An ARC is...

This week's post at ForeWord is about ARCs: ARCs: Just like the Hardcover, only Free!

ARCs are free the way radio is free. The end-user doesn't pay for it, so thinks "free." Those involved in creating it now that it costs money. So it's not really "free".

This week I asked some friends, What is an ARC and why do publishers print them?

Here's the teaser: Andrew Karre explains that an ARC "is a promotional piece and a sales tool." Brian Farrey adds, "it's primarily a marketing/publicity tool aimed at generating advance interest and excitement for a forthcoming title."

© Elizabeth Burns of A Chair, A Fireplace & A Tea Cozy