ARC Ethics Starts Before the File

Offer a book, not a verdict

An advance reader copy can help someone decide whether to read and discuss a forthcoming book. It should never buy favourable sentiment. FTC guidance says endorsements must be honest and not misleading, and unexpected material connections should be clearly and conspicuously disclosed. Its examples include free products and reciprocal book-review arrangements.

Send title, date, format, description, content notes, and: “A free advance copy is offered for independent consideration; no review or positive review is required.” Give an easy decline route. Do not require a star rating, wording, or retailer post.

Make disclosure usable

Put the relationship in the email, cover note, and ledger. A published review can say, “I received a free advance copy from the publisher.” If payment, affiliate income, friendship, editorial work, or reciprocity is involved, name it plainly rather than hiding behind gifted.

Keep review independent

Record recipient, file version, date, and embargo; it is not a scorecard. Do not chase praise, demand criticism changes, or reuse private remarks publicly without permission. If the final edition changes substantially, identify which version was reviewed.

Specific production checks

Use a sample ARC footer that states version and embargo without editorial instruction: “Advance copy; text may differ from the published edition; please disclose this copy where relevant.” Do not put “Please post an honest five-star review” into an email, even as a joke.

If a reviewer asks for compensation, decide whether the work is editorial coverage, paid advertising, or a declined request before sending the file. A paid placement must not be presented as independent reader judgment. Keep that classification in the outreach ledger.