---
title: "What Is an ARC? Advance Reader Copies"
description: "What an advance reader copy is, how authors use ARCs before launch, Amazon's rule on free copies and reviews, and the disclosure US law expects."
url: "https://www.superebook.ai/glossary/advance-reader-copy"
updated: "2026-10-20"
---

# ARC (advance reader copy)

**Definition.** An ARC (advance reader copy) is a free copy of a book given to reviewers, bloggers and early readers before it is published, so reviews and word of mouth are ready at launch. It is usually close to final but may still change. Amazon allows free copies to readers as long as no review is required in return.

Sources checked October 20, 2026.

## How it works

Authors send ARCs as ebook files or printed proofs a few weeks before publication and ask readers to post an honest review once the book is live. KDP's reviews page sets the limits: free or discounted copies are fine if you don't require a review or try to influence it, while offering anything more, such as a gift card, invalidates the review and Amazon removes it. US law adds a duty to disclose: the FTC's Endorsement Guides count a free product as a material connection, whether or not a review was required.

## An example

Three weeks before launch, an author emails twenty readers an EPUB of the near-final book. The note asks for an honest review after publication day, says plainly that a positive one isn't expected, and asks reviewers to mention that they received a free copy. Nobody is offered anything else, so every review stays within Amazon's rules.

## Common mistakes

Requiring a review, or a good one, in exchange for the copy. Adding a thank-you gift card or entering reviewers in a prize draw, which Amazon treats as compensation. And not asking reviewers to disclose the free copy, which the FTC's guides expect when a connection might affect how readers weigh the review.

## Questions

**Is it allowed to give free books for Amazon reviews?** Amazon allows free or discounted copies to readers as long as you don't require a review or try to influence it. Offering anything beyond the book, including gift cards, gets the review removed.

**Do ARC reviewers need to say they got a free copy?** The FTC's Endorsement Guides treat a free product as a material connection that should be disclosed clearly, so ask reviewers to mention it.

## Sources

- [KDP: Customer Reviews](https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G202101910): Free or discounted copies allowed without requiring or influencing a review; anything more, including gift cards, invalidates the review.
- [eCFR: 16 CFR Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-255): Section 255.5: free or discounted products as a material connection that must be disclosed, whether or not an endorsement is required.

## Related terms

- [Front matter](https://www.superebook.ai/glossary/front-matter.md)
- [EPUB](https://www.superebook.ai/glossary/epub.md)
- [KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing)](https://www.superebook.ai/glossary/kdp.md)

## Read next

- [A 30-day ebook launch checklist](https://www.superebook.ai/blog/ebook-launch-checklist.md)
- [How to write a KDP book description](https://www.superebook.ai/guides/how-to-write-a-kdp-book-description.md)
- [All glossary terms](https://www.superebook.ai/glossary.md)