What are ARCs?
An ARC, or Advance Review Copy, is an early copy of a book shared with readers before release.
It allows early readers to enjoy the story ahead of launch for the purpose of leaving an honest review or help spread the word. ARCs may still contain minor final edits before publication.
ARC copies are not simply free books. They are provided as part of a book’s pre-release campaign, with the aim of helping generate early awareness, reader discussion and visibility around the release. There is never an expectation of a positive review—only an honest one—but ARC places are intended for readers who genuinely plan to read the book and help support its launch.
What do ARC readers do?
ARC readers receive advance digital copies of upcoming books before publication. In return, they read ahead of release for the purpose of sharing an honest review once the book is available.
You do not need to be a reviewer by trade – simply someone who enjoys story-driven books and gives genuine opinions.
How Does it Work?
When you join the ARC Team, here’s what you can expect:
You’ll receive a digital ARC for the book release you signed up for that includes the ARC reader contract and NDA details.
The book will be delivered directly to your Kindle device or app. You can read at your own pace, with no pressure, though reviews are ideally shared a few days before release or during launch week.
Ness may send brief check-in emails to let you know about any manuscript updates. When the book is released, you’ll also receive a review reminder.
Your review is always welcome as an honest reflection of your reading experience – whether glowing, mixed, or critical. If a review is not submitted, you may not be selected for future ARC opportunities.
Direct questions, critics, thoughts are highly welcome
feel free to respond to the first ARC email sent by the author on the day of the ARC release if you have any questions
Process
BEFORE APPLYING
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Review the details for the book you’d like to read on the Bookshelf page.
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Check for any Trigger Warnings and read them carefully for your own comfort. These will also appear on the excerpt page.
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If an excerpt is available, read it first to see whether the book feels like the right fit for you.
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Then read the Copyright Statement & Terms. If you agree, you can go ahead and complete the Application Form.
SELECTION
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There are only a limited number of ARCs available for each book, so signing up does not guarantee a copy of every title you apply for.
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If you’re selected, you’ll receive a confirmation email, usually around 2 weeks before release.
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Ness will also follow you on the social media platforms you listed in your application shortly after.
ARC DISTRIBUTION & PROCESS
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Typically 1 week before release (more for longer books), you will receive an email titled "Author's Letter" with important information. It goes out the moment the ARCs are sent to your Kindles devices/apps.
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You might get check-in emails from Ness with important updates on the manuscript.
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A gentle review reminder will be sent a day before the book's release
The Application Form lets you subscribe to the Author's newsletter, but it also adds you as a contact, it is how she will be able to reach you if needed.
Please note that you need to add ness [at] nvonwolf.com email for your device to be able to receive the eBook into your Kindle Library.
After you're finished reading
Feel free to contact the author via Contact Form in case you have any questions regarding the story, content, etc or via Social Media.
As an ARC reader, you’re asked to leave an honest review on Goodreads, BookBub, or another platform of your choice, as that is the purpose of an Advanced Review Copy.
Let the author know what you think! If you left a review, send the link to it! You can use the Review Submission form:
Social Media reviews are highly appreciated! Tag the author, add the author, link to the author!
If the book isn’t for you, that’s completely fine. You’re never expected to force yourself through a story you’re not enjoying or leave a positive review. Simply step away from the ARC and, where possible, let me know so the place can go to another reader.
Ready for the dark side?
Current ARCs
Where the Serpent Sleeps
BLURB
BOOK DETAILS
