Join the ARC team
Be the first to get your hands on new publications or help me spread the word about existing series. More details about the books and guidelines below.
What is an ARC?
An ‘ARC’ is an Advance Review Copy, and it essentially means you get a free copy of a book before it releases with the expectation that you’ll review it on release day. When you join the team, you’ll start with Review Copies of books already out to catch up on the series (unless you’re joining for a Book 1).
You are not required to provide a review in exchange for an ARC, however if you enjoy the book, please consider leaving a review or rating on whichever retailers you frequent and platforms you use.
For example: Amazon ♦ Kobo ♦ Apple Books ♦ Google Play ♦ Barnes & Noble ♦ Goodreads ♦ StoryGraph ♦ Your own bookish blog or socials
Reviews can be long or short. Even a few words is fine!
A few notes before you jump in
- Mixed spice levels – YA titles have no spice, adult titles vary
- Queerness in most titles
- Complex plots, world building and magic systems
- Hints of science fantasy throughout but mostly it’s magic
- Australian spelling/punctuation/grammar
- Some books in first person, some third, some mixed!
- No dragons
No dragons?! What do I have, then?
- Romance in all configurations
- Angst
- Sassy banter
- Strong women
- Kind men
- Superhumans
- Great friendships
- Pets
- Conspiracy and espionage
- Political intrigue
- Art and dancing
- Mental health
- Trauma impacts
- Themes of identity and self-worth
Content Warnings
Some of my books contain sensitive content, including possible mental health triggers for anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicide, sexual abuse and PTSD.
It’s not grimdark, but expect some graphic violence, death, infrequent coarse language, and, depending on the series, fade-to-black, open-door or explicit sex.
You can find more details here. (Reminder: there are no actual dragons in these books.)
Do I have to review all the books?
Not at all. An ARC is offered in the hope of a review, not the expectation. You’re welcome to review some of my titles and skip the ones that don’t appeal.
However, if you don’t review any, you may be removed from the list. This isn’t a free buffet!
Will Kel read or reply to my review?
I (or an assistant) will read some reviews for marketing purposes. Reviews may be quoted in marketing materials, attributed with ‘[Platform] Review’ or a first name.
I won’t reply to reviews or engage in public discussion about them. You are safe to say what you like knowing I won’t get involved!
If you post a positive review on your blog or socials and would like me to read and/or share it, I would be delighted – please tag @kelefox if it’s Instagram or Bluesky or email me the details.
What if I don’t like the book?
It’s up to you. If you still want to review, that can be helpful. There are things I’ve put a book down for that would make someone else pick it up, so an honest and open ‘negative’ review can actually be useful.
If you want to be extra considerate, please consider waiting a week or two after the release date, as a bad review on release day can mess up algorithms.
If you feel uncomfortable leaving a review, you don’t have to. If my books don’t suit you, you can quietly disappear by unsubscribing.
Please don’t tell me you didn’t like or didn’t finish the book or tag me in negative reviews.
I’m not looking for feedback on review copies. All my titles go through multiple rounds of beta reading and editing, so if it’s not for you, that’s absolutely fine, but it’s not helpful to give me reasons you didn’t like it. I can’t change the book once it’s published.
Do I have to declare that I read an ARC?
Your choice! There’s no requirement to say you received an ARC in most cases, but some reviewers like to be upfront about it.
If you wish to declare, please use phrasing such as ‘I received an ARC of this title and am voluntarily leaving a review’ or ‘Thanks to the author/publisher for the ARC’. Don’t say you received a book ‘for free’ or ‘in exchange for’ – rumour has it Amazon may block or delete your reviews!
Disclaimer
I reserve the right to remove people from the Review Team at any time and for any reason. Signing up does not give members automatic rights to all of my books.