How to Get ARC Readers When You Have 200 Instagram Followers (and Zero Shame)

The Follower Count Trap

Picture this: you post your ARC call on Instagram. You get 12 likes, 2 comments from friends, and crickets.

This is not a you problem. This is a distribution problem.

The fix isn't to grow your following before you launch. (Cool plan, very realistic, see you in 3 years.) The fix is to go where romance readers already are.

Where Romance ARC Readers Actually Hang Out

Romance readers are not a passive audience. They seek books out. They join ARC programs, apply to review lists, and hunt for their next read like it's a competitive sport. You just need to show up in the right places.

A few spots worth knowing:

Romance-specific ARC platforms — These exist specifically to connect indie romance authors with readers who are already opted in and looking for ARCs. Unlike general platforms (hi, NetGalley), every single reader on a romance-only platform is there for romance. Your spicy enemies-to-lovers isn't competing with a WWII memoir for eyeballs.

Subreddits — r/romancebooks, r/ARCReaders, and niche genre subs are full of readers actively looking for new books. Links work here. People are genuinely helpful. It's delightfully old internet.

Threads and BookTok — The romance community on Threads especially is wildly engaged. Post your tropes. Use the hashtags. The readers will find you.

Facebook groups — Old faithful. Romance reader groups on Facebook have massive reach and members who check in daily. Most allow ARC posts if you follow the group rules.

What Actually Gets Readers to Apply

Here's a little secret: romance readers don't apply because you have a big platform. They apply because your book sounds irresistible.

That means your ARC call needs:

Tropes, not plot summaries. "Enemies to lovers with forced proximity and a grumpy sunshine dynamic" will outperform a three-paragraph synopsis every time. Readers know what they like. Give them the shorthand.

A cover that does its job. Readers make snap decisions. A cover that signals the right genre and heat level does more work than any caption.

A clear ask. Tell people exactly what you want (read the eARC, leave a review on release day) and make signing up easy. A Google Form works. A dedicated platform works better. A 14-step process involving a DM, an email, and a blood oath does not work.

Heat level honesty. Closed door? Spicy? Open door? Five chilis? Say it upfront. Readers have preferences and they will trust you more for being clear.

Learn more about Spice level on Pen Pinery.

The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything

Stop thinking of ARC readers as a favor you're asking for.

Romance readers want early access to books. Being on an ARC team is exciting for them. You're not begging — you're offering something genuinely cool to people who will genuinely love it.

You just have to show up.

A Note on Romance-Only Platforms

If you haven't looked into romance-specific ARC platforms, it's worth five minutes of your time. The pitch is simple: instead of listing your book on a general site where it's surrounded by thrillers and business books, you put it in front of readers who signed up specifically because they love romance.

Pen Pinery is one option — it's built for indie romance authors, flat-rate pricing, no per-reader fees, and 600+ active romance readers looking for ARCs across every subgenre. Worth a look if you're tired of shouting into the Instagram void.

TL;DR

You don't need a huge following to find great ARC readers. You need to go where romance readers already are, lead with your tropes, and make it easy to sign up. The readers are out there. They're looking for you too.

Now go post those tropes.