ARCs--what format?

[J.D.]

Trying to give out ARCs to websites and bloggers, but I'm worried. My manuscript is pretty much finished, but it's in Word Doc form, and I've just started the cover-making process. If I start sending out ebook ARC's, do they need to be official Amazon copies, or can I just send out an epub of some sort?

[B.A.]

As long as you have proof that it is yours, then no worries. Check the Copyright laws and what you need to do to safeguard your work. I actually copyright mine prior to sending it out, even if I plan on making changes. I just make it into a second edition. The cost is around $50 for a copyright that lasts 70 years...so worth it for me.

You can't stop the crooks, so look at it as like free advertisement unless they are doing wholesale business with your books (unlikely). You can put it on BookFunnel so you can control who can download copies by sending a link to them. Bloggers aren't your problem. That would be the 'free' copies you give away for reviews. I avoid those sites like Netgalley. In fact, I don't worry about reviews. When I've gotten my writing to the point where it is really good, then I'll worry about them. As it is, I'm still a mediocre writer who is improving...just takes time.

[Eldon, Lost on the road to Mordor]

Afalstein wrote: "Trying to give out ARCs to websites and bloggers, but I'm worried. My manuscript is pretty much finished, but it's in Word Doc form, and I've just started the cover-making process. If I start sendi..."

I wouldn't worry too much about copyright. In giving out review copies you should consider the format each reviewer prefers. Many bloggers will only accept physical copies. Others prefer epub or mobi depending on their device. It's important to check before you send :)