How to find ARC Readers: A Step-by-Step Guide for Indie Authors

Why ARC Readers Are Essential for Your Book Launch

ARC readers — short for Advance Review Copy readers — are a crucial part of any successful book launch. They’re the early supporters who read your book before publication and post honest reviews on launch day. Those reviews give your book credibility, boost its ranking in online stores, and create early momentum.

At Stacks Publishing, we help indie authors build powerful pre-launch campaigns through our Substack Bookstore ecosystem, which reaches more than 17,000 active readers and reviewers.

What Is an ARC Reader?

An ARC reader is someone who receives a free pre-release copy of your book in exchange for an honest review. They are usually part of your target audience: real readers who help you generate buzz and social proof before your book goes live.

ARC readers help by:

  • Posting verified early reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, and BookBub

  • Sharing your book on social media and with their reading circles

  • Providing valuable feedback before final publication

  • Building momentum that fuels your launch day visibility

Unlike beta readers, ARC readers focus less on feedback and more on publicity and engagement.

When to Start Looking for ARC Readers

The best time to recruit ARC readers is about six to eight weeks before your release date. This gives them enough time to read your book, write thoughtful reviews, and post them on or shortly after launch day.

If you’re self-publishing on Amazon KDP or IngramSpark, set up your ARC campaign once your final proof or formatted eBook is ready.

How to Find ARC Readers for Your Genre

Finding the right ARC readers means focusing on those who already enjoy books like yours.

  1. Romance & Women’s Fiction – Engage readers who love emotional, character-driven stories.

  2. Mystery & Thriller – Look for fans who enjoy fast-paced, twist-filled narratives.

  3. Sci-Fi & Fantasy – Target imaginative readers active in genre communities.

  4. Non-Fiction & Memoir – Choose readers who connect with your themes and expertise.

Building a small but dedicated ARC team within your niche is more effective than chasing large numbers of unengaged readers.

Run an ARC Campaign with Stacks Publishing

Through the Stacks Publishing Substack Bookstore ecosystem, you can connect with real, enthusiastic readers who love discovering new authors. Our Free Books First Substack gives you access to a large, active pool of potential ARC readers across multiple genres.

When you run an ARC campaign through Stacks Publishing:

  • Your book is featured to 17,000+ engaged readers

  • You can attract early reviews and social media mentions

  • You gain visibility through a trusted, growing author-reader community

  • You retain full control of your ARC distribution and follow-up strategy

Results vary depending on your genre, cover, and blurb quality, but most authors gain valuable exposure, verified reviews, and authentic reader engagement before release day.

How to Prepare Your ARC Campaign

Before you start sending out Advance Review Copies, make sure your book and strategy are ready:

  • Finalise your manuscript, formatting and cover

  • Create a clear author message or email template to share your ARC

  • Include your launch date and review guidelines

  • Keep track of who receives your ARC to follow up politely before release

If you already publish through Substack or have an author mailing list, invite your most engaged readers first: they’re the most likely to follow through with reviews.

Ready to Find ARC Readers for Your Next Launch?

Join Free Books First and gain access to thousands of active readers through Stacks Publishing’s Substack Bookstore ecosystem.

Subscribe today and set up your ARC campaign with confidence — so your book launches with the reviews, buzz, and momentum it deserves.