How to Request ARCs from Publishers and Build Your Reading Stack

If you’re a book blogger, reviewer, or just a voracious reader who loves the idea of getting books before they’re officially released, then ARCs (Advance Review Copies) are your golden ticket.

These pre-publication books are distributed by publishers to create buzz and gather early reviews, and the good news is that with a little effort, you can get your hands on them too!

In this article, I’ll walk you through the best ways to request ARCs from publishers.

Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been blogging for years, these tips will help you develop the right approach to build relationships with publishers and grow your collection of ARCs.

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1. Build a Platform That Publishers Will Notice

To get ARCs, you’ll need a platform where you can talk about the books you read.

This could be a blog, Instagram account, YouTube channel, TikTok, or even Goodreads.

The key is to show that you have a genuine interest in books and that you’re willing to share your opinions with an audience.

Here are a few tips for building a platform:

Consistency is key: Publishers want to see that you’re committed. Post regularly and engage with your audience.
Show off your niche: If you specialize in specific genres (like historical romance or dystopian fiction), make sure that’s clear. Publishers are more likely to send you ARCs if they know you’re interested in their type of books.
Highlight your stats: Whether it’s your blog’s monthly traffic, your Instagram follower count, or your Goodreads review reach, numbers matter. But don’t stress too much—engagement can be just as important as follower size.

Publishers want to know that their ARCs are going to people who have a solid and engaged audience.

2. Set Up a Media Kit or Review Policy

A media kit is like your resume for ARC requests.

It’s a one-page document that provides essential information about you and your platform to give publishers a reason to send you an ARC.

You don’t need to be a professional designer to create one—just make sure it’s neat, informative, and easy to read.

Here’s what to include in your media kit:

Your bio: Share a little about yourself and your bookish interests.
Platform stats: Include follower counts, blog traffic, and engagement rates.
Audience demographic: Publishers want to know who your audience is. Share a brief overview of your readers, such as age group and favorite genres.
Past reviews: Link to some of your best book reviews or share positive feedback from authors or readers.

Similarly, having a review policy on your blog or platform shows professionalism.

This policy should explain how you handle reviews, your preferred genres, and your review timeline.

And this helps publishers know what to expect when sending you a book.

Related: 22 Bookish Things to Do Over the Holidays (That Aren’t Just Reading)

3. Sign Up for NetGalley and Edelweiss

Two of the biggest sources for digital ARCs are NetGalley and Edelweiss.

These sites allow bloggers, reviewers, librarians, and booksellers to request ARCs directly from publishers.

If you’re new to requesting ARCs, starting with these platforms is a smart move.

NetGalley: Create a profile that highlights your reviewing platform and statistics. Be sure to write thoughtful reviews, even for books you may not have loved—publishers check the quality of your reviews.
Edelweiss: Similar to NetGalley, but it also allows for more detailed catalog browsing and review requests. Edelweiss can seem a bit complicated at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a fantastic resource.

Both sites allow you to browse books by release date, genre, or publisher, and you can request titles that catch your eye.

While approval isn’t guaranteed, having a well-maintained profile and offering thoughtful, honest reviews can boost your chances.

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4. Reach Out Directly to Publishers

If you’re interested in physical ARCs or want to establish a direct relationship with publishers, emailing them directly is an effective method.

Keep in mind that not every publisher offers ARCs to everyone, but a well-written and respectful email can open doors.

Here’s a basic structure for your email:

Introduce yourself: Briefly explain who you are, what you do, and the platform you use to promote books.
Express interest: Mention a specific book or author you’re interested in, and explain why you think it would resonate with your audience.
Highlight your reach: Share your platform stats, follower count, and engagement rate to give publishers a sense of your influence.
Be polite and professional: Always thank the publisher for considering your request, and don’t be pushy if you don’t hear back.

If you’re unsure where to start, many publishers have dedicated publicity or marketing email addresses listed on their websites.

Look for these under their contact or press sections, and make sure you’re reaching out to the correct department.

5. Use Social Media

Publishers and authors are increasingly using social media to connect with readers and promote their books, and this provides a perfect opportunity for you to score ARCs.

Many publishers and authors host ARC giveaways on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

Keep an eye on hashtags like #ARCgiveaway, #bookstagram, and #booktok to find these opportunities.

Here are a few ways to increase your chances of landing ARCs through social media:

Follow publishers and authors: Engage with their posts by liking, commenting, and sharing. Genuine interaction can put you on their radar.
Join online book communities: Bookstagram, BookTok, and Twitter book communities are great places to find ARC giveaways and connect with publishers.
Tag authors and publishers in reviews: When you write a glowing review of a book, tag the author and publisher. This can increase the chances of getting ARCs from them in the future.

Also See: How To Read 100+ Books & Articles A Month: 20 Valuable Tips To Get You Started

6. Sign Up for Publisher Newsletters

A surprisingly simple way to discover ARC opportunities is by subscribing to publisher newsletters.

Many publishers will send out newsletters featuring upcoming releases, author interviews, and—you guessed it—ARC opportunities.

These newsletters often provide the latest news about upcoming books and may include links to request ARCs directly.

Look for the newsletter signup sections on the publisher’s website and follow the instructions.

Some publishers also have special ARC programs for bloggers and reviewers that you can apply to.

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7. Attend Book Conventions and Festivals

In-person book events like BookExpo America and YALLFest are prime locations to pick up ARCs.

Publishers attend these conventions and hand out free copies of their upcoming releases.

It’s also a great way to network with publishers and authors directly, which can increase your chances of getting ARCs in the future.

Even if you can’t attend these events in person, many of them are now offering virtual components, which allows readers and bloggers to participate from anywhere in the world.

Some publishers also host virtual events where they give away digital ARCs to attendees.

8. Join Street Teams and Influencer Programs

Street teams are groups of readers who help promote a specific book or author in exchange for perks, including ARCs.

Many authors will announce open street team applications on social media, so keep an eye out for these opportunities.

Similarly, some publishers offer influencer programs where you can sign up to receive ARCs in exchange for reviews and social media promotion.

These programs can be highly competitive, so make sure your platform is active and your content reflects your passion for books.

9. Request ARCs Early

Timing is everything when it comes to ARCs.

Publishers typically start sending out ARCs 4–6 months before the official release date.

If you’re requesting an ARC too close to the release date, the publisher may have already distributed all available copies.

Make sure to check publisher catalogs (available on Edelweiss or publisher websites) and keep track of upcoming release dates.

Reach out early to increase your chances of getting an ARC before they’re all spoken for.

10. Don’t Be Discouraged by Rejections

It’s important to remember that not every ARC request will be approved.

Publishers receive hundreds, if not thousands, of requests for certain titles, and it’s not personal if you don’t get selected.

Keep reviewing books, building your platform, and engaging with the book community.

The more consistent and professional you are, the more likely publishers are to take notice.

If you get rejected for a particular ARC, consider requesting a different title from the same publisher.

Show them that you’re still interested in their catalog, and they may offer you something in the future.

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Getting ARCs from publishers can feel intimidating at first, but it’s all about building relationships, being persistent, and showing that you’re passionate about sharing your thoughts on books.

So, get out there, start requesting, and most importantly, keep reading and reviewing.

The more you engage with the book community, the more likely you’ll find those exciting ARCs landing in your mailbox.