Welcome to the Wilder Creek Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) Program.

As one of our First Readers, you are now part of a close, trusted community that helps shape and elevate the books we publish. Your thoughtful feedback and early reviews are essential to delivering powerful stories to the world.

How the ARC Program Works

You now have access to your private ARC Dashboard, which includes all the tools you need to participate:

• ARC Program Guidelines & FAQs
• NDA Download (required before claiming the first novel)
• Available Novels to Peruse
• Submission Tracker & List of Book’s You Claimed
• Feedback Forms
• Internal Messages from WCP
• Genre Preferences (so we offer the right books)
• Certificates of Participation
• One-click button to leave the program, anytime

To begin, simply visit the “Available ARC Books” page from your dashboard. You may claim any manuscript currently accepting feedback. The link will direct you to a Google Drive download — each file is watermarked with your ARC Reader ID for security purposes.

Reading Timeline

We ask that you aim to complete each manuscript within one week per 100,000 words, plus a one-week grace period at the start. If you need additional time, just let us know. We are very understanding. Communication is always appreciated.

Submitting Feedback and Reviews

Once you finish reading, complete the ARC Novel Feedback Form. This sends your review privately to the publisher first, allowing us to screen for clarity, spoilers, and appropriateness before passing it to the author. We appreciate honesty over a review building false hopes.

After the final edits are locked in and the book is officially published, you will receive the sales links. At that point, you may post your review publicly on Amazon, Goodreads, or other sites using the same feedback you submitted earlier.

Review Standards

Your reviews should reflect the heart of the story and your honest impression; not formatting – though that feedback in the “Additional Comments” section of the review form are extremely helpful as swell as extremely important.. Reviews that simply say “Good book” do not help readers or authors. Be specific and constructive, even when offering criticism. Avoid spoilers in all public reviews.

Conduct & Security

• ARC files are for your use only. Do not share, upload, or forward them under any circumstances.
• Each manuscript is traceable by your ARC ID.
• Leaking or distributing manuscripts may result in permanent removal and legal action.
• You are free to leave the program at any time via your dashboard.
• Repeat no-shows or poor conduct may result in removal at the publisher’s discretion.

Recognition

Your name will live inside the book forever — listed as one of the “First Readers who helped shape its journey to the world.” — unless you opt-out on the review form. You are part of the creative journey, and your contributions will be remembered in print.

Need Help?

Questions or issues can be directed to the publisher at mark@wildercreekpublishing.com.

Thank you for being part of the Wilder Creek family. Together, we bring these stories to life. Remember, a novel cannot be born without the author, but it only gains purpose with readers. You give each novel its first purpose to exist. You are equally important, and highly revered.