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Conversations With Myself (& Hopefully You): Should There Be ARCs?


First of all, thank you SO much for reading my very first "discussion" post.  The response was so amazing and I am so grateful to each and every one of you that took the time to read it.  I would like to preface my next discussion post in the same way -- nothing is new and I'm sure that this topic has been discussed by someone, somewhere but this is what is on my mind:
SHOULD THERE BE ARCs?

Truly, not everything I think about and write about is regarding Maggie Stiefvater's epic series, The Raven Cycle, but it just so happens that this discussion post will mention this series, too.  

Those of us that are obsessed with this series (like me) know that there will not be any ARCs for the highly (HIGHLY) anticipated last book of this series, The Raven King.
Oddly, I think this is a good thing.  Even though I want to read The Raven King more than anything in this world, I do not want to be spoiled for it even more!!  This book, and this series, in particular, may have plot points that some of us have been waiting years to discover.  I would never, ever get over being spoiled if it were to happen.  Yes, I will be imposing a social media ban until after I read the book but the good news is that I don't have to worry about ARCs spoiling me way before the release and I can read TRK as soon as it comes out like everyone else.  I can only assume that this is a big reason why there will be no ARCs of TRK -- no spoilers so that the end of the story will unravel for everyone at the same time.

However, this lack of ARC got me thinking, should there be ARCs at all?  I'm mostly thinking about for series more than standalones but the same adage regarding spoilers could apply to both.  I know that ARCs are helpful for us as bloggers to get the word out about upcoming books, especially since pre-orders are so crucial for an author.  If we read a book early, review it early and generate some hype, it is possible more people will pre-order that book.  But the flip side is that more people will be spoiled regarding the book and could possibly be influenced not to purchase a book based upon a few negative reviews of an ARC.  And what if the ARC is seriously different from the final book?  I do worry about the possibility of reviews about a book (ARC) that people can't actually purchase if the final book undergoes more editing and/or changes to story, etc. and may ultimately be a better book than the ARC that was reviewed.  Are we relying upon reviews of ARCs too heavily in our book purchasing decisions?  I very well may be guilty of this.  If I have pre-ordered a book and then start seeing a lot of less than favorable reviews of the ARCs of that book, sometimes I cancel my pre-order (unless it's an author whose work I know well) and may wait for the book to release and/or go on sale.  I usually don't stop to wonder if maybe the final book will be different from the ARC even though that disclaimer always comes with an ARC.

I definitely think that publishers should perhaps think twice about releasing ARCs for highly anticipated next in series and/or series ender books like The Raven King.  The possibility of spoilers is so high and nothing can ruin an amazing series more than being spoiled for what happens/how it ends.  This may be unpopular in the world of bloggers where we rely on ARCs but I would rather wait and pay for a book than be spoiled for the end of one of my favorite series.

Of course, this is just my opinion.  What do you think, should there be ARCs?  Especially for highly anticipated sequel enders or for books in an ongoing popular series?  How do you feel about being spoiled?

LET'S DISCUSS!  WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Comments

  1. I love ARCs and I can't imagine a world of book bloggers and reviewing without ARCs. BUT I understand your point. No ARCs means no spoilers. On the other hand, it also means no reviews on release day (except for the readers who can like, read the book in a day).

    I think for highly popular books, like Harry Potter, or Maggie Stiefvater's series, that ARCs aren't that necessary and could do more harm than good. But for authors who are not that well known, ARCs can help them get those much needed reviews.


    Majanka @ I Heart Reading

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    1. Great points Majanka and I totally agree!

      Thank you so much for reading!!

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  2. I think for series, highly spoilerly books or books that are so highly anticipated they don't need a ton of pre-buzz that ARCs might not be best. On smaller books and books that need get some buzz ARCs are probably a great way to achieve that. Definitely a great discussion and something to think about!

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    1. Great point Grace -- there are smaller books than need the hype/advanced reviews to hopefully get them off the ground!

      Thank you for reading!!

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  3. My first thought... I NEED to reread The Raven Boys and continue on with this series IMMEDIATELY!! I read The Raven Boys way back before it was released, and I honestly can't remember a thing about it. So I plan to reread that and continue on with the series this year. Now I KNOW I need to do this. :)

    Secondly, I agree... I think this is probably a good thing as well. Just like how Sarah J. Maas' Queen of Shadows didn't have ARCs either... sometimes that's just the way to go. Great post, love! ♥

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    1. YES! I am starting my re-read in March in anticipation of book 4 -- I really wanted to organize something formal for it but I feel unequipped to do it on my own LOL

      I didn't know that about Queen of Shadows but I can imagine why! Thanks for reading Lisa!!

