How to Upload a Book & Create a Campaign
A comprehensive, step-by-step visual walkthrough to setting up your Advance Review Copy (ARC) campaign. Learn to upload manuscripts, protect files, and filter applicants.
Access the Campaign Builder
Switch to Author View on your dashboard and click "Upload New Book" to begin.
- Locate the profile switcher at the top right of your dashboard.
- Ensure "Author View" is selected to view author campaign metrics.
- Click the "Upload New Book" button in the My Books section to open the guided setup.
Enter Book Details & Synopsis
Provide core book details, cover art, manuscript file, reader limits, and synopsis blurb.
- Upload high-resolution Cover Image (JPEG, PNG, or WEBP, max 5 MB).
- Enter official Book Title and optional Subtitle.
- Select Genre from the dropdown category list.
- Set Maximum ARC Readers (leave blank for unlimited readers) and optional ARC End Date.
- Upload Manuscript file (PDF or EPUB up to 50 MB) — encrypted and watermarked before delivery.
- Write an engaging description in the Synopsis field under "About Your Book".
Add Review Links (Optional)
Optionally add direct links where readers can leave or view published reviews.
- Enter your Amazon Book / ASIN listing URL.
- Enter your Goodreads Book page URL.
- Add Custom Platform review links (e.g. Barnes & Noble, Kobo, BookBub, or personal author website).
- Reviewers are automatically guided to post reviews on these platforms after reading.
Configure Approval Settings
Choose whether readers join automatically or require your review.
- Auto-Approve (Instant Access): Readers get immediate access. If you set reader questions, access is granted automatically right after they answer.
- Approval Required (Manual Approval): Readers submit a request (and answer your questions, if any). You review each request and decide who gets access.
Choose "Auto-Approve" for rapid ARC distribution, or "Approval Required" for curated reader selection.
Configure Reader Questions
Ask readers custom questions when they request or join your ARC campaign.
- Add custom questions for both Auto-Approve and Approval Required campaigns.
- Choose from multiple input formats (Short Text, Paragraph, Multiple Choice, Checkboxes).
- Use "Quick Add" to add popular reviewer screening questions with one click.
- Import entire questionnaires from previous books using the "Choose Previous Book" dropdown.
Protect Your ARC with Dynamic Watermarks
Ensure your manuscript is dynamically watermarked to discourage file sharing and piracy.
- Every delivered manuscript is automatically stamped with personalized reader details (name and email).
- Pro subscribers can click "Customize Watermark" to edit dynamic header and chapter-ending text.
- Live Watermark Preview displays real-time previews for title pages and chapter endings.
Ready to launch your campaign?
Set up your author profile, add your upcoming books, and start receiving secure applications from active ARC reviewers today.