Gathering an ARC Team
Earlier, we discussed Street Teams and how they can amplify your book's reach through word-of-mouth marketing. This week, we're focusing on another strategy for your book's success by using your readers: building an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) team.
While your Street Team is a broader group dedicated to promoting your book through various channels, an ARC team has a more specific role. An ARC team consists of readers who receive advance copies of your book to read and review before its official release. The goal here is to generate buzz and secure early reviews, which are critical for building credibility and enticing new readers upon launch.
An ARC team is your frontline in getting initial feedback and creating momentum in the critical weeks leading up to and immediately following your book’s release. These early reviews can significantly impact your book's visibility and sales.
Recruiting Your ARC Team
Finding passionate readers willing to review your book can seem daunting, but there are several effective strategies to build your ARC team:
1. Goodreads: Utilize Goodreads by engaging in groups related to romance novels or your specific sub-genre. Look for active members who regularly review books and might be interested in joining your ARC team.
2. Amazon and Other Retailers: Research readers who have left reviews on similar romance novels and reach out to them. Their proven interest in reviewing can make them valuable ARC team members.
3. Social Media Platform: Announce the opportunity to join your ARC team on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Use hashtags related to romance reading and book reviewing to widen your reach.
4. Book Blogs and Review Sites: Contact book bloggers and review sites that focus on romance novels. Many are always looking for new books to feature. Check out sites like Netgalley, Edelweiss and Booksprout are some to investigate.
5. Your Own Networks: Don’t forget to tap into your existing fan base through your newsletter, website, or blog. Those who are already fans of your work are likely to be enthusiastic ARC team members.
Here’s a sample email to Potential ARC Team Members
Subject: Exclusive Invitation: Join My ARC Team for [Your Book’s Title]
Dear [Reader’s Name],
I hope this message finds you well and lost in a good book. As an author of [briefly describe your genre or previous work], I’ve admired your insightful reviews and genuine passion for romance novels. Your ability to connect with stories and share their essence with fellow readers is truly inspiring.
I’m reaching out to offer you an exclusive opportunity to join the ARC team for my upcoming book, [Your Book’s Title]. This novel weaves [brief description of your book], and I believe it’s a story that will resonate with you.
As a valued ARC team member, you’ll receive an early copy of the book, with the hope that you’ll share your honest review on [specify platforms, e.g., Amazon, Goodreads, your blog] upon its release. Your feedback is not just invaluable to me—it’s essential in helping [Your Book’s Title] find its way to readers who will cherish it as much as I do.
If you’re interested in being part of this exciting journey, please reply to this email, and I’ll send you more details about the book and how we can move forward together.
Thank you for considering this invitation. Whether you decide to join the ARC team or not, I’m grateful for your contribution to the vibrant community of romance readers and reviewers.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
HERE’s ANOTHER LIST OF PLACES TO FIND ARC READERS, THOUGH I HAVE NOT INVESTIGATED EACH OF THESE MYSELF:
Edelweiss+: Similar to NetGalley, Edelweiss+ is a platform for digital review copies where publishers can share upcoming releases with reviewers, librarians, educators, and media professionals.
BookSirens: BookSirens offers a chance for authors to get their books in front of reviewers. It's known for its detailed reviewer preferences, helping to match your book with the most appropriate readers.
The StoryGraph: While not a direct site for acquiring reviews, The StoryGraph allows users to track their reading and post reviews. Authors can encourage readers to review on this platform as part of a broader review strategy.
LibraryThing: LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers program gives members the chance to receive free books in exchange for reviews. It’s a community-driven platform, similar to Goodreads, but with a dedicated program for early reviews.
Booksprout: Booksprout offers an easy way for authors to get their books to readers willing to leave honest reviews. It’s especially popular among indie authors looking to build up their reviews on various retail sites.
Hidden Gems Books: Hidden Gems offers a service to authors for distributing ARCs to a vast pool of readers who are expected to leave honest reviews on Amazon and other platforms.
Lola's Blog Tours: Although not a site for direct reviews, Lola’s Blog Tours organizes book tours, which can include review tours for new releases, helping authors gain visibility and reviews.
BookishFirst: Readers can earn first looks and preview books before publication. They can leave their first impressions and reviews, creating early buzz for upcoming releases.
Reedsy Discovery: Reedsy Discovery offers authors a platform to launch their books, where selected reviewers can post their reviews, helping to spotlight new works to a community of readers.
Choosy Bookworm: Choosy Bookworm offers a Read & Review program where authors can provide copies of their books to interested readers in exchange for honest reviews on Amazon.
Like I said earlier, an ARC Team can be a huge boost during a book's release. If you have the time (insert maniacal laugh because who amongst us has spare time 😂 ), this might be the strategy to take you to the next level in your author career.
This week, paid subscribers get a full detailed outline of the Enemies to Lovers Plot. Also on the paid posts are the first draft of my upcoming nonfiction book Page Turner Pacing: How to Write a Bingeworthy Novel in 21 Days. I hope you’ll consider joining us behind the paywall!