A free book sounds like it must come with a catch. If you have been wondering whether ARC books are free, and what the fine print is, the short answer is yes, they are genuinely free, and there is less fine print than you would expect.
Are ARC books really free?
Yes. An ARC, or advance reader copy, is a free early copy of a book sent to readers before it goes on sale. You never pay for it. At The Reading Room you join an author’s ARC team, we send the book through BookFunnel a few weeks ahead of release, and it costs you nothing but the hours you spend reading.
So what is the catch?
There is no payment and no trick. What an author hopes for is an honest review around release day, because that is what helps a new book find readers when it matters most. Reviews are encouraged, never required, and never bought. If a book was not for you, an honest lower rating is still welcome here.
Do ARC readers get paid?
No. Payment is the thing that would ruin it. A paid review is not an honest one, retailers ban them, and readers can smell them a mile off. You read free, you review honestly, and nobody is buying your opinion.
Can you keep ARC books?
Usually, yes. Your copy is a watermarked BookFunnel file tied to your account, so it is not for resale or sharing. Some authors leave it available and others set a download window, so it is best to grab it and read it rather than save it for later.
Is it legal to get free ARC books?
Completely. Authors and publishers hand out ARCs on purpose; it is how a book builds early word of mouth. The one rule that matters is disclosure. When you review, add a line saying you received a free advance copy. How ARC disclosure works shows you exactly what to write, and it takes about five seconds.
How to get free ARC books
If free early reads sound like your kind of thing, come see which teams are open and join an ARC team. Newer to all this? How to become an ARC reader walks you through it.
Frequently asked questions
Are ARC books free?
Yes. An advance reader copy is always free. You never pay for an ARC, and no honest ARC program will ask you to.
Can I keep an ARC after I review it?
Usually. The file is watermarked to you and not for sharing or resale. Some authors set a download window on BookFunnel, so download it and read it rather than leaving it for later.
Do ARC readers get paid to review?
No. Paid reviews break retailer rules and are not honest reviews. ARC readers read free and review honestly.
Do I have to leave a positive review?
No. Honest is the only requirement. A fair lower rating helps other readers just as much as a glowing one.
Is it legal to get free ARCs?
Yes. ARCs are given out on purpose. Just disclose that you received a free advance copy when you post your review.