Get your book reviewed before it launches.
Promotional copies — also called ARCs or galley proofs — are early printed copies of your book you send to reviewers, bloggers, and industry contacts before release. They're how you build buzz, gather reviews, and walk into launch day with momentum already behind you. Print as few as 5, with no minimums and no contracts.
What is a promotional copy?
A promotional copy is a real, printed copy of your book produced before the final release. Authors use them to get honest reviews from readers and bloggers, to send to editors and agents, and to hand out at events — all to build momentum ahead of launch day.
You'll hear them called a few different things. They're all the same idea: a copy that goes out early to help sell the finished book.
Three ways authors put them to work.
A stack of early copies is one of the most effective — and affordable — marketing tools you have before launch.
Reviews & Buzz
Send copies to book bloggers, reviewers, and readers in your niche in exchange for honest reviews. Arrive at launch day with reviews already posted and word of mouth already building.
Agents & Publishers
Send a professional printed copy to literary agents or publishers you'd love to work with. A real book in hand makes a stronger impression than a PDF ever will.
Events & Signings
Bring copies to readings, signings, and local events. Give one to the venue owner, hand a few to attendees, and turn a small gathering into early fans and reviews.
Built for the short-run job.
Promotional copies are a small, specific job — and we've been doing exactly this kind of short run for 45 years.
No minimums, ever
Print 5 copies or 50. No minimum order, no obligations, no contracts to sign. Just the copies you need to get the word out.
Real book quality
Your promotional copies look like real books — because they are. Premium paper, proper binding, sharp printing. The impression matters when a reviewer or agent opens it.
Fast short-run turnaround
Our short-run digital process is built for jobs exactly this size. Get your copies quickly, so you can start your outreach on schedule.
Real people to guide you
First time printing ARCs? Call us. We'll help you decide on quantity, format, and whether to mark them "uncorrected proof" or "not for resale."
How to get the most from your copies.
A few field-tested ways authors turn a small stack of promotional copies into real momentum. We're printers, not marketers — but we've watched a lot of launches.
Find your niche readers
Identify the bloggers, reviewers, and online communities that already care about your genre or topic. A focused list of the right readers beats a big list of the wrong ones.
Ask for honest reviews
Send copies in exchange for an honest review — never a paid or guaranteed one. Genuine reviews carry weight with readers and stay within retailer guidelines.
Work your local scene
Offer to do a signing at a small local venue. Give the owner a copy, hand a few to attendees, and ask for reviews. Local goodwill compounds quickly.
Time your outreach
Get copies out several weeks before launch, so reviews can post right as your book goes on sale. Momentum on day one is worth far more than momentum a month later.
I would recommend A&A to any author! The quality and the personal service made getting my early copies out the door effortless.