An "ARC," or Advanced Reader Copy, is a pre-publication version of a book that is distributed to reviewers, booksellers, and other industry professionals. These copies are typically printed in a simple format and may contain errors or unedited content. The purpose of an ARC is to generate early buzz and gather feedback before the official release date. Publishers often send ARCs to promote upcoming titles and encourage reviews on platforms like Goodreads or Amazon. This helps create anticipation among readers and can influence sales. ARCs are an essential tool in the publishing industry for marketing and outreach efforts.