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This article is adapted from content originally published on timowenauthor.co.nz

ARC for Authors

Delivery Mechanism

1

BookFunnel.

You set it up once, and thereafter, just send your BookFunnel link to potential reviewers. Readers love it because it gives them the most flexibility (see Image below.) It costs about USD $20 per year but SO worth it in the long run compared to the next 2 options.

2

Send a PDF.

First, there is overhead. You manually have to email your PDF after readers have signed up. Second, readers do not have freedom of choice on how they get to read your book.

3

Email to their Kindle.

Slightly better for readers (but only Kindle readers) but oodles of effort for you and them, and confusing if they are not tech savvy.  If they don't know how to find their Kindle email address or how to add you to their Kindle's approved list, you are going to be fielding unnecessary questions. And once all of that has been figured out, you still have to send the file to their Kindle email. Whew.

Prepare the sign-up pages

To begin engaging with interested ARC readers, you want to be able to simply send them a link that will tell them everything they need to know. If that sounds overwhelming, don't panic, it is really simple to set up thanks to Google Forms, especially with me holding your hand.

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We need to achieve 3 things:

1

Sign up a new ARC reader - we use Google Forms for this

2

Save their information to follow up - we use Google Sheets for this, the setup is simple and automated

3

Deliver a digital copy of your book using the mechanism you set up in the previous step

Sign up a new ARC reader using Google Forms

  • You’ll be prompted to “Make a copy” — the copy will be saved to your Google Drive, so you need to be logged in. If you see an access request screen, you may not be logged in, or you could try an incognito window.

    1. ***#1 name of your book***

    2. ***#2 name of your book***

    3. ***#3 release date for your book***

    4. ***#4 REPLACE THIS LINE WITH YOUR BOOK TITLE*** - you will also upload your book cover as part of this step

    5. ***#5 Insert the blurb for your book here***

    6. ***#6 Replace these with your own tropes***

    7. ***#7 Your book title***

    8. ***#8 Update the following to whatever you want, or leave as is*** (Reader info, your terms, copyrights)

    9. ***#9 Your book's release date***

    10. ***#10 Links to your book on Amazon, Goodreads, Bookbub etc ***

    11. ***#11 Add or remove options*** (Where will reviews be posted)

    12. ***#12 Your book title***

    13.  ***#13 Your book title***

    14. ***#14 Author Name***

    15. ***#15 Author Name***

      The 16th one is on the Settings tab, which is centered above your form. Look for this: Questions      Responses      Settings
       

    16. ***#16 Link to download your book, such as BookFunnel***

Save the entered information

When the reader Submits the form, we need to save that information in a Google Sheets Document. The form you have just edited above has the option to automate that for you. So, staying on the form, go back to:

​

Questions      Responses      Settings

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And click "Responses", then click "Link to Sheets"

Voila, your intake form is complete and all you need to do next is add your own tracking columns to the Google Sheet, such as Applied → Accepted → Sent → Finished → Reminded → Reviewed . This is you ARC reader database.

Finding ARC readers

You're ready. You've got your sign-up page and a delivery mechanism ready to go. Now the fun part, finding ARC readers.

First, a quick reality check (so you don’t go mad)

  • You don’t need 200 ARC readers. You need a reliable 10–30 to start.

  • Quality beats quantity. One reader who actually reviews is worth ten who “totally will” and then vanish into the night.

Where to find ARC readers

    • Email list (even if it’s tiny)

    • Your social media followers

    • Friends who actually read in your genre (not your cousin who “doesn’t really read books”)

    • People in your writing group (I highly recommend finding a writing group that fits you)

    • Find small-to-mid reviewers in your genre

    • Look for: consistent posting + regular reviews + good vibes

    • Message politely, briefly, and with an easy “no worries if not” exit

    • Newsletter swaps (“I’ll mention your ARC call-out, you mention mine”)

    • Cross-posting in each other’s groups/pages

What to say (copy/paste templates)

Short social post

Hi. I’m putting together a small ARC team for my next [genre] release. ARC readers get a free early copy in exchange for an honest review around launch week (if you’re able).
Interested? Sign up here: [link]
Not your genre? All good — feel free to share.

DM to a reviewer

Hey! I’ve seen your reviews and love your work (honest + fair). I’m building a small ARC team for an upcoming release in [genre]. No pressure but if you’re interested, here’s the sign-up link: [link].
No worries if it's not your vibe.

Newsletter blurb

Want an early copy? I’m recruiting a small ARC team. If you’d like to read before release and, if possible, leave an honest review around launch week, sign up here: [link].

Red flags (politely avoid)

  • People asking for printed copies unless you don't mind the hassle

  • “I'll review your work!!” but no links or review history

  • People who won’t agree not to share the file

  • Anyone that you don't gel with - yes, gut feel.

A simple target that works

Start with 20 sign-ups, expect 10–12 actual reviews, and build from there. ARC teams grow over time — you’re not assembling the Avengers on day one.

Frequently Asked Questions

For Authors

  • Start small: 10–30 is plenty for your first round.
    Expect only 50–70%

  • Common sweet spot: 2–4 weeks before release.
    Close enough that readers remember it, far enough that they can actually finish it. If your book is long, lean toward 4 weeks.

  • EPUB is the default (works on most devices and with BookFunnel).
    Optional extras: PDF (some readers prefer it) and MOBI (mostly outdated now). If you only choose one, choose EPUB.

  • BookFunnel (or similar) because it handles device issues and “help, my Kindle is possessed” emails.
    If you deliver manually, expect more admin and troubleshooting.

  • You can’t force reviews, and you shouldn’t try.

    What you can do is set clear expectations: “If you sign up, please leave an honest review around launch week if you’re able.” Keep it friendly, not threatening.

  • Careful here. It can come across as manipulative, and some platforms don’t love it.
    Safer approach: encourage honesty, and invite DNFs or critical feedback privately if they’d rather not post publicly.

  • Nothing fancy. One line is enough:
    “By accepting this ARC, you agree not to share, upload, or distribute the file.”
    Add it as a required checkbox on the form and you’re covered for normal purposes.

  • A simple, low-stress version:

    • 4–2 weeks before: recruit + accept readers

    • 2–3 weeks before: send ARC

    • Launch week: send one gentle reminder + review links

    • 1 week after: optional “thank you” (or just move on with your life)

  • Technically, that's not an ARC — it’s just a review copy (RC). But the answer is: Totally! ARC readers love to read and are not fussy about whether it is a new release or not.

    Caveat: Reviews alone won’t drive traffic to an older book. They help once people arrive on the page (social proof), but awareness usually comes from promotion.

    If your goal is visibility for an older title, recruit readers who can help you spread the word, such as those who:

    • have an active following in your genre (even small-to-mid is fine if engagement is real)

    • post reviews consistently (Amazon/Goodreads/BookBub/magazines and/or socials)

    • are happy to share a post, reel/story, or newsletter mention during your relaunch window

  • That is typically not the best fit — the effort level is different.

    • ARC readers expect an enjoyable complete read and a light ask: Please review if you can

    • Beta readers expect work: a draft that may be messy, specific questions to answer, and permission to point out plot holes, confusion, pacing issues, and weak bits.

    Best approach: use a small beta team first (5–12), revise, then send the polished version to your ARC team for launch.

    *Not hard fact, but a general rule. Some ARC readers might be up for it, but it isn't the norm. Don't ask for it, look out for readers offering it.

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There are three steps to start getting ARC reviews:

1

Have a mechanism for delivering an electronic version of your book

2

Prepare the sign-up pages where ARC readers can apply 

3

Find the right ARC readers for your book

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