Definition

Noun: A complimentary copy of a newly published book, sent by the publisher to a critic, journalist, or publication for the purpose of evaluation and generating a published review.

Usage

A "review copy" is provided free of charge with the expectation that the recipient will read it and write an assessment for a newspaper, magazine, website, or broadcast outlet. It is a standard promotional tool in the publishing industry.

Examples

• The literary editor received a review copy of the novel three months before its public release.
• Bloggers with a large following often get sent review copies by publishers.
• She wrote a critical analysis based on the review copy provided by the author's publicist.

Advanced Usage

• "To receive a book on review copy": A phrase describing the act of getting a book for review purposes.
  • Several academics received the new textbook on review copy.
• The concept can extend to other media, such as advance review copies (ARCs) of films, music, or software, though "review copy" is most strongly associated with books.

Variants and Related Words

• Advance Reading Copy (ARC) / Advance Review Copy: A special, often unfinished, version of a book printed specifically for reviewers prior to the final publication.
• Proof Copy / Galley Proof: An early, pre-publication version sent for review and correction; often used interchangeably with ARC in a review context.
• Complimentary Copy / Comp Copy: A broader term for any free copy given out, which may include but is not limited to review copies.

Synonyms

• Press copy
• Reviewer's copy
• Evaluation copy

Related Idioms/Phrases

• "For review purposes": A phrase commonly stamped on or accompanying a review copy to indicate its intended use.
  • The book was marked "For review purposes only, not for resale."

Noun

1. a copy of a newly published book that is sent for review to a writer or periodical