Hamsterra
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R1 · Readers

Find an ARC and apply

For readersVoice-over · English subtitles

Find an open ARC in the catalogue and apply to read it, with or without an account.

Go to written steps

Before you start

  • Have access to the email address you’ll use to apply.
  • Have the names of the platforms where you share reviews ready; profile links are optional.
  • If you want to apply with your account, sign in before filling in the form.

Watch the walkthrough

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English voice-over and subtitles; use the player’s captions control to adjust subtitles. The video is embedded from YouTube.

Chapters

  1. Open the catalogue.
  2. Browse open campaigns.
  3. Narrow the list.
  4. Search and open a campaign.
  5. Read the campaign page.
  6. Tell the author about you.
  7. Answer the author's questions.Current chapter
  8. Accept the participation terms.
  9. Choose optional emails.
  10. Submit your application.
  11. Confirm your email.
  12. Wait for the decision.
  13. Apply with an account.
  14. Find it in My ARCs.

Transcript

Select a line to jump to that moment in the video.

  1. In this video, you'll find an advance review copy, or ARC, and apply to read it.
  2. Select ARCs at the top of any page.
  3. This page lists campaigns open for applications.
  4. Each card shows the book, the author, the series and the status, such as ARC Open.
  5. The Street teams tab shows only street teams.
  6. To narrow the list, choose a genre.
  7. Status starts at Open now, and you can also look at campaigns opening soon.
  8. Audience and AI use filter by what the author declared about the book.
  9. Then select Search.
  10. The search box finds a title, an author or a series.
  11. Let's search for Gull Rock and open The Tide Clock.
  12. The campaign page tells you what you're signing up for.
  13. Check the content warnings and the AI use line.
  14. On the left, the book details show the formats, when copies are sent and when the author would like your review.
  15. On the right, read the important notes.
  16. This author reviews every application.
  17. In About you, enter your name and email.
  18. Then add where you share your reviews, such as Goodreads.
  19. A link to your profile is optional, and you can add more platforms.
  20. In Your reading life, answer the author's questions.
  21. Honest answers help the author choose readers.
  22. Next, read the participation terms.
  23. All three agreements are required.
  24. Your copy is personalised and carries marks that identify the copy.
  25. The agreements also ask you not to share it, or give any part of it to AI tools.
  26. Below are two optional choices: invitations to the author's future ARCs, and joining the author's reader list for book news.
  27. You can apply without either.
  28. You don't need an account to apply.
  29. Select Submit application.
  30. Hamsterra emails you a code to confirm your address.
  31. Open the email, enter the code and select Confirm application.
  32. The code expires in ten minutes; if it does, select Send a new code.
  33. Your application is now with the author, and you'll get an email with the decision.
  34. No account is created, but you can make one later with the same email.
  35. If you have a Hamsterra account, sign in before applying.
  36. With a verified account email, there's no code to enter, and your application appears in My ARCs.
  37. Next, find out how to get your copy once you're approved.

Written steps (text version of this video)

This walkthrough shows how to find an open ARC campaign in the catalogue, read the campaign page, fill in the application, confirm your email with a code and see how applying with an account differs.

  1. Open the catalogue.

    Select ARCs at the top of any page.

    0:11 ARCs →

  2. Browse open campaigns.

    Each card shows the book, the author, the series and the status. The Street teams tab shows only street teams.

    0:21 ARCs →

  3. Narrow the list.

    Choose a genre, a status, an audience or an AI use answer, then select Search.

    0:36 ARCs →

  4. Search and open a campaign.

    Search by title, author or series, and open a campaign.

    0:53 ARCs →

  5. Read the campaign page.

    Check the content warnings, AI use, formats, copy delivery, review date and the important notes.

    1:05 ARCs →

  6. Tell the author about you.

    In About you, enter your name and email, and add where you share your reviews.

    1:23 ARCs →

  7. Answer the author's questions.

    Answer the author's questions in Your reading life.

    1:43 ARCs →

  8. Accept the participation terms.

    Read the participation terms and tick all three agreements. Your copy is personalised and carries marks that identify the copy.

    1:50 ARCs →

  9. Choose optional emails.

    Optional: opt in to the author's future ARC invitations or reader list.

    2:07 ARCs →

  10. Submit your application.

    Select Submit application. You do not need an account to apply.

    2:19 ARCs →

  11. Confirm your email.

    Enter the code from the email and select Confirm application. No account is created.

    2:24 ARCs →

  12. Wait for the decision.

    Your application is with the author, who emails you the decision. You can create an account later with the same email.

    2:43 ARCs →

  13. Apply with an account.

    Sign in before applying. With a verified account email there's no code to enter, and the application appears in My ARCs.

    2:53 ARCs →

  14. Find it in My ARCs.

    Your application waits in My ARCs until the author decides.

    3:04 My ARCs →

Check you’re done

  • You have read the campaign details and participation terms.
  • Your application has been submitted and your email is verified.
  • You can see confirmation that your application was received.
  • If you applied while signed in, your application appears in My ARCs.

Common questions

Do I need an account to apply?

No. You can apply as a guest and confirm your email with a code. This does not create an account.

Do I have to join the author’s reader list?

No. The reader list and future ARC invitations are both optional, and you can apply without either.

Does submitting an application mean I’m approved?

Not necessarily. Authors can review applications or approve them automatically. Check the confirmation for your application’s status.

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