ARC Readers (4–6 Weeks Before Launch)
Send advance review copies to 3–5 genre readers who can provide honest feedback. Sources: NetGalley, BookSirens, or direct outreach to readers in your genre community.
Checklist
- Avoid: Never request a specific star rating — this violates platform terms
Book Blogger Outreach
Identify 10–15 bloggers who review your genre. Read their review policy before reaching out. Reference a specific review they've written to demonstrate genuine familiarity.
"The difference between a request that gets answered and one that doesn't: proof that you've actually read their blog."
Timing Your Asks
| Channel | When to Ask | Method |
|---|---|---|
| ARC readers | 4–6 weeks before pub | Direct email, personal ask |
| Book bloggers | 4–8 weeks before pub | Personalised pitch email |
| Email list | Launch week | Soft ask in newsletter |
| Back matter | All copies, always | Single paragraph, no pressure |
| Social media | After launch spike | Community gratitude post |
What "Honest" Actually Means
- Reviews of free advance copies are allowed, as long as the author does not require a review in exchange or try to influence the reviewer’s opinion
- Amazon does not require ARC reviewers to disclose the free copy, but many do, and it is good practice
- Negative ARC reviews are acceptable — the copy cannot be conditional on a good one
- A 3-star honest review from a real reader is worth more than a 5-star coerced one
Related
Publishing Database
Rights & Privacy