How ARC Sites Provide Insight into Publishing:
By Thio Isobel Moss
Becoming a reviewer was not part of my publishing plan. It was an impulsive decision and turned out to be one of the most strategic moves I’ve made as both a reader and an author.
If you are a regular reader, Arc sites are amazing – free reads from bestselling authors and exciting up-and-comers in exchange for thirty minutes to an hour spent writing and posting your review per book. If you are a writer or aspiring to be a writer, I strongly encourage you to review books on an ARC site.
For writing, in particular, the benefits are extensive. This is research—a peek at what’s popular, variations in style and theme, and how your style compares. It’s a layer of community through an organic filter in an industry arguably dominated by introverts. It’s also a window into publishers, how they function, their philosophies, etc.
As a reviewer, I am slowly establishing some goals. I want to keep the inventory on my shelves low and moving quickly. I want to provide feedback at least 75% of the time and keep my reviews constructive—I don’t gush, but I don’t punish either. I choose my reads carefully. I want to demonstrate that I read deeply, engaging with the content; that I understand story craft and notice the grace notes; and that I fulfill a need within the community.
Besides this, on a small scale, I am building relationships with publishing houses. This is not transactional; I’m still an unknown in acquisitions, but I’m building a reputation with their marketing teams, little by little.
Patterns are emerging, as well. I read across a fairly broad spectrum, but not exhaustive by any means. It’s enough that I’m developing an understanding of the type of books that appeal to specific publishers. This is still in its infancy, but I’d bet on a test that I would be fairly accurate in dividing Boldwood Books’ from Severn House’s and Podium Entertainment’s from St. Martin’s Press. I’m also learning where to go when I crave a certain style.
It’s been fascinating to see who approves me and who passes.
If you do decide to become a reviewer, just know that failing to be approved is not rejection. This is a nuanced system where they look at your reading history—what you like and don’t like, how established you are as a reviewer, how your rate—gushing can be a red flag, as well as their own specific marketing objectives. If you religiously post to Goodreads, but never to Bookbub, that will affect how you’re seen by publishers.
When I started out, I saw some big names and giddily requested four. When I told a friend about it, they laughed at me. Apparently, I’d gone in with my zero-zero-zero stats, amrched to the VIP section, and waited to be let in. Once I understood how it works, I went back and selected a couple Read Now titles to build a little credibility. Amazingly enough, the day after, three publishers out of four approved me to read those first few books!
Being an author, even a debut indie author, absolutely helped. What I wrote about myself also helped. How I have conducted my reviews since has added to the scales, and being patient has served me very well. I’ve given up on some titles after several weeks, then, out of the blue, I get three approvals. It’s so very validating.
Berkeley and Tor have each turned me down twice. Now, I’m not the most competitive person in the world, but I do love a challenge. I’m on a mission to become the kind of reviewer these two crave. They have titles I absolutely want to read. If you’ve been following along, you know I love the delightful duo known as Ilona Andrews and, of course, I requested This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me. Sadly, I was not approved.
My following, and I love every one of you, is small. The chances of being approved were remote, but that won’t prevent me from trying again! It may take years to build to the required level, but that just makes success all the sweeter.
Every other publisher I’ve tried has approved me at least once. I am now a proud Boldwood Books Insider, though I have yet to participate in a book tour. I adore Podium Entertainment—they approved me for a Jim Butcher novella, and I’ve been smug ever since. It’s a bit like a game where the prize is the work; I’m turning into a workaholic.
The vital takeaway, besides my reading addiction, is that if I ever decide to pursue traditional publishing, I’m gaining insight into who to query and for what book. That’s invaluable information; it could save me heartache, rejection, and wasted time. It could frame my approach and drastically improve my chances of being accepted.
If you’re a reader, ARC sites offer access. If you’re a writer, they offer education. Either way, they are one of the most underrated tools in modern publishing.
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