Monday, November 27, 2006

What's an ARC?

I received my first Advanced Reader/Review Copies (ARCs) as giveaways at the Left Coast Crime Convention in Pasadena, CA. I had no idea what they were, but I did notice "Not for Sale" printed on them. I wasn't aware that selling them is illegal.

Some people believe them to be first editions. They are not. They're also not final copies, and may not even be the same book you'll find in bookstores when the book goes on sale. ARCs are an author's proof copy - replete with typos, grammar and spelling errors, and writing that may undergo major changes on the galleys.

They're used to spark interest in and generate publicity for a new book. Two or three months before publication, a publisher may release soft cover ARCs to reviewers, booksellers, magazines, and even a select group of readers (i.e. Left Coast Crime). The logic here is that these reviewers/readers can't talk about the book or provide free publicity unless they've read it, and you can't expect them to do that unless you provide a free sample. They understand an ARC is NOT the final product.

Since authors receive no royalties when these advance copies are sold, it's illegal to do so. Major authors report finding them on eBay or Amazon inflated by hundreds of dollars. These vendors will pull them if notified, but that's all. There's no punishment for the offender.

Changing the subject: Check out my Solvang photo at www.deeannpalmer.com. Soon I'll post something about my trip there with more photos.

Hope you've read Joe DeMarco's interview and have a story ready to send him.

Hope also to see you in Glendale 12/2 for the LAndmarked for Murder panel and book signing.

Dee Ann
Posted by Dee Ann Palmer 2:36 PM 0 Comments:

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