Since 2006 when I first began publishing my science fiction stories online, I have used advanced review (reader's) copies of my work to help fine-tune my storytelling and gain reviews before officially releasing my books. Since then, I have written nine books and three ongoing serial stories on Kindle Vella.
In 2016 I started using physical copies of my books as advanced reader copies, which were more expensive than digital, but I have always felt a book in the hand is much greater than a cold piece of plastic with a screen.
It can be pretty pricey between the printing and shipping costs of the 30 or so copies I gave away with each new book. However, I have always felt it was well worth the reviews I would receive.
Here is a little information about how to properly review an ARC book so you and the author can get the most out of the time and energy invested into the story.
Firstly, CONGRATULATIONS on receiving an advance reader's copy of a book! You have the privilege and responsibility of reading a book currently unavailable to the general public. That is exciting! Though, there are a few things to remember when reading an advanced review copy of an author's book.
Remember, you are the "reader." Therefore, you do not have to worry about editing, proofreading, or grammar. Most arc copies are unedited and, in some cases, unfinished stories. Your job as a reader is to tell the author what you like or do not like about the story and characters. Therefore, writing a review about the quality of the storytelling and believability of the characters and the story itself is critical.
If the story is marketed as a science fiction adventure, did it come across as such? Were the characters and their motivations clear? What about the chemistry between the characters? Was it believable?
These "story" elements are essential to both the author and those who will read your review when deciding whether or not to invest in reading the book.
Here are a few things you should consider when reading an advanced review copy of a book.
1) Read a Genre you Like
Do not read a science fiction arc if you are not a science fiction fan. It is a waste of your time and energy reading a genre you do not care for, as well as a waste of time and money the author spent to get a book to you.
2) Read for the Story, not Typos
Kick back in your usual reading spot, and dig into the story. If it is difficult to get past the typos, keep a pen and paper handy, record the error, and move on. If you need to send the corrections to the author, do so. However, remember you are reading an arc, which generally has not been edited yet.
Remember, you were not elected for editing but for your love of reading this genre and your opinion on the story.
3) Here is what You Should be Looking For
As an arc reader, you are not responsible for line-by-line analysis of the story. You are not required to suggest storyline changes, eliminate subplots, or remove characters. That is the job of the editor. But you do want to make a note for the author if there is a story problem. The story is why you are reading! Here are a few things that are important when reading the story.
a) Continuity Problems
In one of my novels, I once caught a problem where a character spoke about another character they had not yet met. Of course, that is a big problem but easy to make when you have many notecards and storylines. It is also an easy fix and something that most definitely needs addressing.
Once an arc reader discovered one of the main character's name was spelled differently later in the story than when he was introduced. Another easy fix and I was happy they found it. These continuity issues are easy to overlook when you are the author because we know the story and can sometimes get lost in writing. The reader has the advantage here!
b) Repetition
Sometimes a word or phrase is overused. This repetitiveness can be annoying to a reader. Continuously referring to a subject throughout the chapter is a problem. If the reader is told again and again that it was a cold night, that needs fixing.
c) Poor Dialog
The dialog can be tricky to write sometimes. An author is trying to carry on a conversation with himself as both characters, which can be dull or unbelievable. If the dialogue between characters is less than believable, the reader must note this.
d) Pacing of the Story
How does the story advance for the reader? Is it the right pace in the right places? Was it too much too soon, or no breaks between the action? Good story pacing keeps the reader interested and allows room to breathe and take a break to absorb the story.
e) Description
I once read a novel I enjoyed by a famous author we all know and love. In this particular novel, great detail was given to describing a specific situation. When I read it, I felt it was too much description and added nothing to the story. I could not figure out why it had been included for the life of me. Years later, this book was turned into a movie. I watched with anticipation to see how they dealt with this very long descriptive part of the book. I was not surprised when I found they skipped it altogether. The entire pointless scene had been eliminated from the movie. There is such a thing as too much.
f) Description, part 2
There is also such a thing as not enough description. If you are reading the story and cannot understand who the character is, where they are at, or what they are doing from the text, then more description is needed.
4) Read at a Normal Pace
Don't read slower, looking for things to critique. Read like a reader. If there is an issue with the previously mentioned items, it will be evident, and you can make a note.
5) Get Back to the Author within Two Weeks
The author trusted you with his work so that he could make necessary adjustments based on your review. If you take too long or never return to him, you have cost him time, effort, and money. Your receiving an arc copy of his work has hurt rather than helped. If you do not have the time to read the book, then do not accept the arc.
6) Leave a Review of what You Did Like
Please leave a review for the author of what you did like about the story and why others should read it. If you did not care for the arc, let the author know why. That is why you are reading an arc. It is so frustrating when a reader gets an arc simply because they want a "free" book, then either do not give feedback or leave a bad review simply because "they don't like this genre." If it is not your type of book, then decline it. Don't get something you usually don't read, then post a bad review simply because you don't like the genre.
Final Thoughts
I love getting feedback from readers. I love hearing that readers love my stories or which characters are their favorites. I especially love it when I receive requests for more books in a series. I write fiction to entertain, and it brings me joy when this happens.
If you are interested in science fiction, post-apocalyptic fantasy, wholesome romance, or even books about faith, follow my Facebook page, sign up for my newsletters, and keep an eye out, because I am always looking for readers!
If you have never read my works, they are all available in paperback and on Kindle Unlimited. Visit my website for links!