ARC Reading with Peter Monkey
Recently, I joined my good friend Peter Monkey and his human, Stacy Shreves for coffee to learn more about their experiences with ARC reading. Peter is an engaging little fellow with a very expressive face. He’s a big fan of books in general, although I have occasionally suspected that he enjoys looking at the pictures more than reading the words. Stacy, on the other hand, is a dedicated bookworm; she spends most of her time with a book in her hand, whether she’s reading Advanced Reader Copies (ARC) books or working at her local library. As it turns out, her job at the library was key to becoming an ARC reader. “Library staff get approved to become ARC readers,” she assured me. Not only do library staff have the necessary experience needed to write knowledgeable reviews, but they are also uniquely placed to recommend your next great read, making them ideal ARC readers.
While Peter Monkey frequently visits the library, he’s not an employee. In fact, he’s quite a mischief maker, climbing the shelves and stealing from the candy dish. He was approved as an ARC reader, not for his wisdom and experience, but because he’s a famous celebrity. His exploits on Instagram have caused this little monkey to be well-known on social media. Stacy has encouraged Peter to use his notoriety to spread the love of books and reading. His effervescent personality (and thousands of devoted followers) made him a favorite choice of publishers who are looking for a reviewer with a wide reach of influence.
Although many people assume ARC reading and beta reading are the same, there are several key differences.
The Audience – Writer Island Beta Readers give feedback to the author. ARC readers give a review for the public to read.
The Timeline – Writer Island reads your book when you get stuck or when you “think” you are finished writing. ARC readers read your book when it is only a few months away from being published.
The Initiator – Writer Island is contacted by working authors. ARC readers receive their copies from ARC distributors or publishers.
The Purpose – Writer Island gives detailed notes to the author about the impression every part of their work makes upon a reader. ARC readers write reviews on upcoming books to create marketing buzz for coming-soon titles.
Stacy admits that she writes mainly positive reviews. “I choose books that I have been looking forward to, often works by authors who’ve already written books I love.” She and Peter are encouraged to write honest reviews though, so occasionally, a negative review does have to happen. Honest reviews, such as these, can help publishers spot potential issues before the book hits the shelves, while there is still time to make changes. Stacy explained that she doesn’t post her negative reviews in such public venues as Barnes & Noble or Amazon. “That would just be rude,” said the author-appreciating reader. Her reviews can also be found on Instagram and Fable.
I wondered how Stacy and Peter got into ARC reading in the first place. “I noticed book reviews on Instagram that said, ‘thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book,’ and I got curious and got into ARC reading myself. Then Peter wanted to join in, too.” NetGalley, a large distributor of ARC books, is the gateway to ARC for many readers. But after getting some experience and success in the field, publishers such as WW Norton contact Stacy and Peter directly, asking for their help on special projects. Peter receives books from Zeitgeist.
She says the opportunity to read books months before they are released is her favorite thing about ARC reading. “It’s the ultimate sneak peek!” she said with glee. She also treasures her favorites among the advance copies, especially the author-signed books.
You, dear writer, will be nearly to the finish line of your long race to publication when your book lands in Stacy’s hand or Peter’s paws, one of the last stages of pre-publication reading. Until that glorious day, keep on sending your work to Writer Island for detailed beta reading feedback!
Interested in following Peter Monkey? Check out his Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/peter_monkey_
