I have more books than I will ever be able to read in my lifetime.
And I got most of them for free.
I’m not talking about borrowing books from the library. I mean brand-new books, finished copies, and advance reader copies of books that have not even been released yet, shipped directly to my house by publishers.
At this point, my home library is genuinely out of control, but in the best possible way. I have books stacked on shelves, tables, and pretty much every available surface.
I’m constantly chasing my TBR, and I would not change a thing. This is my best life.
The good news is that you do not need a massive social media following on bookstagram or booktok to get free books from publishers. You need a genuine interest in reading, a consistent bookish presence online, and a basic understanding of how publisher influencer programs work.
Here is exactly how to get started.
Why Do Publishers Send Free Books?
Publishers need people to talk about their books.
That is the entire deal.
They want readers and content creators to post about upcoming releases, share honest reviews, introduce books to new audiences, and help build excitement around authors and titles.
In exchange, publishers may send creators free books.
Sometimes, these are finished copies that are already available in stores. Other times, publishers send advance reader copies, commonly called ARCs.
ARCs are early copies of books sent to reviewers, booksellers, librarians, journalists, and content creators before the official publication date.
Getting an ARC is especially exciting because you get to read a book before it is available to the general public.
Sure, free books do not pay the bills. But they are still free books, and for a reader, that is a pretty great perk.
Do You Need Thousands of Followers to Get Free Books?
One of the biggest misconceptions about receiving book mail is that you need thousands of followers before publishers will notice you.
You do not.
Publishers may consider your audience size, but they also care about whether you consistently create content about books.
A smaller, engaged audience can be valuable, especially when your content clearly focuses on a specific genre or type of reader.
Publishers want to see that:
- You post about books consistently
- Your content is thoughtful or entertaining
- You interact with other readers
- Your page has a clear focus
- Your audience engages with your recommendations
- Your content aligns with the books they publish
You do not need to wait until your account reaches an arbitrary number of followers. You can start building your portfolio today with the books you already own.
Start Posting About Books You Already Have
Before reaching out to publishers, create the kind of content you eventually want them to send you books for.
You probably already have books at home. You may also have access to a public library, Little Free Library, Kindle Unlimited, Libby, or another source of reading material.
Use those books to start creating content.
You could post:
- Book reviews
- Book club pick reactions
- Monthly reading wrap-ups
- Books you recommend by genre
- Books you loved or hated
- New releases you are excited about
- Photos of your current reads
- Videos about popular book tropes
- Reading vlogs
- Bookstore or library hauls
- Lists of books for specific moods
Think of your social media profile as your portfolio.
When a publisher visits your page, they should immediately understand what kinds of books you read, what your content looks like, and which readers follow you.
If you want thriller publishers to send you books, post about thrillers. If you love romance, build a page that makes that obvious. If you read multiple genres, create recurring series that help organize your recommendations.
Start creating the content you want to be known for before anyone sends you anything.
Follow Publishers on Instagram and TikTok
The next step is to follow book publishers on Instagram and TikTok.
Do not only follow the major publishing companies. You should also follow their individual imprints.
An imprint is essentially a smaller publishing label operating under a larger publishing company. Different imprints often specialize in different genres, audiences, or styles of books.
For example, Penguin Random House includes imprints such as:
- Dell
- Bantam
- Ballantine
- Berkley
- Putnam
- Dutton
One imprint may focus heavily on romance, while another publishes thrillers, literary fiction, nonfiction, fantasy, or young adult books.
Following individual imprints helps you discover the teams publishing the kinds of books you actually want to read.
It also helps train your social media algorithm. Once you begin following and interacting with publishers, imprints, authors, and book creators, the platforms will start recommending even more accounts within the publishing world.
Soon, you will begin discovering publishers and programs you did not even know existed.
Look for Publisher Influencer Programs
After following a publisher or imprint, check the link in its social media bio.
Many publishers have direct links to:
- Influencer application forms
- Book reviewer programs
- Brand ambassador programs
- Blogger sign-up forms
- ARC request forms
- Publisher newsletters
- Book mail programs
Fill out the application with as much relevant information as possible.
You may be asked for your:
- Name
- Mailing address
- Email address
- Social media handles
- Follower count
- Preferred genres
- Website or blog
- Average engagement
- Examples of previous book content
Be honest about your audience size and reading preferences. Publishers are trying to match books with the right readers, so it does not help anyone if you claim to love historical fiction when you only want psychological thrillers.
Search the Publisher’s Website
Some publishers do not include their influencer application in their social media bio.
In that case, visit the publisher’s website.
Look for pages or links related to:
- Influencers
- Media inquiries
- Publicity
- Book reviewers
- Bloggers
- Review copy requests
- Contact information
- Ambassador programs
The application may be buried in the website footer, media section, or contact page, so you may need to do some digging.
You can also search the publisher’s name along with phrases such as:
- “[Publisher name] influencer program”
- “[Publisher name] book reviewer application”
- “[Publisher name] ARC request”
- “[Publisher name] blogger program”
- “[Publisher name] review copies”
Not every publisher has an open application at all times. Some only accept new creators during specific enrollment periods, while others manage their lists throughout the year.
