Beyond the Draft: The Power of Beta Readers and ARCs for Nonfiction Authors

You probably already know this, but I’m going to type it anyway. 

Creating is an iterative process. 

DaVinci didn’t wake up one morning and idly paint the Mona Lisa. He painted a lot. He tried methods and styles and approaches. He learned and grew his craft. While I don’t know this for a fact, it would be astounding if there weren’t countless attempts at the Mona Lisa that didn’t quite do it. 

Creating means iterating and learning from what you’ve created.

For books, that means more than writing a lot to hone your craft. Arguably, the iterations derived through the editing process are more important than the actual writing. It’s when other real people get their hands on your writing that the best and most important refinements start. 

In the fiction publishing world, after an editor makes their notes, beta readers are engaged to help further refine the book. And after that, advance reader copies (called ARCs in the publishing world) are sent out to build marketing buzz. 

This process is key to successfully launching fiction books, and it translates 100% for nonfiction writers. Here’s how beta readers and ARCs can help refine your book, connect with your audience, and ultimately set your book up for success.

What are beta readers?

Think of beta readers as a test audience for your book. Like a movie screening before its release, beta readers should be a small group who fit your ideal audience. And they can’t be casual readers. 

Beta readers will approach your book looking for gaps, confusion, or opportunities that you might not see. They test the clarity of your concepts, ensure your writing isn’t overly technical (or too simplistic), and note sections that might cause your reader to lose interest. 

Say you’re writing a guide to social media marketing for beginners. A skilled beta reader might point out that your step-by-step chapters would make more sense reordered or that some of your examples feel outdated.

Where to find beta readers

The best beta readers come from your target audience. Search in industry-specific Facebook groups, LinkedIn networks, or even among your newsletter subscribers. 

If your book tackles a niche topic, reach out to subject-matter experts. Look for other authors who’ve published a book on the same topic. This is a good opportunity to expand your professional network while improving your book.

What are advance reader copies (ARCs)?

After beta readers help you polish the book, advance reader copies (ARCs) are where marketing starts. ARCs are preview versions of your book to share with reviewers, influencers, and peers before its official launch.

Unlike beta readers, ARC recipients typically don’t provide feedback. Instead, they help create buzz by writing reviews, sharing testimonials, or spreading the word about your book launch. For nonfiction authors, ARCs help solidify your authority in your niche and establish credibility. 

Imagine someone influential in your field raving about your book on LinkedIn or recommending it on their podcast. That’s the kind of attention you want to generate with ARCs.

When and how to use ARCs

You’ll want to send out ARCs three to six months before your launch date. Your book doesn’t need to be 100% finalized (though it should be as close as possible) because ARCs are about getting early endorsements and visibility. 

You can print ARCs or distribute them digitally. But print is usually ideal — your reader can’t post a picture on social media holding up a digital copy of your book. 

Print-on-demand makes it easy to create professional-looking ARCs. You just need to create a unique version of your book, including a note explaining that this is an advance copy. This usually means something on the cover to indicate the book isn’t for resale and a page inside asking your advance readers to leave a review. 

Make it easy to leave a review. Provide a list of platforms or websites (like your site, Goodreads, and Amazon) where they can post feedback. Consider including a QR code that goes to the review page. Or leave your email address and ask for testimonials about the book.

Best practices for beta readers and ARCs For beta readers

1. Timing matters: Share your manuscript after completing one or two rounds of self-editing, but before it reaches professional editing. Beta readers work best when you’ve done some heavy lifting.
2. Be clear about expectations: Give beta readers guidance about what kind of feedback you seek. Broad questions like “Did you like it?” won’t be nearly as helpful as “Were my explanations clear?” or “Was there any section you found confusing?”
3. Diversify your readers: Include a mix of readers to reflect your audience’s diversity. If your book targets entrepreneurs, find beta readers across industries or career stages.

For ARCs

1. Build a list of recipients: Research influencers, journalists, and leaders in your field who might be willing to read and endorse your book. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your network, too.
2. Create a professional-looking ARC: Use platforms like Lulu, owner of Tilt Publishing, for print copies, or tools like BookFunnel for digital ones. You don’t need the final cover design, but your ARC should look polished and professional.
3. Include a call to action: Encourage recipients to share their thoughts on social media or leave reviews, and give them a deadline to maximize visibility ahead of your launch.

Don’t underestimate the process

Beta readers are one of the most important steps in fine-tuning your manuscript. Once you’ve (nearly) finalized your book, ARCs are your key to building awareness before launch day. Used together, these resources help you not only create a better product but also set it up for success in a crowded marketplace.

If you’re serious about self-publishing, don’t skip these steps. They’re not just for fiction authors. By investing in beta readers and ARCs, you’re investing in your readers, your credibility, and your book’s long-term impact.

Helpful Resources:

• Before You Publish: Get a Proof Copy
• An Author’s Guide to Beta and Sensitivity Readers

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