Are you interested in joining Natasha’s ARC Team? Here, Natasha answers some FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about her ARC Team, what it is, what to expect, and how to join.
Are you taking any applications for ARCs?
Currently, I do not have any sign-ups available for ARCs. Please subscribe to my newsletter if you want to be notified when I am looking for ARC Readers.
What is an ARC?
ARC stands for ‘advance review copy’ or ‘advance reading copy’. It is a copy of a book sent out to specific readers before the book is released to the public. Think of it like a pre-release copy.
What is the purpose of an ARC?
The purpose of an ARC is to create ‘buzz’ before and immediately after a new book is launched. For indie authors, it is important to hit the ground running when a new book is released. As ARCs are often limited, it is important to get these pre-release copies into the hands of readers that are eager to share reviews and their experience with the book; this is especially important immediately after the book is released. Typical ARC readers include voracious readers and those influential in the literary community.
Does an ARC cost anything?
No, an ARC is a free copy of my book for you to read early. The only difference is that an ARC version of my book may have an extra section in the book specifically for ARC readers.
If I get an ARC do I need to leave a review or do I receive any compensation?
Legally, you are not required to leave a review. However, as the purpose of an ARC (especially as an advance review copy) is to get an upcoming book into the hands of those that will get the word out about the book–including reviews–it is greatly preferred that reviews are left for ARCs, especially since there is often a limited number that get sent to readers. No compensation is given for receiving nor for reviewing an ARC; readers can think of the ARC as a form of compensation for your time as you will receive the book for free. (And who doesn’t love free books?)
Will leaving a review or not leaving a review affect my chances of receiving a future ARC?
The goal of an ARC is to get it into the hands of a reader that is willing to get the word out about an upcoming release, often by leaving a review. As a select number are available per release, I do limit how many ARCs I send out. Because of this, I would prefer that ARCs of my book go to readers willing to read it and, hopefully, leave an honest review. Past ARC readers that leave reviews have a higher chance of being selected for a future ARC because a review often lets me know if a reader has actually read my book that they received an ARC for; I want these pre-release copies to go into the hands of readers eager to read my story now and not shove it away on their Kindle to read 5 years from now. (No hate towards people that buy books and shove them away on their Kindle for years; I do, too! But ARCs are meant for now, not later.)
If you don’t leave a review on an ARC that you have received of my book, there is a lesser chance that you will be given an ARC in the future as someone’s track record shows reliability. Nobody likes being ghosted, right? There are some exceptions, of course, which I talk about next.
What if I don’t like the book and don’t want to review it, or if something comes up?
If you don’t like the book, you can still choose to leave your honest review. If you decide not to leave a review due to your dislike of the book or did not finish (DNF), you can send me an email by replying back to any of the emails you receive about the ARC. If something comes up and you are unable to leave a review, please do the same. All I ask is to just let me know why you aren’t leaving a review. This helps me to know that you were keen on reading the book but it just wasn’t for you or something came up in life (because life happens). This does not affect your chances of receiving a future ARC as long as it isn’t a pattern.
What happens if I ask for and receive an ARC but don’t review it?
If it was not due to something mentioned above, but you requested the ARC but didn’t leave a review, I will consider that in the future when sending out ARCs. If you apply for another ARC but haven’t left a review on a previous ARC, you may be asked to provide your review link if I don’t have it marked down. (Mistakes can happen on my end, so I want to be sure.) Please only request ARCs if you are certain you can read them and are willing to leave a review. Nobody likes being ghosted.
That said, I do have a rule of thumb: If a reader has received two ARCs but has reviewed neither, they will not be issued future ARCs. This is done to limit ARCs going out to just anyone and to ensure these limited files are sent to readers eager to read them and leave a review.
What if I change my mind about an ARC before it is sent out?
If you no longer wish to receive an upcoming ARC (either due to disinterest, a busy schedule, etc.), just let me know! I don’t need to know why and it won’t count against you for future ARCs. Just shoot me an email saying you will not be able to participate in the ARC for whichever book and I can remove you from the ARC list for that specific book. All I ask is that you let me know at least the day before ARCs are set to go out, though I would appreciate it as soon as possible. Knowing in advance will allow me to try to find another reader for the ARC, if possible.
What kind of reviews are you looking for?
In short: quality reviews. This doesn’t mean you need to leave an essay as a review, but leaving a few details about the book is helpful. Remember: reviews are meant for other readers to know why they will enjoy the book, not for me as an author. I tend to steer away from short reviews that are limited to “it was good” or those that merely rehash the blurb or description. While this won’t prevent a reader from potentially receiving an ARC in the future, it is something I consider.
A good review can consist of things like why you enjoyed the book (or didn’t enjoy it), what you thought of my writing style, what you thought of the characters, your favorite character, your favorite trope, how the story made you feel, if the ending was satisfactory, your favorite part of the novel, etc.
If I rate a book 3 stars or less, will I be banned from receiving future ARCs from you?
No, not at all! I understand that sometimes we just don’t like a story, even from our favorite authors. There is always the chance that a trope may not tickle your fancy or you may not enjoy the chemistry between the two love birds. It could be anything! Maybe I just wrote a dud. Be honest in your reviews; I won’t question you about it or try to argue with you over it!
