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Typically, you'll receive the following from the author:
1
The link to a sign-up page
2
The link to download the book. Alternatively, it could be emailed to you.
3
After release day, links to the live book where you can review (Amazon, Goodreads etc.)
4
A reminder if the review window is closing (or you’ve missed it).
The sign-up page
The first thing you'll usually get is a link to a sign-up page. The purpose of which is twofold:
1. To explain what the author expects from ARC readers
2. To help the author understand your online presence and where you might post your review (if you choose to)
It will usually contain the following:
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Book cover
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Book blurb
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Tropes
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Trigger warnings
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Release date
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When the review should be posted (for example, within a week of launch)
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Preferred sites such as Amazon or Goodreads
Some may have requests such as
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If your review is under 4 stars it would be a great help if you delayed submitting your review for 2 weeks
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If you choose not to review, that’s okay too. If you DNF (Did Not Finish), I'd appreciate you letting me know why.
In short, the author is asking for a head start, but it is a request only and up to your discretion. The most important thing is honesty — that’s what gives the ARC system its legitimacy.
The download link for the book
Once you have submitted the sign-up page, either the response page will show the download link, or the author will email it to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
For Readers
That's okay, you’re allowed to. Not every book is for every brain.
If you do review, be honest without being cruel — focus on what didn’t work for you and why. If you can find something positive to say, mention it.
If you DNF, it’s totally okay to skip reviewing (or send the author a quick private note if you want).Ideally during launch week (or within the first 1–2 weeks after release).
That’s when reviews help the most. If life happens, no guilt — just do your best, darling.Common places: Amazon, Goodreads, BookBub, and sometimes social media (Instagram / TikTok / Facebook).
The author will usually tell you which ones matter most for their launch.Please don’t. ARC files are for the approved reader only.
If your friend wants in, send them the sign-up link — easy.That said, reviews are the whole point of an ARC team — so only sign up if you think you’ll be able to leave an honest review around launch week. If life happens, it happens.
DNF is allowed. Sometimes the vibes just aren’t vibing.
If you DNF, you can simply not review — or, if you feel comfortable, send the author a quick private note (one sentence is fine). No drama, no guilt.Usually not on Amazon — Amazon generally doesn’t allow reviews before release day.
Other platforms (like Goodreads) may be more flexible, but the safest rule is: post during launch week unless the author says otherwise.Yes. Most authors deliver ARCs through BookFunnel (or similar), which lets you Send to Kindle in a couple of clicks.
If you can read on a phone/tablet too, that’s a handy backup when Kindle decides to be… Kindle.Short quotes are usually fine (and appreciated!) as long as you credit the author/book.
Just don’t upload the file, don’t post full chapters, and don’t share the download link.It depends on the platform. Some places (and some countries) prefer you to mention it, so you’re being transparent.
Generally, though, it's not necessary.
You'll have to post a video on social media of you doing the chicken dance.
Okay, not really, but that would be fun, wouldn't it?
Life happens. If you’re going to miss the review window, a quick heads-up to the author is kind — but not mandatory.
If you can still review later, great. If not, no shame.Honest, specific, and fair. A couple of sentences is enough, usually better. You got the book for free but that does not obligate you to like it.
Mention what you liked, what didn’t work for you, and who the book is (or isn’t) for. Critique the book, not the author.If something seems terribly wrong, a note to the author is appreciated, but not required. (It has happened that an author uploaded the wrong version , a reader queried it privately, and then went on to give 5 stars to the correct version.)