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  4. I love this post Eva!
    I am to the point where I just wish ARC's didn't exist at all anymore. With publishers caring more and more about twitter and instagram and hyping up a book and showing off beautiful pictures instead of actual reviews, i dont even think we need them. Take away arc's and sure, some people will be pissed, some will stop bloggers, but the rest of use, the ones who are truly doing it simply because we love books it wont really matter. I think people forget that the book will be out eventually and that you can either buy it, borrow it from a blogger friend or get it from the library. Bloggers borrow and swap arc's all the time, why cant they do the same with non-arc books?

    I have a love/hate relationship with books that have no arc's because on one hand you don't have to see people bragging when they get one and you dont risk the chance of early spoilers...but on the other hand, even when they say no arc's there are those special bloggers who are either insanely popular or have an in with the publicists who get an early copy anyway, which is bullshit. Happened with Winter and Queen of Shadows and Mara Dyer 3.

    Anyway, sorry I went on a mini rant on your comment section but I really liked your post and I have lots of thoughts on this subject:)

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    1. You're the best, thank you SO much for reading and commenting!

      I can seriously envision a world without ARCs and it doesn't look too bad to me. No ARC envy, no reading a book just because you got it for free -- I think it would allow readers to focus on what they really like/value in a book and to read what you want, when you want, all the time!! There would be no pressure and no schedule!!

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  5. And yes, I do love ARC's too, who doesn't? But I can see a world without ARC's and it looks less drama filled and a lot funner :)

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  6. A world without ARCs would not be that bad, considering I rarely get to them all before the release date anyway. A world without review copies at all would be very depressing.

    I think the real issue, though, is people who give spoilers. That's why I don't read many reviews before a book comes out. I look at the ratings, but I don't read what they have to say about it if it's a book I don't want spoiled.

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    1. That is an amazing point Jennifer! There should be a distinction between review copies and ARCs. Review copies are very useful. And I completely agree regarding spoilers!!

      Thank you so much for reading!

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  7. I really really prefer no ARCs for a finale book in a series. I am a huge hater of spoilers and prefer to know nothing about a highly anticipated book. Even hearing how someone feels can give me an inkling on what happened, especially if it has a love triangle type situation. Other than that I don't care too much either way. I rarely get ARCs so I'm used to waiting until release day and I don't really read a lot of reviews either because again, I prefer to know nothing. Ratings are good enough most of the time. lol

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    1. Thanks for reading and commenting Sara! I completely agree re: no ARCs for a finale! I hate spoilers so very much, too and I agree that the smallest thing can tip you off and it's the worst. The crazy thing is I just looked at Maggie Stiefvater's tweet re: her starred review and the responses to her tweet had potential spoilers, UGH!!!!!!

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  8. Well, first, you reminded me that I am NOT caught up with the series at all, and I need to rectify that situation. But onto the point of the post ;)

    I have suuuuuch mixed feelings- but for selfish reasons? Okay. I want there to be ARCs because 1) I want them; and 2) I am salty over never being able to own one for Mockingjay, since they don't exist. See, selfish.

    But on a non-selfish, rational level? Totally agree with you. Now, some series simply NEED the hype, and I think that's different. But this series, or others like it? Yeah, it's kind of just asking for trouble. Like, we know that you and I aren't going to be jerks and spoil things... but someone will, inevitably. Like even with books that didn't have ARCs, somehow people got copies early anyway, and I was just meandering around Twitter, not thinking about anything, and BAM, spoiled. (Looking at all the jerks who outed stuff about Queen of Shadows, and the people I had to block on Twitter for spreading them to ME. ANGRY. Still angry.)

    I think that if there ARE ARCs for a series end, reviewers need to be REALLY serious about not giving ANYTHING away. Like- especially if you KNOW everyone ships a particular couple, and then the reviewer says like "I was SO happy with who Suzie ends up with!"... like, okay, thanks, you've just spoiled the ending, because you have a big old "Suzie ♥ Ted" button on your sidebar. Like, I think it's a big responsibility that the publisher is trusting the reviewer with. I would take that seriously! But sadly, not everyone does.

