Where to Get Free Review Copies of Books (ARC Programs for Readers)

Review Copy Club matches readers with review copies of launch ARCs, new releases and backlist books.

• Cost: readers never pay, not for books, membership or postage.
• Sign-up: go to /reader/join, pick your genres, formats and content comfort level, and enter your email. Your matched books appear straight away; no password is needed up front.
• Formats: ebooks download as EPUB or PDF, watermarked with your email and date. Audiobooks and paperbacks arrive by the method the author sets, such as a code or a posted copy. Ebooks can be sent to a Kindle with Amazon's Send to Kindle.
• Claim limits: new readers can hold three open claims at a time, rising to eight as you finish books or close claims reliably.
• Reviews: honest and voluntary. You can post a public review, send private feedback to the author, or close the claim if the book was not for you. Positive reviews are never required.
• Privacy: authors never see your email address and cannot contact you directly.

NetGalley is where publishers and authors make digital review copies and audiobooks available for members to request, read and review. It is free for reviewers, bloggers, librarians, booksellers, educators, journalists and other media. According to NetGalley, publishers tend to approve members who have a record of giving feedback and can show their reach as a reviewer.

Edelweiss is a publishing catalogue site used by booksellers, librarians, sales reps and publishers, and it also has a section for readers. Publishers administer their review copies there.

BookSirens offers complimentary ARCs in your favourite genres, surfaced in a weekly personalised newsletter and a browsable catalogue. Some authors ask to see your Amazon, Goodreads or BookBub profile or approve requests first, and readers are asked for an honest review or a "did not finish". Booksprout also lists review copies for readers.

Many authors recruit ARC readers through their newsletters and websites. Joining the list of an author you already read is often the quickest way to get their next book early.

• You read for pleasure and post the odd review: Review Copy Club, BookSirens or an author's ARC team, where approval does not depend on a large following.
• You are a librarian, bookseller or established reviewer: NetGalley and Edelweiss, where publishers look for professional reach.
• You want audiobooks or paperbacks as well as ebooks: Review Copy Club supports all three formats.

1. Claim only books you genuinely plan to read.

1. Download promptly and finish, or close the claim honestly if a book is not for you.

1. Keep your genre preferences current so your matches stay relevant.

1. Write honest reviews. A balanced three-star review is more useful to other readers than a forced five.