October 2, 2026

How to Get the Most Out of Your ARC Campaign. The Setup.

By D. G. Woods

An ARC campaign works best when you focus on one main goal: getting people to sign up. Free review copies aren't lost sales - they build the word-of-mouth buzz you need for launch day. To maximize your sign-ups, set a clear daily goal, link directly to your form without extra clicks, and use tracking links to double down on the social media platforms that actually bring in readers.

ARC (Advance Reader Copy) campaigns are one of the most powerful tools for authors to build momentum, generate authentic social proof, and get early reviews before launch day.

Many authors worry that giving away free copies means losing sales. But in reality, allowing 100 readers to access your book early creates a ripple effect of reviews and word-of-mouth chatter that multiplies your sales exponentially. However, your ARC campaign needs to be set up and executed the right way to get you there.

Indie and hybrid authors already carry so much on their shoulders that it's easy to get lost in a never-ending to-do list, spreading themselves too thin by trying to focus on everything at once.

And that is mistake number one.

To maximize your ARC campaign, you need to focus on one thing at a time and be very objective-oriented.

And your big objective is simple: getting people to sign up.

Set an attainable, measurable goal. For instance, 1 new ARC sign-up per day. Keep that momentum going by posting about your sign-ups regularly.
Direct links only! Don't just post a Linktree in your bio and expect people to look for your ARC form. They won't. Every extra click costs you potential sign-ups. Link directly to your sign-up page. The fewer steps between a reader and your form, the higher your conversion rate will be.
Track your sources so you know where to focus your energy. Don't guess which platform is driving your sign-ups - measure it! If you use a tool like Cabins Press, you can generate custom tracking links for each social channel (Instagram, TikTok, Substack, newsletter, etc.) that all lead to the same form. This lets you see exactly where your readers are coming from so you can double down on the platforms that actually convert.
Adjust underperforming platforms. If a specific channel isn't converting, your cross-posting strategy may not be working. Try tailoring your content specifically for that platform rather than re-using the same post everywhere.

Read about best practices for ARC sign-up questions in Are Your ARC Questions Driving Readers Away?