ARC Campaign Manager
Build and manage review teams that deliver 25+ Day 1 reviews.
ARC Campaign Timeline
| Phase | Timing | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Recruitment | T-90 to T-60 | 50-100 signups |
| Distribution | T-60 to T-45 | ARCs delivered |
| Nurturing | T-45 to T-7 | Readers engaged |
| Activation | T-7 to T-0 | Reviews prepped |
| Launch | T-0 | Reviews posted |
Target Metrics
ARC Signups: 100
ARC Downloads: 75 (75% conversion)
Readers Who Finish: 50 (67% of downloads)
Reviews Posted: 25-30 (50-60% of finishers)
Day 1 Reviews: 10-15
Week 1 Reviews: 20-25
Recruitment Channels
Tier 1: High Conversion (30-60%)
| Source | Conversion | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Email list | 40-60% | Warm audience, best quality |
| Past ARC readers | 50-70% | Proven reviewers |
| Social media followers | 20-40% | Engaged audience |
Tier 2: Medium Conversion (10-30%)
| Source | Conversion | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BookFunnel groups | 15-25% | Genre-specific |
| StoryOrigin promos | 10-20% | Cross-promotion |
| Facebook reader groups | 10-25% | Active communities |
Tier 3: Low Conversion (5-15%)
| Source | Conversion | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Goodreads giveaways | 5-10% | High volume, low quality |
| Twitter/X | 5-15% | Depends on following |
| Reddit communities | 5-10% | Must add value first |
Paid Services
| Service | Cost | Expected Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| NetGalley | $450/listing | 20-50 |
| BookSirens | $99-299/mo | 15-40 |
| Pubby | $100-500 | 10-30 |
| Hidden Gems | Free-$299 | 10-25 |
ARC Distribution Platforms
BookFunnel (Recommended)
Cost: $20-150/year
Features:
- Multiple format delivery (EPUB, MOBI, PDF)
- Reader email capture
- Download tracking
- Automated delivery
Setup Steps:
- Create account at bookfunnel.com
- Upload manuscript files (EPUB required)
- Set up landing page
- Enable reader signup
- Generate unique download link
StoryOrigin
Cost: $70/year
Features:
- ARC management dashboard
- Reader tracking
- Review reminders
- Cross-promotion tools
Direct Distribution
For small teams (<20 people):
- Email attachments (PDF/EPUB)
- Google Drive links
- Dropbox shared folders
ARC Agreement Template
Include in signup confirmation:
ARC READER AGREEMENT
By requesting an advance copy of [BOOK TITLE], you agree to:
1. Read the book (or as much as possible) before [LAUNCH DATE]
2. Post an honest review on Amazon within 48 hours of launch
3. Not share or distribute the ARC file
4. Disclose in your review if required by FTC guidelines*
In exchange, you receive:
- A free advance copy of the book
- [BONUS: exclusive content, etc.]
- Credit in the acknowledgments (optional)
*Note: Amazon's terms prohibit mentioning you received a free
copy in exchange for a review. Simply post your honest opinion.
Review Guidelines for ARC Readers
Send this with the ARC:
HOW TO WRITE A GREAT AMAZON REVIEW
Your review helps readers decide if this book is right for them.
Here's what makes a review helpful:
STRUCTURE (2-5 sentences is fine):
1. Your overall impression
2. What you liked most
3. Who would enjoy this book
EXAMPLE:
"I found [BOOK] to be an insightful guide to [TOPIC].
The [specific element] was particularly helpful.
If you're looking to [outcome], this book delivers."
TIPS:
✅ Be specific (mention chapters, examples, concepts)
✅ Be honest (critical reviews are okay!)
✅ Focus on the content, not delivery method
❌ Don't mention receiving a free copy
❌ Don't copy from other reviews
❌ Don't use phrases like "in exchange for"
POSTING YOUR REVIEW:
1. Go to the book's Amazon page
2. Scroll to "Customer Reviews"
3. Click "Write a customer review"
4. Select star rating
5. Write your review
6. Click Submit
Thank you for supporting this book launch!
Email Sequence Framework
Email 1: Recruitment (T-60)
Subject lines that work:
- "Be the first to read [BOOK]"
- "[NAME], I need your help with something"
- "Free book + your honest opinion?"
Structure:
- Personal greeting
- What the book is about (2-3 sentences)
- What you're asking (clear expectations)
- What they get (ARC + bonus)
- Simple CTA (reply or link)
Email 2: Delivery (T-45)
Subject: "Your copy of [BOOK] is ready!"
Include:
- Download link (prominent)
- File format options
- Deadline reminder
- Quick reading tips
Email 3: Check-in (T-30)
Subject: "How's the reading going?"
Include:
- Friendly check-in
- Answer any questions
- Request for typo reports
- Reminder of timeline
Email 4: Pre-launch (T-7)
Subject: "One week to launch!"
Include:
- Countdown excitement
- Review writing tips
- What to expect on launch day
- Thank them for support
Email 5: Launch day (T-0)
Subject: "It's live! Please post your review now"
Include:
- Direct Amazon review link
- Step-by-step instructions
- Urgency (first 24 hours matter)
- Gratitude
Tracking Spreadsheet Template
Track each ARC reader:
| Name | Signed Up | Downloaded | Read | Review Posted | Rating | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Name] | [email] | [date] | ✅/❌ | ✅/❌ | ✅/❌ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | [notes] |
Troubleshooting Low Conversions
Problem: Low signup rate (<20%)
Solutions:
- Improve offer (add bonuses)
- Better targeting (right audience?)
- Stronger copy (clear benefits)
- Reduce friction (simpler signup)
Problem: Low download rate (<60%)
Solutions:
- Send reminder emails
- Simplify download process
- Offer multiple formats
- Check for technical issues
Problem: Low review rate (<40%)
Solutions:
- More follow-up emails
- Clearer instructions
- Earlier deadline
- Personal outreach
- Review writing tips
Scripts
- ARC tracker: See
scripts/arc_tracker.py - Email scheduler: See
scripts/email_scheduler.py