What Is an Advanced Reader Copy?
If you’re new to this space, ARC stands for advance reader copy—a free version of a book sent to readers, bloggers, or influencers before the official release date. In exchange, you leave honest reviews to help boost buzz and guide potential buyers. It’s a win-win: authors get early feedback, and readers get to feel like insiders.
A while back, one of my book besties started reading ARCs. At first, I didn’t give it much thought (or know what ARCs stood for)—I had Kindle Unlimited. How much could I really be missing?
Turns out, a lot.
Everything changed when she started receiving advance reader copies (ARCs) from authors I loved. Wait… she was getting free early access to new books? How could I get in on that?
How to Get Advanced Reader Copies
If you’re hoping to spot that first shiny ARC approval in your inbox, your best bet is to start where most book lovers do: NetGalley. It’s a go-to platform that connects publishers and authors with reviewers, bloggers, librarians, and other book-obsessed humans.
At first, I assumed I would need to have dozens of Goodreads reviews as a show of “good faith” when publishers saw my profile. But after I was a few Goodreads reviews deep, I realized that wasn’t the case. It was actually much simpler than that.
Here’s the lowdown on getting ARCs from Netgalley:
- Head to netgalley.com and create a free account.
- Choose your reviewer type (blogger, bookseller, librarian, etc.)
- Fill out your profile—be honest, highlight where you review.
- Browse books by genre and start requesting.
- Focus on smaller publishers at first to build your approval rate.
- Keep an eye on your inbox—you’ll get an email if you’re approved.
- Once you download your copy, read and review before the publishing date.
You can absolutely find other publishers and ARC opportunities through Instagram, TikTok, or even by joining newsletter lists from your favorite indie authors and presses. I recommend trying a variety of different avenues and seeing what works best for you.
NetGalley for Beginners: What to Know Before Downloading Your First ARC
Fast forward to now. I’m on the NetGalley website, excited by the prospect of eyeing a fresh batch of unreleased books. I hit “Apply,” get approved, and boom—five “Read Now” titles pop up on my screen.
The covers are lackluster. The titles? Meh. The descriptions? Not my cup of tea. Still, I picked the one that looked the least terrible and assumed I could return it if I didn’t like it. Like a library book, right?
Spoiler: I could not. 😬 You can’t “return” a title on NetGalley. Once you download it, it’s yours to review—or risk tanking your ratio.
Mistakes From a First-Time ARC Reviewer (and How to Avoid Them)
Once you download a title on NetGalley, you’re expected to submit feedback. No ifs, ands, or buts. If you don’t, your feedback ratio drops—and that number matters. Publishers typically look for ratios of 80% or higher when deciding whether to approve future requests.
And me? I’d picked a book that just wasn’t working. Three pages in and I knew it wasn’t my vibe, my style, or the type of story I’d enjoy. But if I clicked “Will Not Give Feedback,” I’d start with a 0% rating.
Here’s what I wish I knew:
- It’s okay to be picky.
- Don’t rush to grab a book just because it’s available.
- If none of the first few Read Now titles appeal to you, that’s okay. Start by browsing categories you love, reading sample pages on Amazon if available, or checking Goodreads ratings before requesting.
As a lifelong (mostly) A student, that 0% possibility felt unacceptable. I felt stuck—obligated to finish a book that I actively didn’t want to read. At one point, solving a math problem about the Pythagorean theorem felt more appealing than reading another chapter. (Bless this sweet, sweet book, but no.)
Here’s a handy visual breakdown of the do’s and don’ts to keep in mind as you start your ARC journey.
How to Write a Review for a DNF Book on NetGalley
So, what’s a girl to do?
Leave the review. Protect the ratio. Learn the lesson.
Here’s what I’ve picked up so far:
- You don’t have to read every page.
If you absolutely can’t get through the book, don’t force it. Do your best, and when you’ve reached your max, skimming is okay. If you’re not feeling it by 25–40%, it’s fair to stop. - Be honest in your review.
Explain that you didn’t finish the and briefly explain why. - Be kind but clear.
Not every book is for every reader—and that’s okay. Your review for a DNF should let the publisher know what you liked and what you didn’t with specific examples. - Mention who might like it.
Help others figure out if it’s right for them, even if it wasn’t for you.
Here’s the quick review format I plan to use for any future DNF situations:
I read about X% of this ARC before deciding not to continue. I struggled with [insert reason: pacing, voice, tropes, etc.], though I did appreciate [insert what you liked]. However, I think that readers who enjoy [genre/trope/author style] might enjoy this more.
Tips to Keep a High NetGalley Feedback Ratio
Worried about your stats? Because same. Here are a few quick strategies to help protect your ratio:
- Start slow. I mentioned it once, but it deserves a second call out. Don’t request too many books at once. Read and review one before moving to the next.
- Use the NetGalley Shelf app. It makes it easier to track your progress and reminds you to review.
- Set calendar reminders. This is especially helpful if you’re juggling multiple ARCs or release dates.
- Cross-post your reviews. You can share them on Goodreads, Amazon, and your blog. (That extra visibility helps your credibility too.)
Final Thoughts
After a whirlwind few days of picking the book up, putting it down, picking it up again, and finally (thankfully!) learning there’s a loophole—I came away with one big lesson:
It’s okay to DNF (when you absolutely must), and it’s okay to learn as you go.
ARC reviewing is a learning process. One I’m still sorting out. But the good news? I finished the review. I was honest. I was fair. And my feedback ratio? Still sitting at a shiny 100%.
So maybe I didn’t ruin everything after all.
What is your experience with ARCs? Have you had a similar learning curve? Let me know your tips and tricks!
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