A "Dead Drop" for ARC Readers
Congrats. You made the cut! If you're reading this, it's because youāve officially registered to get an Advance Reader Copy ("ARC") of my debut novel, A Spy Forged. Iām so happy you're here with me on this crazy journey. This is my first novel-length book, and I am trying to relish the moment!
On this page is a FAQ, a Timeline, and Important Links, so you may want to bookmark this page for future reference: www.rosspruden.com/arc-ss01/
A Spy Forged began with a single imageāa fight to the death inside a ship falling into the event horizon of a supermassive black hole. I didnāt know who was fighting or why, or much of anything at all. Over the course of 3+ years, I spun that simple premise into a novel of espionage set 900 years into our future with an empire at war.
To really give my little novel the best possible chances of doing well on Launch Day, I need honest reviews on Amazonā¦ and thatās where you come in!
F.A.Q.
When will the novel be ready to read?
Late-September. I'm still editing it!
How long is it?
About 90,000 words.
I'm an ARC reader. What happens now?
Youāll soon get an email from ross@rosspruden.com with a link to download a digital version of A Spy Forged. Once you read the novel, I pray it is good enough that you feel inspired to leave a review on Amazon on Launch Day (Sunday, October 18, 2026).
Why are Amazon reviews so important on the first day/week/month?
Reviews will push my book up the ranks on Amazon. With a high rank on Launch Day, Amazon will start promoting my book so more people will buy it! Early reviews matter a great deal to Amazon.
Can I help by buying a copy on day 1?
Yes and noāyou can help first by leaving an honest review. The FTC has strict rules around it: I canāt send ARCs in exchange for reviews, nor can I ask for great reviews. So just be honest! :) If you still feel inspired to buy your own eBook on day one, Iāll let you in on a secretā¦ the eBook will be free on Launch Day! No need to buy it at all.
Should I buy a copy through Amazon on Launch Day?
If you have books in the Amazon ecosystem, definitely! Buying a free copy for your Kindle will only help my book's ranking.
I want a paperback. Will you sell one on Amazon?
Yes! eBooks and paperbacks will both be available on launch day. eBooks will be free, but paperbacks will not be free.
I want an audiobook. Will you sell one on Amazon?
Not yet. That will come later this year, probably in December. And yeah, I will be narrating it myself! Woo hoo!
I want an hardcover. Will you sell one on Amazon?
Probably. We'll see.
Can I buy your book anywhere other than on Amazon?
Yes... but not on Launch Day. One day soon, I will be offering ebooks, paperbacks, and audiobooks right here on this web site.
Help, Iām a slow reader! I won't be able to post a review on Launch Day!
Not a big deal. If I can get 10 reviews in the first 3 days, Iāll be pretty happy!
I know other possible ARC readers. Can I ask them?
Yes, please! Just be awareāthis is not a kid's book. It has plenty of violence, and there is a brutal murder in the first act. Ye hath been warned! Here's the ARC reader application link: https://forms.gle/Pbe2PpRCDrKmAXRd8
Do you write about publishing this book on your blog?
Yes! My newsletter is 100% freeājust click the āSubscribeā button on the top right of this page.
TIMELINE
- Mid- to Late-September: email from me with the ARC download link instructions
- Launch Day: Sunday, October 18, 2026 - Leave an honest review, if you feel so inspired!
IMPORTANT LINKS
- ARC Reader Application: https://forms.gle/Pbe2PpRCDrKmAXRd8
- Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0FX67K83G
- Master bookstore Link: https://books2read.com/sapient1