How do I vet ARC readers?
- Genre mismatch is the largest source of unfair one and two star ARC reviews.
- A Goodreads or Amazon review history is the fastest signal that someone actually posts.
- Signup forms should ask which platform they review on and how often.
- ARC farming, where readers collect free books and never post, is common and predictable.
- A small vetted team outperforms a large unvetted one on reviews per copy sent.
Vet ARC readers on three things: do they read your genre, do they have a visible review history, and do they understand what you are asking. A signup form that asks for a review profile link and genre preferences filters most of the problem out before you send a single file.
Chapter i·Why it matters
An unvetted ARC team produces a specific failure: a thriller reader who does not enjoy slow-burn romance leaves a two star review saying nothing happens, and that review sits at the top of your page during launch week. That is not bad luck, it is a screening failure, and screening costs about ten minutes per applicant.
Chapter ii·What to include
- A signup form asking for genre preferences and a review profile link.
- A check that their recent reviews are in or near your genre.
- Ratio of ratings to reviews, since ratings-only readers rarely write.
- Whether they have posted for other indie authors before.
- A clear statement of what you are asking and what you are not.
- A note field for anyone you would not invite again.
Chapter iii·Example
An author cut her ARC list from 190 applicants to 95 by requiring a review profile link and a genre match. Reviews went from 34 to 41 while she sent 95 fewer files.
Chapter iv·Related questions
In WriteLoom
A launch plan, not a launch day
WriteLoom keeps reviewer notes, genre fit, and past performance on one record so you rebuild the good half of the team every launch.
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