    I LOVE this discussion, because I really hope it can make people think twice about the way they review series ends if they DO get an ARC of one!

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    1. I know, I know I also want ARCs! I totally agree that some series do need hype but not the super popular ones where it turns into a game and disappointment of spoilers and special snowflake ARCs (and maybe envy).

      And yes, you need to catch up with The Raven Cycle before the last book !!

      Thank you so much for reading!

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  9. Great topic!
    My first thought was... That is just crazy! ARCs should come out for every single book! I mean what the hell would I be doing if not reading ARCs?

    Then I calmed down and realized this is brilliant! What if there were NO ARCs. Well then, half the book bloggers out there would not exist. Some peeps only started blogging to get those ARCs and depend on them to review, they wouldn't have anything to talk about. Book bloggers would all give COMPLETELY unbiased reviews, because they will have paid for that book, and they won't care what the publisher or author thinks about their honest opinion. Also, there will be no blogger envy when it comes to ARCs which means more love in the (now much smaller) book blogging community.

    So, I totally agree with this decision. Also, for all the reasons you mentioned, like people spoiling the book a month before I even get my hands on it.

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    1. Thank you Karen! The idea of no ARCs are at all is so not appealing but I think the possibility of no spoilers, unbiased reviews, reading just for pleasure and not a schedule is soooooo appealing! I love all the points you made!!

      Thank you so much for reading!

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  10. I love ARCs but I'm fine if I don't receive one. I think it is more difficult for a series since there is a chance the reader might not have read the previous books. I've requested ARCs not knowing it was part of a series and regretted it. I think the early spoilers are upsetting but early reviews do help an author out. This was a good topic!

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    1. Yes I have done the same in requesting an ARC and not even knowing it was part of a series! Totally frustrating!

      Thank you so much for reading!

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  11. As a reader and not a blogger I find ARCs frustrating as you'll read a review get excited for the book then be unable to buy it for 2 months. I look at reviews when I need a new book to read so waiting for it to be released is frustrating. I'll preorder sequels for series I've been enjoying but rarely preorder otherwise so I've usually forgotten about the book 2 months later. Release day reviews appeal more. So I guess I'm not against ARCs as such, just pre release reviews. Embargo until release would be my preference.

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    1. I did not even think about this from the perspective of a reader and not a blogger -- before I was a blogger, ARCs were such a mystery. It would be even more frustrating to have no access to ARCs and to wait months after seeing a review! You make so many great points. I do try to review books as close to the release date as possible for this reason but we all get carried away sometimes.

      Thank you so much reading!

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  12. I have similar opinion on this topic. I think that it is a good thing that there usually are no ARCs at all for series enders. Avoiding spoilers when it comes to conlusion of series is my number one priority. And since it is last book in series, readers are alerady aware of writing style of this or that author and either are or are not fan of series. There is no need to create extra hype prior to release. Fan of the series are already super excited for last book even without hype. Hype should be here when new series is starting (and ARCs are needed for that). But I am glad that there are no ARCs for series enders, it keeps my anticipation for the book on the highest level :)

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    1. I am also SERIOUS about avoiding spoilers for series enders -- so freaking frustrated to be spoiled by a callous tweet, etc.

      I agree re: hype for small books or new series but there is little to no reason for ARCs to be issued for series enders of super popular series!

      Thank you so much for reading Lucia!

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  13. I can sort of understand where your coming from. I don't think there should be as many ARCs for subsequent books in a series as there is more than likely a lot of hype already and they won't need anymore. Plus spoilers! But for the lesser known authors and new series, I think ARCs are a brilliant way for them to get word out. I've found some fantastic new authors because of ARCs.

    Lauren @ My Expanding Bookshelf

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    1. Thanks for reading Lauren! I completely agree that ARCs can help lesser known authors and series!!

