# Hidden Gems Books

Hidden Gems Books is an ARC service for authors that sends review copies to genre-matched volunteer readers and bills per reader who signs up.

- Canonical page: https://kdp123.com/t/hidden-gems-books/
- Official site: https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com
- Categories: Reviews & ARC, Ads & Promotion
- Price: From $20 (A $20 non-refundable deposit holds the date and covers the first 1-10 readers; additional readers are $3 each, up to a $400 MAX. You are billed only for readers who actually sign up (minimum order 50).)
- Platforms: web
- Outputs KDP-ready files: No
- Touches your KDP account: No
- Official Amazon product: No
- Last checked: 2026-11-09

## Summary

Hidden Gems schedules an ARC date, shows your book's details to readers in its genre lists, and sends the book to those who reserve a copy; it reports an average review rate above 80% but guarantees neither the number of reviews nor the rating, and says such guarantees would break Amazon's rules. Amazon allows free copies as long as a review is not required and not influenced. Popular genres book up months ahead, and it also sells free and $0.99 newsletter promos.

## Pros

- Billed only for readers who actually reserve the book
- States plainly that it guarantees no review counts or ratings

## Cons

- Deposit is non-refundable, and dates fill months in advance
- Per-reader cost adds up for large orders

## Alternatives

- [Booksprout](https://kdp123.com/t/booksprout/)
- [BookSirens](https://kdp123.com/t/booksirens/)
- [NetGalley](https://kdp123.com/t/netgalley/)
- [StoryOrigin](https://kdp123.com/t/storyorigin/)

## Sources

- https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/arc-faq/
- https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/arc-program/
- https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G202101910