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SASSY'S NOOK · ADVANCE READER COPIES

ARC Campaign Guidelines

These guidelines help authors and readers know what to expect from one another. Please read them before joining or hosting a campaign.

Be honest. Be kind. Communicate. No fees, either way.

ARC campaigns are free for everyone.

Authors may not charge readers for an ARC, and readers may not charge authors to review a book. An ARC never requires a positive review.

01

Rules for Everyone

An ARC is an advance copy shared so a reader can experience the book and provide honest feedback. It may differ from the final published edition.

✓ DO
  • ✓ Treat authors and readers with courtesy. Different opinions are welcome; personal attacks are not.
  • ✓ Keep all feedback honest. A complimentary copy never obligates a reader to give a positive review.
  • ✓ Use the campaign details to understand the format, dates, and expectations before joining.
✕ DON'T
  • ✕ Charge a reader a fee for an ARC, or charge an author a fee to review a book.
  • ✕ Copy, forward, upload, share, redistribute, lend, or sell an ARC you receive. You may share your review, but not the advance copy itself.
  • ✕ Pressure anyone to change an honest opinion or rating.
02

Original Work and AI Use

Books submitted to ARC campaigns must be the author’s own original work, created in their own voice.

✓ DO
  • ✓ Submit a story you wrote yourself and have the right to share with ARC readers.
  • ✓ Use AI as a support tool for research, brainstorming, organization, spelling, grammar, proofreading, or polishing wording you have written—as long as the story remains your own and your voice comes through.
  • ✓ Contact Sassy's Nook if you have questions about whether a particular use of AI fits this policy.
✕ DON'T
  • ✕ Submit stolen, plagiarized, copied, or reproduced work as your own, or include another creator’s work without permission.
  • ✕ Submit a story written or generated by AI. The story, characters, plot, and creative writing must be yours.

Reports are taken seriously

If Sassy’s Nook receives a complaint that a submission is stolen, copied, reproduced, or AI-written, it may be reviewed. Confirmed violations may result in removal from ARC campaigns or a ban.

03

For Authors

Clear campaign details and respectful communication help readers decide whether they can commit.

✓ DO
  • ✓ Describe your book accurately. Include its title, author, genre, a spoiler-free description, format, number of copies, and campaign dates.
  • ✓ Add any content notes or reader requirements you want applicants to know before they apply.
  • ✓ Set realistic deadlines and provide the ARC only to readers you accept for your campaign.
  • ✓ Communicate promptly if the book, format, or schedule changes.
  • ✓ Welcome honest feedback. Readers may share praise, constructive criticism, or a DNF notice.
✕ DON'T
  • ✕ Charge readers for an ARC or for access to your campaign.
  • ✕ Require a positive review, a particular rating, or specific praise in exchange for a copy.
  • ✕ Pressure or retaliate against a reader for sharing an honest opinion.
  • ✕ Expect a review without setting a clear campaign commitment and deadline.
04

For Readers

Apply for books you genuinely want to read and can reasonably finish within the campaign period.

✓ DO
  • ✓ Read the campaign details and apply only if the book interests you and the timeline works for you.
  • ✓ If accepted, fulfill your commitment by posting an honest review by the deadline or telling the author you no longer wish to finish the book (DNF).
  • ✓ An occasional DNF is understandable. Please apply thoughtfully and do your best to keep DNFs to a minimum so authors feel comfortable inviting you to future ARCs.
  • ✓ If you can’t finish on time or decide to DNF, tell the author promptly. A quick message is better than silence.
  • ✓ Be respectful when communicating with the author, even if the book isn’t right for you.
✕ DON'T
  • ✕ Accept an ARC and disappear without letting the author know what happened.
  • ✕ Charge an author a fee to review their book.
  • ✕ Copy, forward, upload, share, redistribute, lend, or sell the ARC copy. You may post your review, but not share the advance copy.
  • ✕ Assume you must give a positive review because you received a free copy.

About missed commitments

If you accept an ARC and then stop responding, the author may report it. This could result in a ban from future ARC campaigns.

05

Writing a Public Review

Help other readers understand what the book was like for you, without spoiling the experience for them.

✓ DO
  • ✓ Focus on your reading experience instead of retelling the plot.
  • ✓ Write in your own words and let your voice come through. AI should not write your review for you.
  • ✓ Share your honest reactions, emotions, and feelings. Explain what worked for you and, if needed, what didn’t.
  • ✓ Offer criticism kindly and constructively, and be civil.
  • ✓ Say whether you would recommend the book and why.
  • ✓ Include only direct links to your reviews; don’t add URLs to other sites.
✕ DON'T
  • ✕ Reveal spoilers. If you need to mention a spoiler, clearly warn readers first and hide it where the platform allows.
  • ✕ Turn the review into a long plot summary or retelling.
  • ✕ Use empty praise or criticism without explaining what you mean. Give examples from your reading experience without giving away plot surprises.
  • ✕ Use AI to write or generate the review.
  • ✕ Add unrelated website links or promotional URLs.
06

Giving Private Feedback to Authors

Private feedback can help an author understand your experience. Be honest, specific, and kind.

✓ DO
  • ✓ Talk about your reactions and feelings, and explain what worked for you as well as what didn’t.
  • ✓ If it isn’t a five-star read, explain what fell short and why. Keep criticism constructive and kind.
  • ✓ Praise the book where you feel it’s earned.
  • ✓ Point out typos, spelling or grammar errors, and continuity issues if you notice them.
  • ✓ Include only a direct link to your feedback, if a link is needed.
✕ DON'T
  • ✕ Include spoilers or simply summarize the plot.
  • ✕ Be cruel, insulting, or dismissive. Critique the work respectfully; don’t attack the author.
  • ✕ Share URLs to other sites beyond a direct link to where you're leaving your feedback.
  • ✕ Assume the author expects only praise. Useful, considerate feedback is welcome.