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  14. A really great post, Eva. I'm with you on the series enders. I think it's a little pointless and maybe in a way unfair for there to be ARCs for them. Pointless because a lot of time by the last book the series already has gotten a ton of publicity and doesn't need the extra marketing. Unfair because everyone who is a fan of the series should get the chance to read the book at the same time. I realized that especially when Isla & The Happily Ever After came out. Stephanie Perkins had written a post about she wanted everyone to read Isla at the same time because of all the delays and how everyone was being patient and she said there wouldn't be arcs. Then a few weeks later, some exclusive bloggers got an ARC and started gushing about how good it was ... and honestly, it frustrated me because we had been waiting for so long and then to have the pubs sort of go against her wishes was real shitty and a huge disrespect to fans IMO. And like you said, the spoilers can be very very irritating when you're not looking for them. I made sure to avoid the internet when Winter released because of darn spoilers! Like Shannon said, even a simple "I'm so happy with how the book ended" is a spoiler if you know what the person wanted out of the book.
    Anyways, fantastic post, Eva! Please write more of these discussion posts. :)

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    1. Yes, it does feel unfair. I didn't even realize that re: Isla and that is so frustrating! If somehow there are ARCs of TRK, I am going to be so mad. There is a big thing that may happen in the book and if I find about it before I read it, heads will roll!!!

      Thank you so much, I actually like doing these discussion posts and it is even more amazing that people read them!!

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  15. Great choice of topic! I agree that this series in particular doesn't need ARCs to be given out, since the main point of an ARC is for marketing and the Raven Cycle has an established following. I mean the fans (such as myself) already tweet or talk about the Raven King's release days after BLLB, so it got more than enough publicity at this point. And yeah, the spoilers and the drama won't be worth it.
    Now for new series and especially new authors, I still feel like ARCs are needed. One, because I love receiving them and it does help introduce me to books I never would have thought to pick up. Two, because it does create a stir in the book community and when a lot of people talk about it then more people get curious and gives it a try. Finally, we all just have to be more conscientious in what we post online: for those who have read it JUST STOP POSTING SPOILERS while those who haven't read it JUST STAY AWAY FROM READING THE REVIEWS. :D

    Joan @ Fiddler Blue

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    1. Great points about new series and authors, and I do agree re: the need for ARCs! And you are so right, we all do have to be more conscientious about what we post re: spoilers. The smallest thing can be a spoiler!

      Thank you so much for reading Joan!!

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  16. What an interesting topic! I love ARCs, but sometimes I think they cause more trouble than they're worth. I have mixed feelings. Traditional series ARCs are tough. I think I'd be completely ok if they didn't exist, or if they were SERIOUSLY limited. The bigger, more popular series probably don't need the extra promotion. Of course, I don't really read reviews BEFORE I read a book, so I'm not generally worried about seeing spoilers. I totally understand those who are, however.

    I enjoyed reading your take on ARCs!

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    1. I agree re: not reading a review before you read a book but sometime spoilers sneak out anyway through GR and twitter, even if you try to be careful! I guess that was my thinking re: ARCs super popular series enders. There's no need! Great points!!

      Thanks for reading Kim!!

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  17. It's a tricky question, I think! ARCs are expensive to make so my thoughts are that publishers must be getting their use out of them and gaining the publicity that they need from distributing them to their selected readers. I'm no publicist so I don't know all of the details behind this but I'm guessing (like you and other people have said) that ARCs aren't created/distributed for the final book in a series/books for a popular series because they aren't in need of that boost!
    The spoilers thing is very, very hard. I am HUGE about avoiding spoilers so I can totally see and understand why the elimination of ARCs would be tempting and favorable in that sense! I also know that for big series, removing ARCs from the scene also doesn't totally eradicate early spoilers (I'm looking at you, Allegiant leak). I think some people are cruel and do it on purpose, others can't help but share their feelings, and others don't realize what they're saying are even spoilers. Even after Queen of Shadows and Winter released with no ARCs, I had a VERY hard time avoiding spoilers before I had the time to start reading the books and get past spoiler-y parts. I started as soon as I could but some people spent the whole day starting and finishing and I just didn't have that kind of time! I think that there's just only so much we can do to avoid spoilers and ARCs could facilitate more opportunities for spoilers but I don't think getting rid of them would get rid of spoilers, except for maybe early ones.
    I also think it's helpful to put ARCs into the hands of big bloggers/instagrammers because their followings are so big that they reach people outside of the industry/community. I feel like mostly bloggers follow me but I'm always surprised by the amount of people, especially on Instagram, who are just book lovers but don't get involved in writing or reading blogs. Then again, I guess with no ARCs, publishers could just send finished copies. I'm not sure which is more cost effective for them!
    I don't really have an answer as to what's better but I always do appreciate getting the opportunity to read a book early! I would honestly be okay one way or another because even if no ARCs existed, the book is still coming out and I'm happy to wait! :) I feel like a lot of ARC drama is unnecessary and we can avoid a lot of it but I don't think we can ever truly avoid risk of spoilers, no matter what the situation :( I also feel like ARCs won't ever completely go away. There are always special opportunities to read something early and even if the quantity of ARCs was drastically reduced or if they were no longer provided to book bloggers, I still think manuscripts and review copies for librarians/book sellers would still be out there!

