Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs)

Hello.

I woke up this morning and got on my Facebook to check out what was going on in my groups. I was surprised to find a post about a woman that was telling people in the group that she was in charge of that it was alright to sell Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs). I was floored. Over 1400+ members and this woman is allowing the selling of ARCs in her group. I could not believe what I was seeing.

ARCs are a wonderful thing. They allow authors to get reviews for their work prior to it being published. With honest reviews, it allows them to hear feedback on their work. They can use this feedback to correct issues. They can also use it to get an idea as to how people are going to respond to their books.

ARCs belong to the authors. They are their intellectual property. They worked hard on the book and put pieces of themselves into it. It should be viewed as a privilege to get to read their words before the rest of the world. To be chosen to read an ARC is an honor. It should never be viewed as a way to make a quick buck. Selling ARCs or downloading ARCs into public domain is a repulsive act. It is theft. Those that engage in it should be held responsible for what they are doing.

I apologize if this post seems like I am rambling. That is not my intentions at all. I am just very passionate about this matter. Authors give and give. It is heartbreaking to see other people profit off their hard work. This issue is very important to me.

Thank you for reading. If you get an ARC, enjoy it. Read it and review it. People worked really hard on the book in your hands or the words on your screen. Don't ever forget that.


InkedBookDragon