Do the Guides prohibit bloggers from accepting ARCs/galleys/review copies of books or other media, or participating in blog tours?
No. However, if the publisher has given the blogger a copy of a book, etc., that they can keep in expectation that the blogger will provide a review, that fact should be disclosed. For the purposes of the Guides, the fact that a review copy is an unedited advanced review copy (“ARC”) is not relevant.The Guides do not provide clear guidance as to when a copy is provided in exchange for a review. Remember that the FTC’s primary focus is on preventing unfair and deceptive advertising, and so the agency will concentrate on distribution of free copies by publishers or advertisers where a review is clearly expected (even if the book was not solicited by the blogger, and even if the publisher states that the blogger is not required to review the book). However, publishers also distribute books for free in situations where no review is solicited or even expected; for example, at library conferences publishers may give away galleys, not for the purpose of obtaining reviews, but in order to enco