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    1. So true about ARCs being expensive so publishers need them for a reason -- didn't even think about that!

      ARC drama is totally unnecessary as are spoilers! But you're right, both will probably never go away!

      Thanks for reading Brittany!!

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  18. On one hand, I think that ARCs aren't needed when the publishers now have more ways to promo a book. Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tumblr, etc.... Though, I bet if ARCs weren't available, the book blogging community would decrease.

    On the other hand, ARCs can be good to pass around. I'm talking about the bloggers who take the time to interact with their readers, to really discuss the book.

    I personally have stopped requesting them, unless It's one that I really want to read. I'm getting more of my own books read; which is why I started blogging in the first place. I've never understood why a reviewer would intentionally spoil a book that's apart of a series. Now, those ARCs I can agree that there shouldn't be any.

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  19. I think ARCs are probably pretty unnecessary for books later in series and already popular authors, you're probably right. Of course, I still love the idea of review copies, though! :-)

    Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction

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    1. Review copies are definitely nice but sometimes not needed for books already with a ton of hype if there is such a high possibility of spoilers! Thanks for reading Nicole!!

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  20. While I DO get what you are saying, I think ARCS are great for getting the word out about books :). Maybe not sequels as much, but for new books by new authors, ARCS help increse the hype and the early reviews seriously make it easier to decide whether or not to buy it. I know plenty of ARC reviews that have made me want to go and buy the book, and had I not seen that review I would have never considered it. But yeah, like I said, I do get what you are saying :). Great discussion post idea though! Have a great day!

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    1. So many great points! I completely see the usefulness of ARCs for lesser known authors and I totally have bought books based on ARC reviews, too!

      Thank you SO much for reading!

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  21. I think ARCs are a great way to promote books. I've bought books based on early reviews from trusted GR friends or Bloggers, and while a negative review of an ARC may turn me off of a story it might also make me want to read it. Sometimes the exact thing that didn't work for another reader, say, low angst, is something I like so if that was a negative for them it might actually make me want to read the book.

    As far as a series ender ARC, if I don't want to be spoiled then I think it's best to stay away from any reviews until you read it. Sometimes I'm so worried about the outcome, I don't mind being a little spoiled just to set my mind at ease.

    In the case of The Raven King I'm soooo nervous for Gansey, I'm not sure I can go through the whole book without being reassured he's going to be okay! Lol! My husband reads a lot of the same UF series' that I do and I'm completely forbidden from uttering a word if I read the story first. When he knows that I've peeked ahead I get lots of disapproving looks, lol!

    Great discussion post, Eva! :)

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    1. Rachel, so many great points! I, too, have found a ton of great books through ARCs and from others' ARC reviews.

      RE: Gansey, I am SO SO worried, too but I have to find out naturally when reading. I, of course, will not be reading any reviews etc. before I read it but sometimes the smallest thing can still be a spoiler, innocent or not, on GR or twitter.

      THank you, as always, for reading!!

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  22. Well, you asked so I'm going to be blunt here lol-I dislike ARCS and think they've really made the book blogging community boring. Yep, I said that out loud :) But seriously, there are days that I go through my bloglovin feed, where I follow over 50 book blogs, and there are like 20 of them reviewing the same ARC. I skip every single one of these blogs for that day because I don't read ARC reviews/reviews of books I haven't read myself yet, and that's frustrating. ARCs seem to take the uniqueness and creativity out of a lot of book blogs, and they've become publishing mouth pieces. Where are the reviews of books off the beaten path, books that not everyone is talking about (and saying pretty much the same thing), or where's the book blogs that aren't just writing reviews and are blogging about some of the other things in the bookish world (like this lovely discussion post!). Anywhoooo, not a fan of ARCs over here :)

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    1. You make a lot of great points -- I, too, have scrolled past tons of blog posts because every single person is reviewing the same book! It's frustrating, especially when it's a book that doesn't sound interesting to me at all. And I completely agree that ARCs have made things more boring! I think we would all probably be more creative if we just read and reviewed our own books.

