An advance copy—also known as an ARC (advance reading copy or advance review copy), ARE (advance reader's edition), reader's edition, or galley—is a free copy of a new book given out by a publisher before the book is widely available. ARCs are intended to generate reviews and publicity for the book in advance of its official publication date.
Overview
Historically, publishers relied on traveling sales representatives to promote books by providing them with copies to showcase to potential buyers. By the 20th century, the practice evolved, and publishers began sending ARCs directly to reviewers and booksellers.
ARCs are distinct from proof copies, which are intended for authors, editors, and proofreaders. They may lack binding and cover art, and may be in a different format from the book's final version. The content of an ARC can also differ from the book's final content: it may have typos and other mistakes, and the manuscript may change in response to reader feedback.
An ARC can also be distributed in electronic format, in which case it is called an eARC (electronic ARC), e-galley, or DRC (digital review copy). Websites such as NetGalley and Edelweiss provide eARCs that can be downloaded to mobile devices and e-readers such as the Kindle and Nook. These websites prompt users to leave a review on Amazon and Goodreads after they finish reading.
According to Federal Trade Commission guidelines, book reviewers in the United States generally do not have to disclose that they received an ARC when writing a review, since these copies are given out for free. However, some online reviewers on platforms like Goodreads choose to disclose this information, mainly for reasons of transparency. These publications produce reviews of upcoming books several months before their release date, helping libraries and bookstores make their purchases. They may also include a review slip with the author's or publisher's contact information. Sarah Jessica Parker was photographed with an ARC of Intermezzo by Sally Rooney in summer 2024, ahead of the book's release date in September. The term "galley brag" has been coined to describe readers showing off their ARCs as a status symbol on social media. The publisher may label popular ARCs with a unique name and number for each recipient, creating a sense of exclusivity.
Collecting and sale
ARCs are often of interest to book collectors, who consider them to be distinct from a book's first edition. According to The Wall Street Journal, collecting ARCs is especially popular among "niche but passionate fan bases", such as readers of the fantasy, science fiction, and young adult literature genres.
Early 20th-century ARCs were rare, and were typically made from higher-quality materials. These older ARCs may include handwritten corrections and can provide insight into the author's writing and revision process. ARCs of classic works such as Cannery Row and The Old Man and the Sea have been listed for tens of thousands of dollars. According to Katie Moench of Book Riot, ethical questions around selling ARCs include whether the sale is before or after publication, as well as the amount of profit made by the seller.