# ARC (advance reader copy)

> Source: https://www.infinitelibrary.ai/glossary/arc

Last updated: 2026-09-06
Category: Manuscript & structure
Also called: Advance review copy · Galley · Uncorrected proof

An ARC (advance reader copy) is a pre-publication copy sent to reviewers, booksellers and bloggers, marked “uncorrected proof” and not for sale.

## Definition

An **ARC** — advance reader copy, also called an advance review copy, a *galley* or an *uncorrected proof* — is a version of the book produced before publication so that people who influence sales can read it early. Traditional publishers send ARCs three to six months ahead of the release date to trade reviewers, bookshop buyers, librarians, journalists and authors who might supply a **blurb**.

An ARC is typically printed from the near-final typeset pages before the last proofreading pass, with a plain or draft cover and a notice — "uncorrected proof, not for sale" — on the front. Because it may still contain errors, reviewers are asked to check quotations against the finished book.

Digital ARCs have largely replaced print for wide distribution: services such as NetGalley and Edelweiss deliver them as time-limited ebooks, and self-published authors run "ARC teams" of readers who agree to review on launch day.

## Related

- [Blurb](https://www.infinitelibrary.ai/glossary/blurb)
- [Proof copy](https://www.infinitelibrary.ai/glossary/proof-copy)
- [Watermarked proof](https://www.infinitelibrary.ai/glossary/watermarked-proof)
- [Print on demand](https://www.infinitelibrary.ai/glossary/print-on-demand)
- [How to Write Your First Book](https://www.infinitelibrary.ai/guides/how-to-write-your-first-book)
- [Book Publishing Glossary — 59 Terms Defined](https://www.infinitelibrary.ai/glossary)
- [Bindery — the Claude-powered book studio](https://www.infinitelibrary.ai/bindery)

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