arc-campaign-manager

name	arc-campaign-manager
description	Manage Advance Review Copy (ARC) campaigns for book launches. Use when recruiting beta readers, distributing advance copies, tracking reviewer commitments, writing ARC recruitment emails, managing review team communications, or planning review acquisition strategies. Triggers on requests involving book reviews, ARC teams, beta readers, or review campaigns.

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:

1. Create account at bookfunnel.com
2. Upload manuscript files (EPUB required)
3. Set up landing page
4. Enable reader signup
5. 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	Email	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