Using advance reading copies

[Elí]

I want to put more effort into my next release, and ARC's occurred to me as an option. How are those typically handled? How early before release should I send those out, and how does one find readers? And are digital copies acceptable?

[D.E.]

Digital copies are definitely accepted! I start contacting potential reviewers about 6 weeks in advance. Earlier is better!

[Elí]

D.E. wrote: "Digital copies are definitely accepted! I start contacting potential reviewers about 6 weeks in advance. Earlier is better!"

And where and how do you approach potential reviewers?

[Riley, Viking Extraordinaire]

Exactly like a normal reviewer, with respect and kindness. I started over a year before my zombie book created, trying to hit 100. Only hit 80, but they were stuck here on Goodreads. 30 have transferred to Amazon, but a lot haven't, so a shorter period from ARC to release is probably better.

[Elí]

I meant "how do you find ARC readers?". I have had basically zero luck seeking readers on these boards.

[Riley, Viking Extraordinaire]

I hit up book bloggers and book clubs on Goodreads. While most groups don't allow selfpromo, a lot do offer read and review programs. Like Horror Afficianados group used to offer a service where selfpub books could get reviews, i don't know if they still do it. Book bloggers are everywhere, you just have to google them. Be sure to follow their rules, the more you do that the more likely you are to get a review.

[G.G.]

Elí wrote: "I meant "how do you find ARC readers?". I have had basically zero luck seeking readers on these boards."

Have you tried the group here on goodreads called Shut up and read? They have a long list of books so depending on when you are planning to release... although they used to do exceptions for ARC and move them on top of others or between others. You might want to give them a try.

[C.M.]

Im set to release my third novel and this is the first time I've utilized arc. I reached out to friends of mine through social media, that are pertinent to the subject matter. In this case I was looking for veterans and readers of military fiction. I had a high success rate.

I also reached out to reviewers/bloggers through goodreads. I read their pages; If they were cool and logical I reached out.

[Elí]

G.G. wrote: "Have you tried the group here on goodreads called Shut up and read? They have a..."

Thanks for the suggestion. But I did check the page out, and it seems about one or two people sign up to read each one.

[Elí]

C.M. wrote: "I also reached out to reviewers/bloggers through goodreads. I read their pages; If they were cool and logical I reached out. ..."

Can you give me some tips on how to go about this?

[G.G.]

Elí wrote: "G.G. wrote: "Have you tried the group here on goodreads called Shut up and read? They have a..."

Thanks for the suggestion. But I did check the page out, and it seems about one or two people sign ..."

Yeah the changes in review rules have hurt the group a little bit.

[C.M.]

Nope. Just do it.