Our vetted VIPs receive advanced reader copies (ARCs) of upcoming books in exchange for honest online reviews. This helps us build early buzz and credibility for our publications.
Whether you’re an influencer, educator, bookseller, or an avid reader with a Goodreads account, we invite you to learn more below and apply to join our VIP list.
Review Requirements
VIPs who join a book’s ARC team must leave at least one valid review type that meets the minimum length requirement. The review(s) must also include an articulated opinion (not just a star rating or summary).
Valid Review Criteria
| Valid Review Type | Minimum Length Requirement |
| YouTube Video* | 1+ minute |
| Goodreads Review | 5+ sentences |
| Instagram Post | 5+ sentences |
| Instagram Reel | 1+ minute |
| TikTok Video | 30+ seconds |
| Blog Post* | 5+ sentences |
| Podcast Episode* | 1+ minute |
Honesty Policy
We value the genuine feedback of our VIPs, positive or negative. All we ask is that VIPs avoid critiquing our authors on the grounds of political views, religion, ethnicity, or any other personal attributes.
While not required, we recommend that our VIPs include a disclaimer in their reviews, such as:
I received a free copy from Lost Island Press in exchange for an honest review.
Voluntary Amazon Reviews
Amazon’s Community Guidelines prohibit us from providing free ebooks in exchange for reviews—even honest ones. Therefore, reviewing ARCs on Amazon is not required of our VIPs. However, when VIPs choose to leave a review voluntarily, it is greatly appreciated.
When we launch a book, our team will invite VIPs on the ARC team via email to copy and paste their reviews to Amazon. VIPs should be mindful of Amazon’s guidelines, as phrases like “in exchange for” may cause the review to be rejected. Instead, we recommend replacing the original disclaimer with the following:
I received a free copy from Lost Island Press, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Verification Process
Once an ARC review is posted, VIPs must send a link or screenshot to vip@lostislandpress.com. This helps us track feedback and thank readers directly.
If a VIP does not verify their review, our team will assume that no review was posted, which may affect the reader’s VIP status.
Leading up to a book’s review deadline, reminder emails will be sent to VIPs on the ARC team who have yet to verify a review.