Question about books sent to you by an author/publisher

[Kaila Ann]

I received my first book from an author/publisher and the only paper that was with the book was a copy of a press release printed from the internet. On the first page of the book in a hand written note it says for review purposes only.

What exactly does that mean? Does it mean that I have to leave it on my bookshelf to forever collect dust? I am hoping that someone with a bit more experience in this area will be willing to help me. Thanks!

[Bluestocking]

Basically you aren't supposed to sell it. Some publishers prefer that you not give it away either. I keep all my review copies. Many of the ones I receive are signed by the author.

I re-read my books. I never dream of giving them away.

[Kaila Ann]

Should I email the publisher then to ask whether or not it's ok for me to share the book with others? This one is not signed and I love sharing my books with others.

[Shesten @ I Heart Monster]

I'm no expert by any means, but I know that the few I have received have come with a note from the publisher with a phone number to call. I would just call them up and ask them what they think.

[Kaila Ann]

But that was my whole dilema, there was no note, no number, no email address - nothing. The only thing that was in the book was, like I said, a copy of the press release of the book that had been printed off the internet and that one line of handwritting that said for review purposes only.

[Mindful Musings]

In the traditional line of things, Advanced Reader Copys (ARCs) are intended for reading and reviewing purposes only. Basically what this means is you're not supposed to sell the book, though I have known people to give them away, but if you decide to do this, make SURE you don't until after the book is officially released. As far as sharing the book with friends, etc, that should be fine, but you should technically wait until the release date has passed. After that, as long as you're not making money off the book or violating copyright law (by distributing copies or parts of the book), I think what you choose to do with it should be ok. Hope this helped!

Natalie
http://themindfulmusingsbookblog.blogspot.com/

[Sahil Gupta]

Hi
Am linked with a leading publishing house in India-Unicorn Books(sister concern Pustak Mahal)
There are a few books I want to be reviewed and I would be glad to send a sample digital copy for your consideration...
The Books are:
* Paranormal Experiences(Realism)
* Freelance Writing(Soft skills)
* Job Interviews(A perfect guide to clearing job interviews)
* Men as they are(Fiction)
* How to become a successful Orator(Personality development)
* Naked Trader(Business-Indian reprint of a foreign book)

We have a large number of books on Fiction,Business Management,Hinduism,Health,
Cookery,Self Improvement etc. as well..
You can have a look at our complete range on the website: www.pustakmahal.com
We can always discuss the details..

Regards
Sahil Gupta
Web Solutions
Unicorn Books

[Emily Veinglory]

Please chip in with information about how publishers want ARCs disposed of. Not just unrelated spam.

[Jonita]

This is my opinion (and my opinion only!) but I see no problem with you giving your used ARC's to friends or family. I agree that you should wait until the publication date has passed, but as long as you are not making money off of it, I can't see there being an ethical qualm. I would never dream of selling my review copies (it would be against my personal reviewing code of honour), but there are a few books that haven't resonated with me personally that I have shared with friends or family.

[Christy Pinheiro]

I second Jonita's post. I also see no problem sharing review copies. Some authors get really angry if they see used copies of their books for sale right away-- these are usually review copies that reviewers are selling on the secondary market.

I used to get pretty pissed when it happened to my books, but now I don't worry about it. I am just happy when I get a positive review-- that's what really sells my books, so I don't mind what the reviewer does with their copy. It was my gift to them, after all.