ARC Reviewing? A Quick Guide to Getting Started

01/10/2026

ARC Reviewing? A Quick Guide to Getting Started

If you love discovering new stories and sharing your thoughts with fellow book lovers, you might have heard authors mention joining an "ARC Team" or "Street Team." But what does that actually mean?

What is an ARC?

ARC stands for Advance Reader Copy. It is a free, early version of a book that an author shares with a small group of readers before the book is officially available for sale. It’s a way for authors to get early feedback and for readers to get a "sneak peek" at a new story!

Why Do Authors Ask for Reviewer Links?

When you apply to join an Advance Reader Copy Team, many authors—including those here at Desert Life Media—may ask you to provide a link to your book reviewer profiles.

They ask for this because they want to ensure their early copies are going to readers who are comfortable sharing their honest thoughts online. Reviews are the lifeblood of an author’s launch. They are the "word of mouth" that helps other readers find and trust a new book. By seeing your profile, the author can see the types of books you enjoy and how you share your feedback with the community.

How to Find Your Reviewer Profile Links

Finding these links can be a little tricky if you’ve never done it before. Here are simple, step-by-step instructions for the most popular book sites:

1. Amazon

  • Open Amazon.com in a web browser (like Safari or Chrome) on your computer or phone rather than using the app.
  • Log in and hover over "Account & Lists" at the top right, then click "Account."
  • Look for the section titled "Ordering and shopping preferences" and click on "Your Amazon Profile."
  • Copy the URL address at the very top of your browser. It usually starts with amazon.com/gp/profile/.

2. Goodreads

  • Log in to Goodreads.com.
  • Click on your Profile Picture (or the circular icon) in the top right corner and select "Profile."
  • Copy the URL address from the top of your browser. It will look like goodreads.com/user/show/ followed by a number and your name.

3. BookBub

  • Log in to BookBub.com.
  • Click on your Name or Icon in the top right corner of the page.
  • Select "My Profile" or "View Profile."
  • Copy the URL address at the top of your browser.

4. Barnes & Noble

  • Barnes & Noble does not have a single "Public Profile" page.
  • Instead, find a book you have already reviewed on their website.
  • Locate your review and click on your Screen Name. If it opens a page showing your reviews, copy that URL.
  • If not, you can simply copy the URL of the book page where your review is posted and share what your screen name is.

5. Kobo

  • Like Barnes & Noble, Kobo doesn't offer a social profile page.
  • Simply go to the page of a book you have reviewed and copy that URL, or take a quick screenshot of your review to share with the author!

Author Tip: Feel free to bookmark this page or send the link to your readers when you are building your next Advance Reader Copy Team!