You meant to finish before release day. Really, you did. But then work got wild, your kid got sick, or your brain just didn’t cooperate. Now the book is out and your ARC review is still sitting in drafts—or worse, in your head.

So… is it too late to post it?

Short answer: Nope. It’s absolutely still worth posting.

Late Reviews Are Still Valuable

Here’s what authors, publishers, and the almighty algorithms care about: consistent visibility. That doesn’t stop on release day—in fact, it’s just getting started. Reviews posted a few days, weeks, or even months after release still help boost discoverability and reader confidence.

Your review is another data point. Another voice. Another nudge that tells platforms, “People are talking about this book.” That matters whether it’s pre-release, day-of, or long after launch.

How to Handle a Late ARC Review

1. Don’t Apologize Excessively
It’s okay to acknowledge the delay briefly, but don’t write a paragraph of guilt. A quick line like “I didn’t get to this before release, but I’m so glad I finally did” is more than enough. The focus should be on the book, not your delay.

2. Post Anyway—Wherever You Can
Even if you’re late, you can still post across multiple platforms:

• Goodreads

• Amazon (once it’s live)

• StoryGraph

• TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, or your blog

• Email newsletters or Discord groups if you have them

Each review—no matter when it appears—adds credibility and reach.

3. Be Honest, Not Embarrassed
There’s no need to over-explain. Your review is still welcome. Try something like:
“I had this on my ARC list and finally got to it post-release—worth the wait!”
or
“A delayed read, but a memorable one. Here’s my full review…”

Authors aren’t keeping a spreadsheet of shame. If anything, they’ll be grateful you’re still supporting their book long-term.

What If You’re Really Late?

Let’s say it’s been a few months. Is it still okay? Yes—especially if you read the ARC version. Just note it somewhere in your review:
“I received an early copy of this book but didn’t get around to reading it until now.”

This helps authors and readers understand your timeline and whether your feedback reflects the final edition (some ARCs go through changes pre-publication).

And if you never finished the ARC but bought the final version? Even better! You still supported the author and followed through. That’s a win.

FAQ

Q: How late is too late to post an ARC review?
A: There’s no hard cutoff. While authors love early buzz, later reviews still matter for long-term visibility and credibility. Post when you can.

Q: Should I still tag the author or team in a late review?
A: If your relationship is ongoing or they’ve previously interacted with you, yes—it’s okay to tag them with a kind note. Otherwise, you can skip tagging and just focus on boosting the book.

Q: Will I get removed from future ARC lists for being late?
A: Not automatically. It depends on how you communicate. Letting the author or coordinator know you’re running behind—but still plan to review—goes a long way.

ARC Dive is all about keeping things honest. You’re a reader, not a machine. A late review is still a review. And if you’re sharing thoughtful feedback—even after the buzz has died down—it still matters.

Have a burning question about ARCs—whether you’re an author or a reader? Drop it in the comments, and it might just become a future ARC Dive post. Let's keep the conversation honest, helpful, and pressure-free.