Which ARC Platform Is Right for You?

“The right tools are the ones that fit your current goals—not the ones that impress other writers.” – Joanna Penn, The Creative Penn Podcast

One of the most common questions new indie authors ask after learning what ARC reader sites are is this:

“Okay. But which one should I use?”

Unfortunately, most comparisons make this decision more complicated than it needs to be. Feature charts, pricing tiers, and marketing buzzwords can make an ARC platform feel like a technical commitment instead of what they really are. That is, temporary tools for a single stage of your book launch.

At Kickass Writers Guide, we focus on clarity over complexity. So instead of comparing every feature, this writer’s guide helps you choose an ARC platform based on how you’re actually publishing right now, not how some expert says you should be.

The Most Important ARC Question (Don’t Skip This)

Before looking at an ARC platform, answer this honestly: Where are my ARC readers coming from? That single question determines almost everything.

Put another way, who am I giving Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) to and how will they get them?

Some authors already have beta readers or personal contacts who are willing to read early drafts. Others don’t have a list at all and hope ARC platforms will help them find readers. Neither approach is better, but they do point to different tools.

Once you know your answer, choosing an ARC platform becomes much simpler.

ARC Platforms Fall Into Two Categories

All ARC tools do file delivery. Where they differ is reader discovery. Some platforms assume you bring the readers. Others help you find them. Understanding this distinction prevents frustration later.

If You Already Have Readers or a Few Willing Volunteers

If you already know people willing to read your book (even five or six), you don’t need discovery. You need smooth delivery and reader support.

BookFunnel

BookFunnel is the cleanest choice for authors who already have readers lined up.

It allows you to upload your EPUB or PDF, generate a download link, and share it directly. Where BookFunnel truly shines is behind the scenes. For example, if a reader struggles to load your book onto their device, BookFunnel handles the tech support, not you.

This makes BookFunnel ideal for:

• Beta readers
• Friends, colleagues, or librarians
• Middle-grade and older readers who may not be tech-savvy

If your goal is “get this book to these people with zero friction,” BookFunnel is often the least stressful option.

If You Don’t Have an Email List

Many new indie authors don’t have an email list yet. If that’s you, reader discovery becomes more important than delivery polish. This is where platforms with internal audiences help.

StoryOrigin

StoryOrigin sits between delivery and discovery. It allows authors to list ARCs that readers already on the platform can browse and request. While StoryOrigin also supports newsletter swaps and cross-promotion, those features are optional, not required.

This makes StoryOrigin a good fit if:

• You don’t have a list yet
• You want optional discovery without pressure
• You’re willing to ignore advanced features

Many StoryOrigin readers are authors themselves. That’s not inherently negative, but it’s worth knowing if your book targets a particular audience, such as younger middle-grade readers.

BookSprout

BookSprout is the most review-centric ARC platform. Readers join BookSprout specifically to receive ARCs and leave reviews. As an author, you upload your book, set basic expectations, and readers request access. The platform then helps you track downloads and send reminders.

BookSprout can work well if:

• You want built-in review reminders
• You prefer structure over flexibility
• You’re comfortable with a smaller reader pool

It’s often chosen by authors who want a more guided ARC process without having to manage follow-ups manually.

Choosing an ARC Platform Is Not a Long-Term Commitment

One misconception worth clearing up: you are not choosing a permanent system.

ARC platforms are:

• Temporary
• Project-specific
• Easy to change between books

Many authors use one platform for Book 1 and a different one later as their audience grows. There’s no penalty for starting simple.

Choose the Right ARC Platform for Your Publishing Stage

If you’re still unsure, use this framework:

• Choose BookFunnel if you already have readers and want friction-free delivery.
• Choose StoryOrigin if you want optional discovery without heavy commitments.
• Choose BookSprout if you want built-in ARC reviewers and review tracking.

If none feels perfect, pick the one that feels least overwhelming. ARC success comes from follow-through, not optimization.

ARC Platform Selection Checklist

Before signing up, confirm the following. If you can check most of these, you’re ready.

• I know whether I’m bringing readers or relying on discovery
• I only need ARC support for this book (not forever)
• I’m comfortable ignoring advanced features
• I understand readers are never guaranteed to review
• I’ve chosen simplicity over “doing everything”

FAQs: Choosing the Right ARC Platform

Is one ARC platform objectively better than the others?

No. The best ARC platform depends on where your readers come from and how much structure you want.

Can I switch platforms later?

Yes. Many authors do. ARC tools are not permanent commitments.

Do ARC platforms guarantee reviews?

No. ARC readers agree to consider leaving an honest review, not to guarantee one.

Should I use more than one ARC platform at once?

Not for your first ARC campaign. One platform keeps the process manageable.

What if I only get a few ARC readers?

Five thoughtful readers are more valuable than fifty disengaged ones.

A Note for Kickass Writers Guide Readers

At Kickass Writers Guide, we believe tools should support your writing life. ARC platforms are optional helpers. You don’t need to master, scale, or optimize them to use them successfully.

Choose the platform that fits where you are now, run a simple ARC campaign, and move forward with confidence. You can always refine later.

Your job is to write good books. ARC platforms are just one way to help those books find their first readers.

We trust you’ve found this writer’s guide both enlightening and inspirational. It’s designed to equip you with the tools and insights to bolster your success as a burgeoning author.

The path of writing is one filled with ceaseless learning and enhancement. You are not expected to tread this path solo. We’re thrilled to accompany you on this journey, offering support and motivation at every turn. Our objective is to deliver foundational knowledge and pragmatic guidance, enabling you to traverse the literary landscape with amplified confidence.

For more guidance, see other writer’s guides in this series. We suggest you start with: ARC Sites Explained: A Guide for New Indie Authors.

If you have a draft you want to publish with the help of AI, read, Is Your Book Ready to Self-Publish? Lastly, for help writing a non-fiction book, read Write Your First Non-Fiction eBook: a 30-Day Workbook for Getting It Done.

How can we help? To let us know, please fill out our Contact form.

Happy writing!