How to Run Your First ARC Campaign—7 Best Steps

“Consistency beats intensity. Small, repeatable actions taken calmly outperform complex systems built in a rush.” – James Clear, Atomic Habits

Once you understand what ARC platforms do, and you’ve chosen the one that fits your situation, the next question is inevitable: “Okay… now how do I actually run an ARC campaign?”

This is where many new indie authors stall. Not because ARC campaigns are difficult, but because they’re often explained as if you need a marketing background, a launch team, and a complex system.

You don’t need all of those.

A first ARC campaign is not about scale, optimization, or perfection. It’s about clear communication, realistic expectations, and simple follow-through. And the latter is often the key to success.

This writer’s guide walks you through the process step by step without turning it into a project that drains your energy even before your book launch. It’s a practical, no-stress guide for new indie authors.

What an ARC Campaign Really Is

At its most basic, an ARC campaign is a short, temporary process with one goal: Give early readers access to your book beffore it’s published, so they can leave honest reviews around launch, if they choose to.

That’s it.

An ARC campaign is not:

• A guarantee of reviews
• A popularity contest
• A long-term commitment
• A marketing funnel

It’s a courtesy-based exchange built on transparency and respect. Keeping that mental model front and center makes everything easier.

Step 1: Decide How Small You’re Willing to Start

Before uploading anything, decide this one thing: What is the minimum number of ARC readers that would still feel helpful to me?

For most new indie authors, the answer is five to fifteen readers. That number is:

• Manageable
• Realistic
• Enough to support an early launch

Starting small reduces pressure (for you and your readers) and increases the likelihood that you’ll actually follow through.

Step 2: Prepare the Right Files

You don’t need a perfectly formatted, print-ready masterpiece to run an ARC campaign. You do need:

• A clean EPUB and/or PDF
• Consistent chapter order
• Obvious typos removed (but not perfection)

If your book is readable and complete, it’s ready for ARC.

Name your files clearly (for example: BookTitle_ARC_EPUB). This small detail helps readers feel confident they have the correct version.

Step 3: Write a Clear, Polite ARC Invitation

Your ARC invitation doesn’t need persuasion or hype. It needs clarity. A strong ARC invitation includes:

• What the book is
• Why you’re offering an ARC
• What readers can expect
• What is not required

Tone matters more than length.

Make it clear that:

• Reviews are optional
• Honesty is encouraged
• Gratitude is guaranteed either way

This sets ethical expectations and builds trust.

Step 4: Upload the Book and Create One Simple Link

Once your file is ready:

• Upload it to your chosen ARC platform
• Generate a single download link or ARC page
• Test the link yourself

Ignore advanced features. You don’t need:

• Automations
• Integrations
• Tracking dashboards
• Complex reader segmentation

For your first campaign, a single working link counts as a success.

Step 5: Share the ARC—Then Let Go

How you share your ARC depends on your situation:

• If you already have readers, send the link directly
• If your platform offers discovery, enable it and wait
• If you’re inviting individuals, keep communication personal

Once readers have access, step back. ARC readers need time. Hovering, reminding too early, or checking constantly adds stress without improving outcomes.

Step 6: Send One Polite Reminder (Optional)

Around launch day or shortly after, you may send one gentle reminder. Not a sales pitch and not a guilt message. Just a short note thanking them for reading and letting them know the book is now live, in case they’d like to leave a review. One reminder is respectful. More than that often isn’t.

Step 7: Close the Loop with Gratitude

When the ARC period ends:

• Thank readers sincerely
• Thank them whether they reviewed or not
• Move forward

This step matters more than it seems. Readers remember professionalism and kindness. That goodwill carries into future books far more than pressure ever could.

What Success Looks Like (And What It Doesn’t)

A successful first ARC campaign:

• Feels manageable
• Ends cleanly
• Doesn’t exhaust you
• Helps your book meet its first readers

It does not require:

• A large number of reviews
• A perfect system
• Advanced marketing skills

Success is running the campaign, including follow-up.

Wrap Up

Your first ARC campaign is a practice run. You are learning how you prefer to work, communicate, and launch. That knowledge matters far more than the number of reviews you receive this time around.

ARC campaigns are quiet tools. Used simply, they support your book without overshadowing the work itself.

Write the next book. You can refine the process later.

ARC Campaign Checklist

Use this checklist to keep your first ARC campaign simple and manageable. Use it as a reality check, not a rulebook. If you can check most of these, you’ve done it right.

• I chose one ARC platform (not multiple)
• I prepared a clean, readable EPUB and/or PDF
• I named my ARC file clearly so readers know what it is
• I wrote a short, clear ARC invitation with no pressure
• I invited a small number of readers (5–15 is enough)
• I uploaded the book and tested the download link
• I shared the link privately or enabled platform discovery
• I gave readers time to read without hovering
• I sent one polite reminder around launch (optional)
• I thanked readers whether they reviewed or not

If most of these are checked, your ARC campaign is already a success.

FAQs: Running Your First ARC Campaign

Do I need my book to be fully edited before sending ARCs?

No. Your book should be complete and readable, but it does not need to be final. Many authors send ARCs before final proofreading. The goal is early access not perfection.

How early should I send ARCs before launch?

Two to four weeks before launch works well for most books. This gives readers enough time to read without feeling rushed. If your book is longer, sending it earlier is fine.

How many ARC readers should I invite?

For a first ARC campaign, five to fifteen readers is realistic and effective. More readers does not automatically mean more reviews. Follow-through matters more than volume.

Should I remind ARC readers to leave reviews?

You may send one gentle reminder around launch day or shortly after. Keep it polite and appreciative. Avoid multiple follow-ups, which can feel pushy.

What if I don’t get any reviews from my ARC campaign?

That happens, but it’s not a failure. Running the campaign teaches you the process, builds confidence, and prepares you for future launches. Every ARC campaign is a learning step, not a verdict on your book.

We hope you found these writer’s guide strategies helpful and inspiring. They’re intended to provide you with the necessary tools and insights to succeed as an indie author.

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 and want to explore how AI can help you self-publish it, 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.

Writing is an ongoing adventure that involves continuous learning and improvement. You don’t have to go through this alone. We are excited to accompany you every step of the way, providing you with support and motivation. Our goal is to give you the necessary knowledge and practical advice to navigate the world of writing with confidence.

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