Bookstagram Influencer Programs to Join for Free Books

Last Updated on March 17, 2024 by Taylor

If you’re a bookstagrammer, you may know that you can request ARC books (both physical and digital) and finished copies directly from publishers – typically via email – in exchange for a review. But did you know a lot of publishers have their own Bookstagram influencer programs that make it a whole lot easier to get advanced reader copies?

I’ve been on Bookstagram for over 5 years, so I wanted to share all the bookish influencer programs I’ve found since joining Bookstagram (to save you time)!

But first: if you haven’t heard of Bookstagram, take a look at my post about How to Start a Bookstagram (& what it is!). Basically, it’s a community/niche within Instagram where book lovers post photos about books, review them, discuss them, obsess over them…you get the gist. 🙂

Publisher Influencer Programs for Bookstagrammers

When it comes to Bookstagram influencer programs, they’re all different. Some require you to apply to join their program (by sharing a little information about yourself and your social platforms), and some offer up books on an individual request basis.

Publishers are often separated into multiple imprints, with each imprint publishing different types of books. (For example, Viking is an imprint of Penguin Random House.) Some imprints have their own influencer program, while other imprints are combined into one larger program.

Most of the time, once you’re accepted into a program, the publisher will send out an email each month (or each quarter) with a list of all the ARC books/finished copies of books that are available to request. Usually, these are books that are yet to be released/published.

Then, you just fill out a form with which books you want to request, and that’s it! You may not get all the books you request, but it’s much easier than having to send an individual email for each book you’re interested in.

Some programs require you to have a certain number of followers on Instagram, while others are more interested in how much engagement you get. Either way, it doesn’t hurt to apply and see what happens!

Please keep in mind: this information is subject to change at any time. I’ve done my best to make sure it’s accurate at the time of writing this, and I’ll do my best to update it with changes, but of course some things can get missed. And now, onto the list!

Related post: ARC Books: How to Get Advanced Reader Copies from Publishers

Penguin Random House

Random House Influencer Program: sends a newsletter once a month for requesting titles through a request form. This program includes multiple imprints, including Ballantine, Bantam, Delacorte, Del Rey, and more.

Viking/Penguin Books/Penguin Classics: this influencer program is currently under construction (as of March 2024), but you can visit the linked page for more information about requesting their titles.

Riverhead Books: this page gets updated every 1-2 months with new titles you can request on an individual basis.

KDPG Influencer Newsletter (Knopf/Doubleday/Pantheon/Vintage/Anchor/Schocken imprints): sends a newsletter periodically with upcoming books you can request. As of 2023, these imprints have been absorbed into the Random House Influencer Database above, but you will get a separate email for these imprints.

Berkley: this program usually only opens for applications 1-2 times per year. Keep an eye on Berkley’s Instagram page, where they should announce when the program is open and how to apply.

Penguin Random House Audio: Do you love audiobooks? This program was specifically created for requesting ALCs (advanced listeners copies) from Penguin Random House. If accepted, you’ll get access to the PRH Audio app. Each month, they’ll send an email with information on that month’s list of available ALCs to download. You will also be able to request up to 15 additional audiobooks each month that aren’t on these lists.

HarperCollins

Harper Books: apply to be added to their influencer newsletter email list. They usually send a newsletter every quarter or so with a request form for upcoming releases.

William Morrow Books: As of late 2023, this program is not currently active. But it may come back, so be sure to follow William Morrow on Instagram!

HarperKids/Epic Reads: check out this Google doc with helpful information about this influencer program. Scroll all the way to the bottom for information on how to join the program.

Macmillan

Macmillan Influencer Program: you can fill out this form to be added to the Macmillan influencer database. (2024 update: this program is not currently open, but may open again in the future.)

Tor/Forge: to be added to the database, send an email to the Tor publicity email (listed on the Macmillan page above) and ask to be added to their digital seasonal catalog email list. They send an email every quarter (sometimes more often) with information on upcoming titles and a book request form.

Henry Holt: fill out this form to subscribe to their influencer newsletter. They send monthly emails with books you can request for review.

St. Martin’s Press/Wednesday Books/Minotaur: apply to join the SMPG Influencer Outreach program. They send emails periodically with information on upcoming releases and an ARC request form.

Celadon Books: apply to be added to their database, from which influencers are chosen to receive ARCs (advanced reader copies) based on their preferences.

Simon & Schuster

Scribner Books: fill out the form to apply to the Scribner influencer program. They send seasonal newsletters with books you can request for review.

Atria Books: Atria’s influencer program only opens a few times per year. They will share on social media when applications are open (especially Instagram), so be sure to follow their accounts!

Gallery Books: like Atria, the Gallery Books influencer program only opens a few times per year. They will share on social media when applications are open, so be sure to follow their accounts!

Hachette Book Group

Grand Central Publishing: apply to join the program and receive periodic emails with a request form for upcoming titles.

Forever Publishing: subscribe to their quarterly newsletter, which includes a form you can fill out to request upcoming titles.

That’s all I have for now. If you don’t see your favorite publisher or imprint on this list, be sure to follow along with their social media channels. They’ll often share about their influencer programs on Instagram!

I hope you find this list of Bookstagram influencer programs helpful. Feel free to let me know if I’m missing any. 🙂 Enjoy your reading and reviewing!

More about Bookstagram here:

• Book Influencer: What It Means (& 7 Different Types)
• Bookstagram Props & Background Ideas for Book Photos
• How to Start a Bookstagram (#Bookstagram)
• Bookstagram Terms & Lingo You Need to Know
• 30+ Bookstagram Post Ideas & Photo Inspiration
• Bookstagram Bio Ideas (to Make Your Profile Stand Out!)

You might also be interested in my Bookstagram Ultimate Guide or Bookstagram Planner & Hashtag Flipbook. Happy Bookstagramming!