer to read your advance review copy.

These superfans are often excited to get early access and are more likely to leave thoughtful reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. Over time, this group becomes your most dependable review team. They become the ones who show up again and again for every new release.

2. Leverage Social Media for Book Promotion

Social media is a powerful tool for building book launch anticipation and attracting enthusiastic ARC readers. Indie authors can freely use online platforms like Instagram, Threads and Twitter to announce the pre-release book versions and let readers know how to sign up.

Engage with genre-specific hashtags and participate in conversations wherever possible. You should also try interacting directly with BookTok and Booktagram reviewers. They can help spread the word faster than you think. The more visible and approachable you are, the easier it becomes to expand your loyal ARC reader base for book marketing.

3. Tap into Author Communities for Book Reviews

Online communities are a goldmine for finding engaged ARC readers. Join Facebook groups, Goodreads forums, and Discord servers where authors and readers connect. Many of these spaces allow ARC requests as long as you follow the group rules.

These groups are often full of genre-specific readers who are open to supporting indie authors. So, what you need to do is to participate genuinely, share your journey, and build trust before pitching those pre-publication book copies. The more active and authentic you are, the more likely you’ll attract readers who care about your book.

4. Reach out to Book Bloggers for ARC Reviews

Pitching to bloggers, Bookstagrammers, and BookTok reviewers in your genre is one of the most effective ways to promote advance review copies. But don’t just cold-drop a link. Read their review policy and personalise the message, mentioning why your book fits their taste.

Featuring your ARC on their profiles and platforms not only gets you early feedback but also builds credibility. When done right, these connections can evolve into long-term partnerships. Think of book bloggers as reviewers, not just for this launch but for your entire author journey, growing your audience one relationship at a time.

Would you like me to review your book? Check my book reviewing terms

5. Use ARC Reader Platforms

If you want to streamline ARC reader recruitment, ARC platforms are a huge time-saver. They provide access to readers actively seeking pre-release books to review. They help manage sign-ups, track deliveries, and send reminders, thereby improving your ARC feedback ratio.

BookSirens for ARC reviews offers genre filtering and affordable pricing, albeit with a smaller reader pool. StoryOrigin includes useful extras, such as newsletter swaps and beta reader management. Booksprout has a strong romance and thriller base, but fewer genres overall.

Apart from those, we also have BookFunnel for ARC delivery. It’s perfect for authors already running email campaigns, but it’s more of a delivery tool than a discovery platform. And then there’s NetGalley for ARC distribution, a big name with a massive reach. But it’s expensive and tends to favour traditional publishers.

Each site has its pros and cons. Still, they’re reliable book marketing tools to build visibility, gather reviews, and automate your ARC strategy. So, depending on your budget and genre, try and see which aligns best with your goals.

6. Engage with Book Clubs for Discussion

Connecting with local or online book clubs that align with your genre can also be a goldmine for early buzz. Many clubs are open to reading pre-release books if you reach out in advance. Thus, offering your ARC as a group read not only gets you multiple readers at once but also encourages thoughtful discussions that can fuel word-of-mouth promotion.

Whether it’s through libraries, Facebook or platforms like Meetup, getting on the calendars of book clubs is worth the effort. A lively book discussion today could mean lasting social proof for book purchases tomorrow.

7. Host Giveaways for Book Promotion

Giveaways are one of the effective social media strategies for finding ARC readers. You can run them on Instagram, Threads or even your newsletter, offering advance reading copies in exchange for sign-ups or engagement.

A small giveaway can bring in considerable attention and give your launch the early traction it needs. It not only expands your reach but also builds excitement around your book before it’s out. It can generate organic buzz and attract potential supporters for future launches. An easy win for self-published authors.

5 Tips for Managing ARC Readers Effectively

Here are a few tips to help you get more pre-publication book reviews using an ARC marketing strategy:

• Start building early – Create a sign-up form months before launch to recruit early supporters for your book. It helps build a reliable, engaged ARC team ahead of time. Use a clear, easy ARC reader sign-up form to collect reader details efficiently. It helps simplify your outreach and gather a reader base ready for action.

• Simplify onboarding – Use tools like BookFunnel and StoryOrigin to make your book promo seamless. The easier it is for readers to access your ARCs, the more likely they are to stick around, read promptly, and leave reviews on suitable platforms. Good tech equals good retention.

To create an effective ARC reader onboarding process, start with this ARC Reader Sign-Up Form Template

• Set clear expectations – Let readers know your review deadlines for ARCs and where you want them to post, such as Amazon and Goodreads reviews. Clear communication boosts commitment and keeps your campaign organised. Consider including review guidelines for ARC readers in your initial message or email.

• Follow up and appreciate – Personal thank-you notes and occasional shoutouts on social media go a long way in getting more ARC reviews. Featuring their reviews and inviting them to your next book promotion builds trust and makes them feel valued. You should also continue to build relationships with book bloggers for ARC reviews.

• Track and reward top readers – If possible, maintain a spreadsheet to monitor and measure the performance of ARC readers. Offer incentives like early access to future books or special mentions. This helps you build a pool of loyal book ambassadors who support every launch with real excitement.

Conclusion

Getting readers for ARC books doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you want to start with your email list, connect with online communities, or reach out to book influencers, every effort adds to your book's credibility and visibility. ARC platforms, book clubs and giveaways can further expand your reach and bring in more early readers.

With the right strategy, self-published authors can build an ARC team that brings genuine early reviews and long-term support. Dependable readers can fuel both your current book launch and future releases.