Direct answer: An ARC (advance reader copy, also called a galley) is an early, pre-publication version of a book that publishers send out for reviews and buzz — regular readers can get them through platforms like NetGalley and Edelweiss, or by building a review presence that publishers or authors reach out to directly.
Why ARCs exist
Publishers distribute ARCs months before a book's official release to generate reviews, blurbs, and media coverage ahead of launch day, which meaningfully affects a book's initial sales momentum.
NetGalley and Edelweiss
These are the two major platforms publishers use to distribute digital ARCs to reviewers, librarians, booksellers, and educators. Anyone can create a free reviewer profile; approval for a specific title depends on your stated professional role and review history, so building a track record with smaller requests first helps.
Building direct publisher and author relationships
An active, consistent book review presence (blog, YouTube channel, or social platform) can eventually lead publishers or authors to reach out directly with ARC offers, though this typically takes sustained effort over months or years rather than a single request.
The obligations that come with an ARC
ARCs are provided with an expectation (sometimes explicit, sometimes implied) that the recipient will post an honest review close to the release date — treating them as free books with no review intention tends to get a reviewer's future requests declined.
Do ARCs cost money?
No, legitimate ARCs are provided free in exchange for review consideration, never purchased.
Is an ARC the same text as the final published book?
Usually very close, but ARCs sometimes contain minor errors or last-round edits that are corrected before final publication.
Can anyone sign up for NetGalley?
Yes, anyone can create a profile, though publishers approve individual title requests based on your stated role and reviewing history.