ARC Reading Process

Hello everyone!

Recently I’ve been receiving a lot of print ARCs from publishers – and I am so very grateful for that opportunity.

Due to me receiving a lot of ARCs, I’ve had to figure out a system to reading them so I can provide you all with the best review that I possibly can.

I’m going to quickly go through my process below!

Enjoy!

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Step 1: Supplies

This step is mostly something that I do prior to reading a new ARC. This step basically details me grabbing everything I would need to properly read and annotate my ARCs.

I know the word annotate freaks a bunch of people out, but don’t worry, I don’t write in my books (not that there’s anything wrong with that). I just use a lot of post it’s and page flags to ensure that I am paying attention to important plot points that I think I should remember so I can mention them.

Things I Use:

• Large Post-Its
• Page Flags
• Pen – mainly black

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Step 2: Active Reading

Active reading to me means that I don’t read a page without understanding everything that is going on.

Being a fast reader, there are times in which I unconsciously read a couple lines without putting them into my head – either because I think they’re unimportant, I’m preoccupied, or I just don’t realize.

Active reading is exceedingly important when I’m reading and reviewing an ARC because it is for a publishing company and I want to provide my readers with an accurate account of how I felt about the novel and why I liked/disliked the novel.

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Step 3: Avoid Bias

This step is super important to me. When receiving an ARC from a publisher you always feel guilty for not liking the novel. They sent you this book for free and you repay them by telling everyone it’s not a good book.

It makes you feel guilty.

I avoid bias by being sure to provide reasons for anything I didn’t like in the novel. It’s very hard to avoid bias at times, especially when other’s like the novel so much, but it’s important to be honest and review a novel to the best of your ability.

That’s why they send you books.

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Step 4: Have Fun

It’s very easy to look at your ARC pile and immediately regret requesting half of the books you requested. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, but the main thing to remember is that you requested these books for a reason.

You asked for those books because you were honestly excited to read them, and it’s important to remind yourself of this, especially when you’re running behind on your reading.

Just have fun!

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That concludes my post regarding my ARC reading process. I hope you all enjoyed!

Thank you so much for reading, be sure to follow my blog as well as my other social media sites!

Until next time,

Rimpy Toor