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.
Switch to Author View
Access the author dashboard and begin the campaign creation process.
- Locate the profile switcher at the top right of your dashboard.
- Select "Author View" to load the author tools and dashboard metrics.
- Click the "Upload New Book" button in the My Books section to open the campaign builder.
Provide Book Title & Cover Image
Initialize your book profile with a title and eye-catching cover art.
- Enter the official title of your book in the "Book Title" field.
- Upload a cover image by clicking the designated area. Supported formats are JPEG, PNG, and WEBP (max 5 MB).
- Choose a high-resolution, compelling cover, as this is the first thing reviewers will see.
Upload Manuscript & Fill Metadata
Provide details about your book and upload your file securely.
- Upload your manuscript in PDF or EPUB format (max 50 MB) under the "Manuscript" field.
- Fill in optional but helpful details: Subtitle, Genre, Language, and Page Count.
- Set the scheduling parameters by selecting the "ARC Start Date" and "ARC End Date" for your campaign.
Configure Campaign Settings
Customize visibility, reader access, and reviewer caps for your campaign.
- Visibility (Public vs. Private): Select Public to let any reader join instantly. Select Private to review and manually approve applicants.
- Reading Access (Read in Browser Only vs. Allow File Access): Use Browser Only to keep files secure inside our online reader, or Allow File Access to permit direct downloads.
- Maximum Reviewers: Enter a limit for the number of participants, or leave it empty for unlimited reviewer sign-ups.
Add a Compelling Book Description
Enter your synopsis or blurb to hook prospective reviewers.
- Scroll down to the "Book Description" card.
- In the "Synopsis" editor, write a detailed and engaging blurb of your book.
- Make it persuasive to encourage high-quality reviewers to apply for your campaign.
Enable Reader Applications (Vetting)
Add screening questions for private campaigns to select the right readers.
- Ensure your campaign is configured as "Private" in Step 4.
- Check the box "Require readers to complete an application before requesting access" under Reader Application.
- This activates the custom questionnaire builder below the checkbox.
Import Questions from Previous Books
Re-use successful screening questionnaires from your previous campaigns.
- If you have already created a campaign before, click the "Choose Previous Book" dropdown.
- Select a prior book title to import its entire questionnaire structure.
- All saved questions will automatically populate, saving you from setting them up manually.
Quick Add Default Questions
Instantly add common reviewer screening questions with a single click.
- Look at the "Quick Add" buttons under the import tool.
- Click on question pills like "+ Have you reviewed similar book...", "+ Where do you usually post reviews...", or others.
- These questions will immediately append to your active questionnaire layout.
Add a Custom Question
Create unique questions tailored to your genre or specific reviewer criteria.
- Scroll to the bottom of your questions stack.
- Click the "+ Add Question" button.
- A new blank question card will appear, ready for configuration.
Select Question Response Type
Choose the input format that matches the type of answer you need.
- On the new question card, open the "Question Type" dropdown menu.
- Select from available formats: Short Text (one-line answers), Paragraph (detailed stories), Multiple Choice (choose one option), or Checkboxes (choose multiple options).
Configure Question Logic & Requirements
Specify choices, make questions mandatory, or manage duplicates.
- Type your question wording in the prompt input field.
- For Multiple Choice or Checkboxes, add the options (e.g., "Yes", "No") by clicking "+ Add Option".
- Check the "Required" box at the bottom left of the card to make it mandatory.
- Use the control buttons to shift ordering, duplicate the layout, or delete the question.
Finalize and Upload Your Campaign
Publish your campaign and open your book for reader applications.
- Review your entered basic details, access options, synopsis, and screening questions.
- Click the black "Upload Book" button at the bottom of the page.
- The book will process and launch your campaign based on your specified start date.
Ready to launch your campaign?
Set up your author profile, add your upcoming books, and start receiving secure applications from active ARC reviewers today.