ARC Terms and Conditions
These terms explain how complimentary ebook advance reader copies (ARCs) supplied by T. J. Hassall are provided and may be used.
They apply to both public ARC applications and invitations offered to existing readers.
Please read these terms before accepting an ARC. Accepting a copy means agreeing to the access and copyright conditions below. Publishing a review remains entirely voluntary.
Last updated: 22nd October 2026
Eligibility
The ARC programme is intended for readers aged eighteen or over. By applying for or accepting an ARC, you confirm that you meet this requirement.
When public applications are open, readers from around the world are welcome to apply, provided they are comfortable reading in English.
Individual campaigns may have additional eligibility requirements, which will be explained before an ARC is offered.
Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance. Places are limited, applications are reviewed individually, and I reserve the right to decline an application without providing a detailed explanation.
Purpose of an ARC
An ARC is a complimentary ebook offered to selected readers before publication.
The programme is intended for readers who are interested in reading early and may wish to share their thoughts publicly afterwards.
Honest reviews are always appreciated, but no recipient is required to publish a review, rating or promotional post. There is never an expectation of a positive review or particular rating.
ARC participation is voluntary and does not constitute employment or a request for professional services. Recipients are not expected to provide editing, proofreading, beta-reading, marketing or promotional work.
Because places are limited, I may prioritise applicants who already enjoy sharing public book reviews. Selection does not, however, create an obligation to review the book.
Personal and Non-transferable Access
An ARC is provided exclusively for the personal use of the reader whose application or invitation was accepted.
ARC files, download links and access codes must not be shared, lent, sold, forwarded, published or redistributed to another person.
Anybody else interested in the book is welcome to obtain a published copy or look out for future ARC opportunities.
All copyright and other intellectual-property rights remain with T. J. Hassall and any other relevant rights holders.
Receiving an ARC does not transfer ownership of those rights or grant permission to reproduce or distribute the work beyond its authorised delivery and personal-reading arrangements.
Uploading and Third-party Services
Ebook ARCs are delivered through BookFunnel and may be downloaded or transferred to the accepted recipient’s personal reading devices using BookFunnel’s supported delivery methods.
This includes compatible ereaders, reading applications and any normal synchronisation required for personal reading.
Outside these arrangements, ARC files and unpublished content must not be uploaded, shared or distributed through file-sharing websites, shared cloud folders, online libraries or other unauthorised services.
No ARC text, chapter, extract, screenshot or supplementary material may be submitted to an AI system or automated content-analysis service for summarising, rewriting, translation, analysis, training, content generation or any other purpose.
Normal personal-reading functions, including bookmarks, highlighting, private notes and accessibility features, are permitted.
The restrictions above do not prevent the use of brief quotations in reviews, as explained below.
Reviews and Disclosure
Any review, rating or public post must reflect the recipient’s genuine experience and opinions.
There is no requirement to publish a review, provide a particular rating or write anything positive.
If a recipient chooses to publish a review, they must clearly disclose that they received a complimentary advance copy. This disclosure should be easy for readers to see and understand.
For example:
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Recipients are responsible for following the disclosure requirements of the platforms they use and any applicable rules in their own country.
Quotations, Screenshots and Audio
Short quotations or screenshots may be included in reviews where their use is reasonable, relevant to the review and properly credited to the book and T. J. Hassall.
Complete chapters, substantial extracts and unpublished supplementary materials must not be reproduced, uploaded or distributed without permission.
Please avoid tagging T. J. Hassall or the narrators directly in negative reviews or critical posts. Readers are welcome to discuss their opinions independently without involving the author or performers.
Harassment, threats, deliberately fabricated quotations, copyright infringement, unauthorised distribution of ARC material or other breaches of platform rules may be reported to the relevant service.
Honest criticism, including negative reviews, is not considered misuse of an ARC.
Download and Review Dates
Accepted readers will receive their ARC access details and any relevant dates by email.
Unless otherwise stated, ebook ARCs should be downloaded through BookFunnel within four weeks of receiving the delivery link.
Individual campaigns may also have a suggested review date, usually planned around the book’s release. Reviews remain voluntary, and this date does not create an obligation to publish one.
I understand that health, family, work and other commitments can affect reading plans. If you need more time, please feel free to contact me. I’ll do my best to accommodate reasonable requests where possible.
Unable to Finish or Withdrawing
ARC participation is entirely voluntary. Nobody is required to continue reading a book they no longer enjoy or are unable to finish.
If circumstances change or the book isn’t suitable, you’re welcome to let me know. I understand that plans don’t always work out.
Readers are not expected to review a book they haven’t finished.
When allocating limited places in future campaigns, I may take previous participation into account, particularly where earlier ARC invitations went unused.
Deciding not to publish a review, or sharing an honest negative review, will not be treated as misuse of the programme.
Misuse of an ARC
Unauthorised sharing, redistribution, publication or uploading of ARC files or unpublished content is a breach of these terms.
If misuse occurs, I reserve the right to revoke access where technically possible, end the recipient’s participation in the current campaign and decline future ARC applications.
Serious misuse, including piracy, unauthorised distribution or prohibited uploading of ARC material to external services, may be reported to the relevant platform, distributor or service provider.
These measures concern unauthorised use of the material. They do not apply to honest criticism, negative reviews or a recipient’s decision not to publish a review.
Future ARC Opportunities
The Chronicles of Elisar is a sequential series. Readers applying for later-book ARCs must have completed the earlier books or parts required to understand that release.
These earlier instalments do not need to have been received through the ARC programme. Purchased copies, borrowed books, Kindle Unlimited editions and independently obtained audiobooks all count.
Some future opportunities may be offered to returning ARC readers, while others may have public application rounds.
Acceptance into one ARC campaign does not guarantee acceptance into another. Places remain limited, and eligibility may vary between releases.
Personal Information
Personal information provided through ARC applications or invitations is used to assess eligibility, manage ARC campaigns, deliver accepted ebook copies and communicate with participants.
ARC applications may be collected through Google Forms, while accepted copies are delivered through BookFunnel.
Where a reader has agreed to hear about a later part or volume, I may retain the contact information needed for that purpose. Participation in one ARC campaign does not automatically enrol anyone in another campaign or an unrelated marketing list.
ARC application records are normally deleted within three months after the relevant campaign ends, unless the reader has agreed to future contact or there is another legitimate reason to retain information for longer.
Further information about how personal details are collected, used, stored and protected is available in my Privacy Notice.
Changes to These Terms
These terms may be updated to reflect changes to the ARC programme, delivery methods or applicable legal requirements.
The latest version will be available on this website, together with its most recent update date.
For an individual ARC campaign, the terms provided when the recipient accepts their copy will apply. Any significant changes affecting an ongoing campaign will be communicated to participants where appropriate.