Why I Struggle with Saying No to ARCs

Advanced reader copies (ARC) are extremely helpful to authors and readers.

Authors need reviews. Readers usually like to see reviews on a book before they make a purchase. There’s nothing worse than buying a book that looks amazing to find out it has adult content, is poorly written, or just wasn’t the type of book you were looking for. Reviews help with that!

Even if everyone seems to love a popular book, I will read through the reviews to make sure the things they loved, or hated, are things I’m looking for or not looking for. (This book was way too clean. 1 star. = sounds like my type of book!)

I love reviewing books. I enjoy typing out what I felt like was the best part of a novel or warning people of some content they maybe weren’t expecting.

Early copies can also drum up excitement and more eyes on a book before release day. I’ve been told many times the first few weeks of release day are the best sales and then they drop. Authors want release week to be big to help them get paid for all their hard work. Social media can be extremely helpful.

When authors reach out to me offering an early copy of their book before release day, I have a terrible time saying no.  I want authors, especially ones I love their previous books and friends that have worked really hard writing and editing their book babies, to do well. I want their books to have great reviews and I want others who might be interesting in their books to see them and buy them. I want good books to be seen, purchased, and devoured by eager readers.

But sometimes I have to say no. I don’t always have the time. And that isn’t fair for the authors to give a free book that doesn’t get read, or noticed, or reviewed.

I wish I was a faster reader. I wish I could devote all my time and energy to reading good books and promoting them. I wish these authors the absolute best.

So, sometimes I say yes. But unfortunately, sometimes I have to say no. And it kills me! I want to help everyone.

So, if you love to read and share with others about great books, you should become an ARC reader. Follow your favorite authors. They usually post weeks to months before release day asking for ARC readers. Sign up, especially if you know you love their past books, so you will be less likely to be disappointed in their future books. Help your favorite authors out and maybe even take a chance on some new authors. I have been pleasantly surprised to find new favorites.

I’ll just be over here reading and trying to squeezing in writing.

In the picture you will see the ARCs I’ve read from January through April. I haven’t regretted a single one. Great books in different genres and all clean, free from foul language or sexual content. I hope to find more time to finish my second book AND continue to read, review, and promote wholesome books. The struggle is real, but oh so worth it.