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An "Advance Reading Copy" or ARC is a free copy of a new book that publishers provide to booksellers, journalists, librarians, and educators. It's a marketing tool to generate buzz and (hopefully) positive reviews of a book before it is published. An ARC may also be called an Advance Reader's Edition or Uncorrected Advance Proof.
ARCs are usually distributed three to six months before the book is officially released to the buying or borrowing public. The upcoming publication date usually appears on the cover. These paperbacks may also say "Uncorrected Proof" and/or "Cover Not Final" because the book hasn't gone through the final proofreading / publication process yet. Almost every ARC will also say "NOT FOR SALE" because publishers understandably hope to sell the finished edition of the book.
To reduce printing and shipping costs, publishers now offer digital ARCs via NetGalley or Edelweiss. These "e-Galleys" are available in the Adobe Digital Edition PDF format, which is compatible with most e-readers. Registered users of these sites create a profile and request access to specific titles. Digital ARCs are free to approved readers, but title access expires after a set period of time (e.g., 60 days).
ARCs are a great tool to discover new authors and books to recommend to your students!
Let's also take a look at a Booklist Webinar: "YA Announcements: Need-to-Know Titles for Teens."
"Dear Reader" Activity
Sometimes ARCs include a letter form the author or publisher addressed to "Dear Reader." Read the letters assigned to your group and discuss these questions:
- In each letter, which paragraph or description really catches your attention?
- After reading the letters, which book are you most interested in reading?
- Now look at the actual book and read the description. Does this change your opinion?
- Share your reactions and responses with the class.
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