On ARCs

*I know this is not a particularly unique topic, but it is an important one nonetheless, and I would like to it. I do not know specifics, and if I did, I would not share the information anyway. This post is not meant to harm or hurt anyone’s feelings (and shouldn’t hurt anyone’s feelings) but is rather my own humble opinion.

A book bloggers, we are dedicated to books. Many of us joined this community to share our love of books and find new ones to love; we have joined this community to meet like-minded people who love what we do. That’s the reason I joined, anyway. It has come to my attention, however, that some bloggers feel as though they have a right—a prerogative, if you will—to ARCs. Yes, our blogs are dedicated to spreading the word for books we love, and yes, it is lovely to receive early, advanced copies of books we were anticipating in order to spread the love even more. But as bloggers, should we not see this opportunity as a privilege? I recently heard from a blogger friend that other bloggers feel so entitled to these ARCs that they would stop blogging if they stopped receiving them. As a new blogger, I have yet to request any ARCs, but ARCs or no ARCs, I would still blog. I would still blog because I care enough about books and am passionate enough about the subject that I want others to enjoy it too.

To those people who feel entitled to ARCs and claim they would stop blogging if they stopped receiving ARCs, I have some questions for you. Do you not love books alone enough that blogging, ARCs or no ARCs, is worth it? Do you not find sheer joy in discussing books you love (and sometimes fighting over swoony romantic interests) to continue? Do you not, even just a little, enjoy it because you make friends? Do you care that much more about ARCs and flaunting them in people’s faces than the friendships and community you have because of your blogging career?  I know I love books and want friends enough to continue to pursue my blog, whether my requests for ARCs are accepted or not.

As I said before, I joined this community to share my love of books and meet like-minded people. And to quote Beca from Pitch Perfect, “Love you, awesome nerds.” I’d like to say that that applies to every book nerd out there, but people who feel entitled?  I’m sorry, but even if they are extremely good people at heart, I’m going to have to say the way they’re using their blogs is disrespectful.

Do they think they’re doing authors/publishers/etc. a favor? Perhaps they are, but there are plenty of other bloggers who are grateful for every ARC and book they receive, who do not just expect the ARCs to fall into their laps. I am not by any means saying that they don’t work for the ARCs like everyone else, but doing all the work solely so they can receive the ARCs? I just don’t find that right.

I think that it is absolutely wonderful that publishers produce advanced reader’s copies. I love that we have a chance to experience books—a thing dear to our hearts—before anyone else.  But above all, we have to recognize that it is a privilege, not a right. For the love of books, be grateful: for books, for authors, for ARCs, for this wonderful community, for everything that makes this possible and for everything that makes blogging special. Blog because of your love of books. Blog because you want to. Blog because you love to share your opinions and find out others’.

~Alexandra