With that said, rating a book 3 stars or lower won’t get you banned from future ARCs, but it will give me something to consider when selecting my ARC Team for future releases. For example, if you didn’t like the secret baby trope in a certain book and voiced that in your review, you may not be the best fit for a future secret baby trope novel.
My goal is to put these pre-release copies into the hands of readers who are likely to enjoy them, so readers who have enjoyed my past novels are more likely to receive future ARCs.
At the end of the day, I’m not looking for perfect reviews. (A freshly-released novel with only 5 stars looks kind of suspicious, don’t you think?) Readers who rate 4 stars across my novels but review each time will be selected more often than not because they are reliable when compared to someone that may leave a 5-star rating on every other ARC they receive and not review the others.
Why do I need to link to my Amazon review page and/or Goodreads?
There are two reasons why I ask for this. In the end it comes down to figuring out if you are the target audience for my ARC Team for a particular book.
First, I have a limited number of copies to give as ARCs. It is so important to me to give them to readers who will read them. By having this information, I can verify whether you have reviewed any ARCs you received from me (although you will also be asked to submit this information on a separate form). Sometimes, I can see if you’ve reviewed any of my novels, which will give me an idea of what you’ve enjoyed (and may not have enjoyed) from my books.
That leads me to the second reason, which is to discover what books you enjoy—and don’t enjoy. Reviews can give a good indication of this. If you primarily leave reviews for cozy mysteries, my romance novels may not be the right fit for you. Similarly, if you seem to love clean/wholesome (no sex) novels and have a dislike towards sex on the pages, my novels that contain sex may not be meant for you. The same can be said for readers who like—and dislike—certain tropes, hooks, or plots. A reader who shows a liking toward small-town romance novel series will be the target audience for a book that fits that type, whereas a reader who often shows a dislike for instalove wouldn’t be the target audience for a book that contains it.
If I receive an ARC for one book, will I continue to receive more?
Each time a new release is coming up, I will ask my ARC Team to apply. My ARC Team consists of anyone who I had previously sent an ARC to, or those who have signed up due to interest. However, not everyone is chosen to be on my ARC Team for a specific book. You will need to apply each time a new release approaches.
If you received an ARC for a past book, you are not guaranteed to be selected for a future ARC. My ARC Team is selected fresh for each book.
How do you choose who receives an ARC?
It’s a combination of a lot of things and it certainly takes a lot of time… which is why it is so important for me to get these early-access copies into the right hands for that particular book. What it really comes down to is my target audience.
When you apply to be on my ARC Team for an upcoming release, I look through your answers on the application form. I will see if you have received an ARC from me previously (and if you reviewed it) or if you have reviewed my past books. I will look to see if you are my target audience: if you enjoy books of a similar heat level, enjoy tropes that are in my book, etc., which are often found in your reviews.
As I limit the number of ARCs I send for a book, not everyone can receive one. Just because you weren’t selected for one book doesn’t mean you won’t be chosen for another. If many readers apply, I will likely only go through a certain number of applications until I have met my limit; there is a chance I may not have seen yours, or you may not have been the right fit for that particular book.
(I would like to note that I strive to offer everyone who applies at least one ARC opportunity, but some may not be chosen if they are not the right fit for a particular book.)
How do I apply for an ARC?
As of right now, any open ARCs will be posted at the top of this page; fill out that form. In the future, this may change. Announcements for future ARCs are likely to be made in my newsletter.
Is the ARC a beta version of the book?
No, my ARCs are the full version of the book that will be released to the public. I go through extensive rounds of editing, which includes alpha readers, beta readers, and several rounds of editing with professional editors (it’s expensive, haha). Although there is a chance that something could be missed along the way (and has been), the book is in its final form—its release form. There is a chance that if a mistake is caught in time, I may be able to submit the correction to Amazon on time (a few days before publication). Otherwise, the book should be well-polished. If an ARC reader does encounter an error, they can always bring it to my attention; however, errors should be rare. (Rare error. That’s a weird one to say…) The only difference is that the ARC version will include a page specifically for ARC readers; this page will not be included in the launch copy.
How do I know if I have been chosen for an ARC?
Generally speaking, you should receive an acceptance email within 1 week of applying; no response means you were not chosen for the ARC. I will notify my ARC Team for the book prior to when ARCs are sent out. When I notify you will vary. Regardless, you will receive an email either saying you were accepted to receive an ARC or an email saying the spaces have been filled (you may not have been a match for the book or spaces filled up prior to reviewing your application).
Can I tell why I wasn’t chosen for an ARC?
You could always ask; admittedly, I may not remember why someone wasn’t chosen. Chances are I either reached my ARC limit before I reviewed your application, or other readers seemed like a better fit for that particular novel. If your reviews show that you don’t seem to read much of the marriage of convenience trope but other applications do, they are likely a better fit for that particular novel.
No hard feelings, though! I plan to release a large range of romance novels over my lifetime–and also venture out into other genres! You can always apply for future ARCs.
How can I increase my chances of being chosen for an ARC?