Make It Easy for Publishers to Evaluate Your Account
Before applying to publisher programs, make sure your profile is easy to understand.
Your bio should clearly communicate that you create book-related content. You may also want to mention your favorite genres or the types of books you typically feature.
Your page does not need to look perfectly curated. It does need to show that you are active, consistent, and genuinely interested in reading.
Pinning a few of your strongest posts can also help. Choose content that shows your personality, recommendation style, video presence, photography, or ability to create conversation around a book.
Publishers should not have to scroll through 40 unrelated posts to discover that you occasionally read.
What Should You Post When You Receive Free Books?
Receiving a free book does not automatically mean you are required to post about it, unless you agreed to specific deliverables beforehand.
However, posting about the books you receive can help you build stronger relationships with publishers and increase your chances of receiving future book mail.
When a book arrives, you could create:
- A book mail unboxing
- A photo of the package
- A Reel or TikTok showing the book
- A first-impressions post
- A story tagging the publisher and author
- A review after you finish reading
- A themed recommendation list that includes the book
- A publication-day post
Always follow any disclosure requirements that apply to gifted products. Clearly state when a book was gifted or provided by a publisher.
You should also be honest in your reviews. Receiving a free book does not require you to pretend that you loved it.
Use NetGalley to Find Digital ARCs
Another resource worth knowing about is NetGalley.
NetGalley is a platform that connects publishers and authors with readers, reviewers, librarians, booksellers, educators, and media professionals.
Publishers use it to distribute digital advance reader copies.
If you read on a Kindle or another e-reader, NetGalley can give you access to a massive catalog of upcoming books without waiting for physical copies to arrive in the mail.
Personally, I cannot deal with the NetGalley website.
It feels like it has not been updated since 2009, and I almost always delete the emails because they make you click through multiple links just to read the actual information. The information is never really in the email.
Still, plenty of readers love NetGalley, and the platform works.
If you want digital ARCs and do not mind navigating the website, it is absolutely worth creating an account.
How to Improve Your Chances on NetGalley
When using NetGalley, avoid requesting every book that looks remotely interesting.
Publishers can see your feedback ratio, which compares the number of books you have received with the number of reviews or feedback submissions you have completed.
Request books you realistically plan to read and review.
A strong profile should include:
- Your social media links
- Your blog or website, when applicable
- Your favorite genres
- Your audience information
- Where you publish reviews
- Your reviewing style
- Relevant professional experience
The more complete your profile is, the easier it is for publishers to decide whether you are a good fit for a particular title.
Be Patient and Keep Posting
You may not receive free books immediately after applying.
Some publishers send books based on specific campaigns. Others maintain seasonal lists or choose creators title by title. You may also be added to email lists where you can request books as opportunities become available.
Keep posting while you wait.
Your content should not depend on whether a publisher sends you something. The strongest Bookstagram, BookTok, and BookTube accounts are built by people who would be talking about books anyway.
Consistency gives publishers more information about your style and audience. It also helps you become a stronger creator, whether you receive five free books or 500.
You Can Build a Home Library Through Bookstagram
I now have more books than I can realistically read.
I have an entire home library built largely through years of posting about books online. I still buy plenty of books, of course, because apparently receiving free books does nothing to stop a reader from buying more.
But I also receive brand-new releases, special publisher mailers, finished copies, and books that have not yet reached store shelves.
It all started because I began posting about something I already loved.
You do not need a huge following. You do not need professional photography equipment. You do not need to wait until your account looks perfect.
Start talking about books. Follow publishers and their imprints. Apply to influencer programs. Create a NetGalley account if digital ARCs appeal to you.
Then keep reading, posting, and building genuine relationships within the book community.
Your future out-of-control home library will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Free Books From Publishers
How many followers do you need to get free books from publishers?
There is no universal minimum follower requirement. Some publisher programs work with micro-influencers and smaller book accounts. Consistent content, a clear niche, and an engaged audience may matter more than a large follower count.
What is an ARC?
ARC stands for advance reader copy. It is an early version of a book distributed before publication to generate reviews, media coverage, bookseller interest, and social media buzz.
Do you have to review every free book you receive?
That depends on the arrangement. Some books are sent with no guaranteed coverage, while certain campaigns require agreed-upon posts or reviews. Clarify expectations before accepting a formal collaboration.
Can you get free books without Instagram?
Yes. Publishers may work with creators on TikTok, YouTube, blogs, podcasts, Goodreads, newsletters, and other platforms. Choose the platform where you can post consistently and connect with readers.
Do publishers pay book influencers?
Some publisher campaigns are paid, particularly when they require specific deliverables, usage rights, or a guaranteed posting schedule. However, many book mail programs provide gifted books rather than monetary compensation.
Is NetGalley free?
NetGalley is free for readers and reviewers. You can create a profile, request digital review copies, and submit feedback to publishers.
Can you sell ARCs?
No. Advance reader copies are generally marked as not for sale. If you no longer want an ARC, consider passing it along to another reader when permitted or responsibly recycling it.
Where should beginners start?
Start by posting consistently about books you already own or borrow. Then follow publishers and imprints that release books in your favorite genres, search for their influencer programs, and create a detailed NetGalley profile.
