ARC FAQs
What is the ARC Program?
The ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) Program allows readers to access early versions of upcoming books in exchange for honest feedback and reviews. It’s a way for you to help shape and support indie publishing.
Our First Readers are the heart of our program and their value to authors cannot be measured.
Do I get paid for participating?
No. ARC members are not paid. The reward is early access to upcoming titles, acknowledgement in the published book (unless you opt out), and a direct role in the publishing journey.
Do I get to choose the books I read?
Yes. Based on your selected genres, we will offer ARC titles that match your interests. You can choose which ones to accept.
What genres are available?
Genres will vary based on our author submissions. Most will fall under fiction, including fantasy, sci-fi, romance, thriller, historical fiction, and young adult. Nonfiction and poetry are occasionally available.
How will I receive books?
ARC books are delivered via secure, watermarked Google Drive files (view-only or protected download).
What is required after I read a book?
You must:
Submit the ARC Feedback Form via the website
Post a public review when the book is released (Amazon, Goodreads, or other listed platforms)
What if I don’t like the book?
We do not require positive reviews. We ask only that you are fair, respectful, and honest in your critique. Constructive criticism is always helpful.
Can I use a pseudonym for my reviews?
Yes. You may use a consistent pen name for all your public reviews. Please inform us on your intake form.
How many books can I read per month?
We recommend 1–3 titles per month, depending on your availability. More are possible once trust is established and target submission dates are consistently met.
Can I be removed from the program?
Yes. If you:
Fail to submit feedback repeatedly
Regularly miss target dates without communication
- Reviews are inconsistent with our Diversity & Inclusion policy, violate Terms & Conditions or our Ethical Publishing Standards. Our first readers are held to the same standards as our authors.
Share, upload, or leak ARC materials You will be removed and may face further consequences depending on the violation.
Will I be acknowledged in the book?
Yes. Unless you choose to opt out, your name (or pseudonym) will be listed in the acknowledgements section of any book you help shape.
Will my Wilder Creek Publishing ARC Member ID appear on the book?
No. Only your name (or chosen pseudonym) will be printed in acknowledgements. Your ARC ID is used internally for watermarking and tracking only.
What happens after the author finalizes their book?
Once the author requests publication, they must submit a locked copy of their manuscript. That version is reviewed and stored by Wilder Creek Publishing. If approved, it becomes the official endorsed version and cannot be edited further without risking their certification and imprint association.
ARC members who provided feedback for the book will be notified at this stage so they can:
Prepare their review for Amazon, Goodreads, or any retail platform
Repost that same review on the Wilder Creek Publishing site (if available)
Share the review on the author’s official website if requested
Authors will be asked to provide Wilder Creek Publishing with their retail URLs so reviews can be matched and tracked.
Can I leave the program later?
Yes. You can request removal at any time by contacting the publisher. We’ll deactivate your ARC Dashboard and remove you from future mailings.
How do I get started?
Visit the ARC Orientation Page and complete the ARC Intake Form and register as a New User to the community. Once accepted, you’ll receive your Member ID and access to the ARC Dashboard.
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