– Review the books that you read across multiple platforms. For me, the three that matter are Amazon, Goodreads, and Bookbub (in that order). Truthfully, Amazon and Goodreads are the most important to me. I understand some people can’t review on Amazon (they’re a little picky on reviews these days), so don’t sweat it if you can only review on the other two.
– Make sure that your reviews have details that make it seem like you have read the stories you are reviewing (both books you have purchased as well as ARCs if you have any). You don’t need to include spoilers if you don’t want to! However, including some details can be key to a great review, especially stating why you liked or disliked a book.
– Review the types of books I will be releasing in the future. I put up my pre-orders 1 year in advance, so you are able to see what they’re about well beforehand! Sometimes, details change as I go through editing, so a trope may be modified or added (or lesser tropes removed). However, you should get an idea of what to expect in my book. I will be looking for readers who have reviewed books that include similar tropes, hooks, and premise. For example, if I have an upcoming second-chance forced proximity book (I have 2 coming up, actually!), I will be looking for reviewers that enjoy these tropes. That means you can review similar books in the meantime if you’d like to heighten your odds with my ARCs.
– Fill out each book’s application form honestly. I’m not looking for perfection, but I am looking for the right reader—the target audience. If you claim on a form that you love the one-night stand trope but then complain about that trope in your review, it will lower my level of trust in your answers on an application for an ARC.
– Be a fan of my books! The best ARC readers are an author’s biggest fans, who can’t wait until the next book releases (you’ll get mine about a week early) and are eager to tell people about it!
When do you open applications for ARCs?
I expect to open applications for ARCs anywhere between 1-3 months before a novel’s release date. Applications may remain open until the day before ARCs are sent out; this will vary depending on if I have enough applicants or not. In some instances, they may close well in advance.
When will I receive the ARC?
If you have been chosen to receive an ARC, you will receive the ARC approximately 1 week before the book’s release date. I like to send it just before release so that way the book is fresh in your mind come release day.
How do I receive the ARC?
On the day your ARC arrives, you will be sent a link to a website called Bookfunnel. Bookfunnel is a safe and trusted way for authors to send ARCs to readers (and even things like bonus content). You will be asked to put in your email to receive the file (in your chosen method) of the ARC. It will be an eBook version that you can read on your device.
At this time, I do not have any plans for paperback ARCs, as it would be costly (and I am just an indie author, after all), and eBook versions cost me nothing to send.
Where can I leave a review?
There are 3 places that I care about when it comes to reviews:
– Amazon
– Goodreads
– Bookbub
Yes, in that order. On the application form you will be able to select where you review books; you must select at least one. Amazon is most important to me as an indie author as that is where my eBooks are being sold (and the eBooks are an Amazon-exclusive meaning you can’t buy my eBooks anywhere else). Goodreads is a healthy second. Bookbub is third on my list.
I would greatly prefer reviews to be left on all 3 sites, though it will not harm your chances if you can only review on Goodreads, for example. The quality of your existing reviews is what really matters, as well as if you are the target audience for my book.
On your application form, there is a section that allows you to put links to social media platforms if you also post book reviews on social media. This is not required, but as ARCs are about getting them into the hands of influential people, it is good to know if someone has a following on social media and posts about my book there! (It also gives me a chance to share your posts/media if you mention my book!)
When should I review?
It is appreciated that reviews are posted as soon as possible. As I mentioned earlier, I am legally unable to require them. However, I want to get my early copies into the hands of people who will read them now; reviews let me know this is working.
When it comes to reviews, the sooner, the better. The first couple of weeks of a book’s life are essential, and getting reviews for others to read (as they browse new releases) is crucial. I would love reviews on release day, but I understand sometimes it takes additional time to read a book. Like I said, the sooner, the better. ARC readers who review earlier than others will likely be preferred over those who review later.
As a general rule of thumb, I ask that if someone requests an ARC, they should also intend to leave a review within two weeks of the book’s release date. If a reader does not feel they can review the book within two weeks, they should not apply, as that ARC would be better for someone who can read it now.
Do I need to say anything in my review?
Yes, you will need to state in some way that you received a free or ARC edition/version of the book and are leaving a voluntary review. Do not use the terms “in exchange for” as that often flags reviews.
Good: “I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.”
Bad: “I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my review.”
How do I let you know I left a review?
After the book is published, I’ll send an email to my ARC Team for that book, letting them know that they can leave their reviews. I will also include a link in that email that will take you to a form to fill out. The form will ask for you to provide links to your review(s). If you post on social media or a blog, you can also send that information to me, too.
If you would prefer to send a screenshot of your review, you can! The other option is to just email me (by replying back to my email) with links and/or screenshots.
I ask for proof of reviews to help me know who has read the ARC. It also lets me know if that reader enjoyed it, which allows me to see if that reader is likely to enjoy my future ARCs! No, I will not ask you why you left a certain review. No, I will not confront you about any criticisms. I’ll just thank you for reading and leaving a review!
Do I need to be a certain age or gender to be part of your ARC Team?
Due to the adult content of my current novels, ARC readers must be 18 or older. Gender isn’t important to me; romance novel fans vary widely, and that is what is important to me.