Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Ever wondered how readers get ARCs (Advanced Reader Copies) — those early, pre‑publication versions of books? In this video, I break down everything you need to know about ARC reading, including what ARCs actually are, how to get them, the etiquette no one talks about, and the realities of reading on deadlines.
I also share my personal ARC journey, the platforms and PR agencies I use, how I manage my TBR, and the red flags to watch out for in ARC teams.
If you’re new to ARC reading or want to improve your approval rate, this guide will help you start strong, stay organised, and support authors ethically.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:02:26 What is an ARC?
00:05:37 Why do ARCs exist?
00:08:34 Where do you get ARCs from?
00:12:17 What is the ARC process?
00:13:00 What is the Etiquette for ARCs?
00:20:17 How do you build credibility?
00:24:52 How do you get onto an Author's ARC team?
00:33:50 What are the realities of ARC reading?
00:37:57 What is my personal ARC journey?
00:54:22 My ARC checklist for beginners
00:56:57 A word on Amazon...
01:01:25 Wrap Up
01:02:22 Bloopers
📲Follow me on instagram:
instagram.com/whathelenreads
📔Recommend a Book: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfFakvB0QSr4VdEqitaRqIbP41AT8shVnhkWlmjiAvprRAm7g/viewform
Ever wondered how readers get ARCs (Advanced Reader Copies) — those early, pre‑publication versions of books? In this video, I break down everything you need to know about ARC reading, including what ARCs actually are, how to get them, the etiquette no one talks about, and the realities of reading on deadlines.
I also share my personal ARC journey, the platforms and PR agencies I use, how I manage my TBR, and the red flags to watch out for in ARC teams.
If you’re new to ARC reading or want to improve your approval rate, this guide will help you start strong, stay organised, and support authors ethically.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:02:26 What is an ARC?
00:05:37 Why do ARCs exist?
00:08:34 Where do you get ARCs from?
00:12:17 What is the ARC process?
00:13:00 What is the Etiquette for ARCs?
00:20:17 How do you build credibility?
00:24:52 How do you get onto an Author's ARC team?
00:33:50 What are the realities of ARC reading?
00:37:57 What is my personal ARC journey?
00:54:22 My ARC checklist for beginners
00:56:57 A word on Amazon...
01:01:25 Wrap Up
01:02:22 Bloopers
📲Follow me on instagram:
instagram.com/whathelenreads
📔Recommend a Book: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfFakvB0QSr4VdEqitaRqIbP41AT8shVnhkWlmjiAvprRAm7g/viewform
