How to Acquire ARC Readers via TikTok

Finding quality ARC (Advance Review Copy) readers is crucial for a successful book launch, but it's also where many authors make costly mistakes. Here's how to build a genuine ARC reader network through TikTok without compromising your integrity or relationships.

When to Start Promoting Your ARC

The Timeline That Works

6-8 weeks before release: Begin building awareness 4-6 weeks before release: Start actively seeking ARC readers 2-3 weeks before release: Final ARC distribution Never: The week of release (too late for meaningful reviews)

Signs You're Ready to Promote

You have at least 500 engaged followers
Your recent videos average 1,000+ views
You get regular comments from your target readers
Your book cover and description are finalized
You have a solid publication timeline

Don't rush this. Better to wait and do it right than scramble with an unprepared audience.

What Kinds of Videos to Make

The Soft Introduction (6-8 weeks out)

Video Type: Behind-the-scenes content Example Hooks:

"The moment I finished my book..."
"Authors, this feeling never gets old..."
"Six months of writing led to this..."

What to Include:

Your emotional journey with the book
What genre/tropes it contains
Why you're excited (not selling, sharing)
General timeline for release

The Community Builder (4-6 weeks out)

Video Type: Interactive content that identifies your ideal readers Example Hooks:

"If you love [specific trope], this video is for you..."
"Calling all [genre] readers..."
"Who else is obsessed with [character type]?"

What to Include:

Specific tropes your book contains
Comparable titles ("If you loved X, you'll love this")
Character archetypes
Emotional promises ("This will make you cry/laugh/swoon")

The Soft Ask (3-4 weeks out)

Video Type: Genuine excitement with subtle opportunity Example Hooks:

"I'm so nervous and excited to share this..."
"Author life update: ARCs are here..."
"The scariest and most exciting part of being an author..."

What to Include:

Show the physical ARCs (if you have them)
Express genuine nervousness/excitement
Mention you're looking for early readers
Include application criteria in comments

The Direct Request (2-3 weeks out)

Video Type: Clear, professional ask with boundaries Example Hooks:

"Looking for ARC readers who love [genre]..."
"If you're an active reviewer, I have an opportunity..."
"Searching for my book's first readers..."

What to Include:

Clear expectations (review required)
Timeline for feedback
What you're providing (digital/physical)
How to apply

Using Comments & DMs Ethically

The Comment Strategy

Do:

Pin a comment with application instructions
Reply to every interested comment
Ask qualifying questions publicly when possible
Thank everyone, even those you can't select

Don't:

Pressure anyone to apply
Guilt trip people into reading
Share personal information publicly
Make promises you can't keep

Sample Pinned Comment:

"Looking for ARC readers who: ✅ Love dark fantasy romance ✅ Have reviewed books before ✅ Can read by [date] ✅ Will post honest reviews. Comment 'ME' and I'll message you!"

The DM Approach

Initial Message Template: "Hi! Thanks for your interest in my ARC. I see you love [specific genre/author from their profile]. My book has [relevant tropes]. Are you able to read and review by [date]? I can send [format] via [method]."

What to Ask:

Preferred reading format (PDF, EPUB, physical)
Realistic reading timeline
Where they typically post reviews
Any content warnings they want to avoid

Red Flags in DMs:

Requests for payment
No engagement with your content
Generic copy-paste responses
Unrealistic promises ("I'll read it tonight!")

How to Vet and Follow Up

The Vetting Checklist

Before sending an ARC, verify:

[ ] They follow you and engage with your content
[ ] Their profile shows genuine reading interest
[ ] They have previous book reviews visible
[ ] They can meet your timeline
[ ] They seem enthusiastic about your specific genre

Quality Over Quantity

Better: 10 engaged readers who love your genre Worse: 100 people who requested but don't connect with your work

I once sent ARCs to 50 people and got 8 reviews. Later, I carefully selected 15 people and got 14 reviews. The difference? Proper vetting.

The Follow-Up System

Week 1: Send ARC with friendly note Week 2: Check-in message (if appropriate) Week 3: Gentle reminder if needed After deadline: Thank you message regardless

Sample Follow-Up: "Hi! Hope you're enjoying the book! No pressure, just checking if you need any extra time or have questions. Thanks for being an early reader!"

Managing Expectations

Be Clear About:

Review timeline
Where you'd like reviews posted
That honest reviews are expected
What happens if they can't finish

Sample Expectation Setting: "I'm looking for honest reviews by [date]. Reviews can be posted on Goodreads, Amazon, or TikTok - wherever you usually share thoughts. If life happens and you can't finish, just let me know!"

Advanced ARC Distribution Strategies

The Tiered Approach

Tier 1 (2-3 readers): Your most engaged followers Tier 2 (5-8 readers): Active reviewers in your genre Tier 3 (10-15 readers): Newer connections who show promise

Send to Tier 1 first, then expand based on initial response.

The Content Creator Strategy

Identify BookTok creators who review books like yours:

Engage with their content for weeks before asking
Offer exclusive content (character playlists, bonus scenes)
Be prepared for professional rates if they're established
Respect "no" and maintain the relationship

The Cross-Platform Method

Use TikTok to identify readers, but also check:

Their Instagram for book content
Goodreads for review history
Amazon for review credibility
Twitter for reading community involvement

What Not to Do

The Spam Approach

Don't DM random people who liked one video. Build genuine connections first.

The Guilt Trip

Never make people feel bad for not finishing or for honest reviews.

The Bribe System

Don't offer incentives beyond the book itself. Reviews should be earned, not bought.

The Desperate Blast

Don't post daily asking for ARC readers. It looks unprofessional and hurts your brand.

My ARC Success Story

For my second book, I spent two months building relationships before asking for ARC readers. I created content specifically for my ideal readers, engaged genuinely with their content, and made authentic connections.

When I finally asked for ARC readers, I got 30 applications for 15 spots. All 15 people finished the book, and 14 posted reviews. The relationships I built continue to support my subsequent releases.

The Legal and Ethical Considerations

Disclosure Requirements

ARC readers should disclose they received a free copy in their reviews.

Review Honesty

Never ask for positive reviews - ask for honest ones.

Platform Rules

Follow Amazon, Goodreads, and social media guidelines about review solicitation.

Building Long-Term ARC Relationships

The Reader Community Approach

Create a small, private group of trusted ARC readers who:

Love your genre specifically
Provide thoughtful feedback
Respect embargo dates
Help spread word-of-mouth

The Mutual Benefit System

Support your ARC readers by:

Promoting their own content
Recommending books they might love
Engaging with their reviews of other books
Including them in author community activities

Measuring ARC Success

Track:

Response rate to your requests
Completion rate (who actually read it)
Review posting rate
Quality of feedback received
Conversion to ongoing readers

Success isn't just about review quantity - it's about building genuine relationships with readers who will support your entire career.

Remember: ARC readers aren't customers, they're partners in your book's journey. Treat them with respect, gratitude, and professionalism, and they'll become invaluable allies in your author career.