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How to Get Free ARCs & PR Boxes as a Book Influencer (USA, UK & Germany)

Looking to get free ARCs or PR packages as a book influencer? In this guide, you’ll learn how to receive review copies and work with publishers and brands – no matter if you're based in the US, UK, or Germany.

Viktoria WeizelMarch 16, 20254 min read
How to Get Free ARCs & PR Boxes as a Book Influencer (USA, UK & Germany)

Are you a book lover who dreams of getting early access to upcoming releases? Do you want to receive stunning PR boxes? If you're a book blogger, Bookstagrammer, or BookToker, you have the opportunity to request free ARCs (Advance Reader Copies / Vorabexemplare) and review copies (Rezensionsexemplare) from publishers and platforms worldwide.

In this ultimate guide, I'll show you exactly where and how to apply for ARCs, PR boxes, and review copies in the USA, UK, and Germany (Deutschland). Whether you’re an established book influencer or just starting out, this post will help you navigate the world of book PR.

What Are ARCs & Review Copies? (Was sind ARCs und Rezensionsexemplare?)

🔹 Advance Reader Copies (ARCs / Vorabexemplare)

ARCs are early versions of books sent to reviewers before the official release date. They might contain small errors since they are not the final published version, but they allow book influencers to read and review books early.

🔹 Review Copies (Rezensionsexemplare)

Review copies are finished versions of books provided by publishers, authors, or PR teams in exchange for an honest review. These can be physical books, e-books, or audiobooks.

Where to Get ARCs & PR Boxes in the USA

1️⃣ NetGalley USA

Website: www.netgalley.com

NetGalley is the largest platform for requesting digital ARCs from publishers. It’s free for book reviewers, but you need to maintain a good review ratio to keep getting approvals.

Requirements:

  • A public profile on Goodreads, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, or a book blog
  • No minimum follower count, but a strong review history helps
  • Reviews should be posted before release day

Tip: Keep your review-to-approval ratio above 80% for better chances of getting approved!

2️⃣ Berkley Publishing Influencer Program (Penguin Random House)

Website: sites.prh.com/berkleyinfluencerprogram

Berkley Publishing sends physical ARCs and review copies of romance, fantasy, thrillers, and contemporary books to book influencers in the USA and Canada.

Requirements:

  • Public Instagram or TikTok account
  • Minimum age: 18 years
  • Strong engagement and regular book content

Tip: If you post engaging reels or BookTok videos, your chances of getting selected are much higher!

4️⃣ Libro.fm Influencer Program (Audiobooks)

Website: www.libro.fm

A program that provides free audiobooks to book influencers.

Requirements:

  • Minimum 3,000 followers on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube
  • Regular book-related content
  • Engagement with bookish communities

Tip: Audiobook lovers should apply for this program if they enjoy sharing book reviews via Instagram Stories or TikTok!

@sites.prh.com/berkleyinfluencerprogram

@sites.prh.com/berkleyinfluencerprogram

Where to Get ARCs & PR Boxes in the UK

1️⃣ BKMRK (Hachette UK)

Website: www.bkmrk.co.uk

BKMRK is Hachette UK's influencer program, offering review copies and PR boxes.

Requirements:

  • UK-based bloggers, Bookstagrammers, or BookTokers
  • Sign up for the BKMRK newsletter
  • Active engagement in the book community

Tip: BKMRK regularly offers giveaway opportunities for special PR boxes!

2️⃣ Bloomsbury Creator Circle

Website: www.bloomsbury.com

The Bloomsbury Creator Circle is perfect for fantasy and YA lovers.

Requirements:

  • Instagram or TikTok account with active book content
  • min. 3000 Follower
  • UK-based reviewers preferred

Apply via DM to @bloomsburypublishing on Instagram or TikTok

Tip: If you post about fantasy or YA, your chances are much higher!

3️⃣ HarperCollins UK Book Bloggers & Influencers

Website: www.harpercollins.co.uk

HarperCollins UK has an exclusive reviewer network, where book influencers can receive ARCs and limited-edition PR boxes.

Requirements:

  • Active book-focused Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube
  • Regular reviews & strong engagement
  • UK residency required

Tip: Keep an eye on their #HarperInsiders hashtag for special influencer campaigns!

4️⃣ NetGalley UK

Website: www.netgalley.co.uk

NetGalley UK is the main platform for requesting digital ARCs in the UK.

Requirements:

  • A public profile on Goodreads, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, or a book blog
  • No minimum follower count, but strong review history helps
  • Reviews should be posted before release day

Tip: Keep your review-to-approval ratio above 80% for better chances of getting approved!

@NetGalley

@NetGalley

Where to Get ARCs & PR Boxes in Germany

1️⃣ Penguin Random House Bloggerportal

Website: www.blogger.penguinrandomhouse.de

Requirements:

  • Active Bookstagram, BookTok, or book blog
  • Min, 800 Followers on instagram, 25.000 on TikTok….
  • Reviews must be posted within 8 weeks

Tip: Choose books that fit your niche for a higher approval chance!

2️⃣ Bloggerjury (Bastei Lübbe, LYX, ONE, etc.)

Website: www.bloggerjury.de

Requirements:

  • No minimum follower count, but regular engagement
  • Bookish content on Instagram, TikTok, or blogs
  • PR boxes available through giveaways

Tip: Join their special promo campaigns to receive PR boxes!

3️⃣ Carlsen Verlag Blogger Program

Website: www.carlsen.de

Requirements:

  • Active book blog or social media presence )over a year & 2.000-5.000 Followers)
  • Interest in fantasy, YA, and children’s books
  • Regular reviews required

Tip: Carlsen frequently sends PR boxes with exclusive goodies!

4️⃣ dtv Verlag Blogger Program

Website: www.dtv.de

Requirements:

  • Engagement with literary fiction and crime novels
  • Public profile on Bookstagram or BookTok for over a year
  • Regular posting and reviewing schedule

Tip: If you love crime fiction or contemporary literature, dtv is a great option!

@blogger.penguinrandomhouse

@blogger.penguinrandomhouse

Final Tips: How to Get More ARCs & PR Boxes

  • Post book content consistently – publishers prefer influencers with active engagement.
  • Use hashtags like #bookinfluencer, #booktok, and #bookreview for visibility.
  • Be professional in requests – always specify why you're a great reviewer.
  • Post on multiple platforms – Instagram, TikTok, and blogs increase your chances.
  • Tag publishers & use trending sounds – especially for BookTok reviews.

Now it’s your turn! Have you received ARCs or PR boxes before? Which program is your favorite? Let me know in the comments! 🚀📚

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