      Thank you so much for reading!!

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  23. Interesting topic, and I think I agree, I don't think that there should always be ARC's, I mean, that way, there's none of that 'paying for reviews' arguement going around (and I say do whatever you like in terms of that, but anyway..) but I do think that for some highly anticipated series, you need the hype to spread, and ARC's help that. Maybe it should be less ARC's, and more snippets, and then maybe for those who reviews the snippets, they can get access to the books first, like maybe the first batch of ordered books can be sent out to those who have reviewed and things? I mean, I get you, completely, and I feel it's not a bad thing to not want ARC's, but there would have to be some sort of different thing in place.

    Interesting topic, I liked it, I'll be checking out your other content! :)

    Amanda G.
    Nellie and Co.

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    1. Great points about snippets and having a system for ARCs for reviewers of the snippets.

      Thank you Amanda!

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  24. Interesting topic, and I think I agree, I don't think that there should always be ARC's, I mean, that way, there's none of that 'paying for reviews' arguement going around (and I say do whatever you like in terms of that, but anyway..) but I do think that for some highly anticipated series, you need the hype to spread, and ARC's help that. Maybe it should be less ARC's, and more snippets, and then maybe for those who reviews the snippets, they can get access to the books first, like maybe the first batch of ordered books can be sent out to those who have reviewed and things? I mean, I get you, completely, and I feel it's not a bad thing to not want ARC's, but there would have to be some sort of different thing in place.

    Interesting topic, I liked it, I'll be checking out your other content! :)

    Amanda G.
    Nellie and Co.

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  25. I can't wait for this book as well. I've real all of the books in this series as soon as they were released and LOVED them. I'm usually pretty good about avoiding spoilers, but it can always happen. I am not the least bit disappointed there will not be ARC's of The Raven King.

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  26. this is a very interesting topic to discuss. I love getting arc's but i don't think they are needed on series. IF i see a review about a series I have been reading and its the last book.... I skip it. i look at the rating to see if they like it but don't read the review. Don't want spoilers. If its the middle of the series. I skim and read rating for same reason. I do read reviews on the first book of a series. If I have read the first book and liked it... I don't need reviews to get the second or third or last book of the series. I want to read it anyways. So no i don't think they are needed for series. But they are fun and appreciated by tons of people. I don't normally grab them. If i like a series. I like to have all of them in hardcover or on audio so I don't bother since I know I will buy it. great post.

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    1. I also skip reviews for a series ender I haven't read yet but there are unfortunately now so many ways to get spoiled with social media, etc. So many great points you made!!

      Thank you for reading!

      Delete
  27. Awesome topic, Eva! Logically, I understand the need for ARCs. Well, not the "need" maybe, but I understand their purpose. As a promotional tool I imagine they are of great value. Authors and publishers get the word out, create advance hype/buzz, bloggers and reviewers spread the word... I get it. But there's an ugly flipside, too. Not just of spoilers (ugh) but ARCs sometime seem to bring out the worst in bloggers/reviewers. All of a sudden it's a competitive thing - at least for the big/highly anticipated releases. And then there are those willing to sell their ARCs - and those willing to sell their first born to get their hands on one. When it gets to that level of crazy (come on, people, it's a BOOK - one that you'll be able to buy in a month or so) I just bow out because it gets so ugly and absurd. So, yeah ARCs are a great promo tool but it also creates an unfortunate level of competition and downright greed that I want no part of.

    Tanya @ Girl Plus Books

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  28. I totally missed this discussion, Eva. As you know I’ve made a post about spoilers recently. It’s funny how we both choose our fear to be spoiled for Raven Cycle series as an illustration for our dislike for spoilers. As for the ARCs I think it’s a great tool for publishers to make the hype and promote their books. I’ve never consider them in connection with early spoilers. In my opinion it’s not about ARCs. I don’t think the problem lies within ARCs, it’s in the book community and reviewers. We just need to respect other readers, tag our spoilers and be careful of what we write in our reviews.

    On the side note: can I be obsessed with this series even if I haven’t started it yet?

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