The Historical Fiction Website of Paul Jariabek | Historical Fiction

Cover of Sic Parvis Magna, a historical-fiction novel by Paul Jariabek.

Advance reader application

Read Sic Parvis Magna Before Publication

Apply to be considered for a digital advance copy of Paul Jariabek's historical-fiction novel of young Francis Drake.

There will be up to 100 historical-fiction readers in this ARC campaign.

Applications are not open yet.

Read the story before publication

As I prepare to release my historical fiction novel Sic Parvis Magna on Amazon, I am inviting you to apply to be a part of my Advance Reader Program. This campaign will have up to 100 places.

Readers are not selected on a first-come, first-served basis; I will select readers who are genuinely interested in this story.

Selected readers will receive a digital advance reader copy (ARC) in English before publication. Honest reviews on Amazon are appreciated but not required.

Is Sic Parvis Magna a fit for you?

Sic Parvis Magna is an approximately 90,000-word historical fiction novel that follows the early years of Francis Drake. Drawing on Drake’s life, I wrote the kind of story I would enjoy reading: a character-driven adventure grounded in history. I aim to immerse you, my dear reader, in the events as they unfold.

In 1548, religious turmoil drives Francis’s family from home. An apprenticeship aboard the merchantman Tiger offers him a future at sea, but it also draws him into storms, privateers, and the hard lessons of growing up.

I invite you to read the opening two chapters to see whether the story is for you.

You may enjoy this book if you are drawn to Tudor or Elizabethan history, maritime adventure, coming-of-age journeys, or historical figures such as the young Francis Drake.

What participation involves

Applications will open shortly.

I ask you to complete a short questionnaire about your reading interests and preferred digital format: EPUB or PDF. EPUB is a widely used ebook format. Kindle readers can add EPUB files to their libraries through Amazon’s Send to Kindle service.

After submitting the form, you will need to confirm your email address to complete your application. Selected readers will receive a digital ARC and the campaign schedule.

I invite you to share your honest thoughts about the book on Amazon or wherever you discuss books. Reviews are entirely optional and are not a condition of receiving an ARC.

If you choose to leave a review, please mention that you received a free copy of the book from me.

How I select readers

You do not need a public platform or a social media following. Neither a review nor a positive opinion of the book is required. I will select up to 100 readers based on their questionnaire responses.

Apply to become an advance reader

When applications open, you can apply here. All fields are required:

Thank you for your consideration.

Frequently asked questions

What is an ARC?

An ARC is an advance reader copy. It is the full novel, shared with selected readers before publication. I hope you will leave an honest review on Amazon, but a review is not required. My editing team is still proofreading the book, so the ARC may contain a few errors or typos.

I chose to run my own ARC program so I can build lasting relationships with my readers.

If you apply and are selected, you will receive a copy of the book and a few email reminders about the reading deadline and the option to leave a review.

I welcome feedback, but you are not being asked to edit the book.

Which formats will be available?

The application will ask you to choose between EPUB and PDF. Selected readers will receive a link to download their copy of the book.

Does applying guarantee me a place?

No. Applications help me select up to 100 readers. Confirming your email address completes your application; it does not guarantee a place. I will let you know whether you have been selected.

Unless you unsubscribe, I will keep a record of your interest for future book releases. You are welcome to unsubscribe at any time.

How long will applications remain open?

Applications will close on the date posted here or once 100 readers have been selected, whichever comes first. I will set the closing date in relation to the reading deadline and announce it when applications open.

Why is there a reading deadline, and when is it?

The reading deadline helps coordinate the program with the book’s launch. I hope readers who choose to post an Amazon review will be ready to do so around publication.

Once the campaign dates are confirmed, the deadline will appear here so you can check it before applying.

Why is the number of readers limited?

Limiting the group to 100 readers helps me keep the ARC program manageable, and I want to give the program the attention it needs alongside the other work involved in launching the book.

Must I post a review?

No. I hope you will choose to leave an honest review on Amazon, but the decision is yours. You can expect two or three reminder emails close to the launch date.

Other feedback is also welcome and entirely optional.

Can I participate if I prefer Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, or another platform?

Yes. You do not need to be a Kindle customer to be selected. This ARC program offers digital copies only.

The ebook will launch on Amazon through KDP Select, which requires digital exclusivity during each 90-day enrollment period. I may release print editions later. Ebook releases on other platforms may follow once KDP Select exclusivity ends.

Please indicate your reading preferences when you apply.

What language is the ARC offered in?

The ARC of Sic Parvis Magna will be available in English for this launch.

Is there a cost to participate, or will I have to buy anything?

No. Selected readers will receive the digital ARC of Sic Parvis Magna free of charge, with no purchase required. I hope you will choose to leave an honest Amazon review, but there is no obligation to do so.

Will I receive payment or rewards for participating or leaving a review?

No. Apart from the free ebook, there is no payment or reward for participating in the ARC program or leaving a review. Participation is entirely voluntary.

If you apply, I will retain your name and email address in my mailing list platform unless you ask me to remove your data. You can unsubscribe at any time without penalty.

I also use this mailing list to share occasional promotions, sweepstakes, and giveaways. You will receive those announcements in the same way as other readers and are welcome to enter. Participating in the ARC program will not give you extra entries or improve your chances of winning.

Only readers who have applied to the ARC program will be considered for this or future ARC campaigns. Entering a sweepstakes or giveaway, or expressing a general interest in my work, does not enroll you in the ARC program. You must apply to the ARC program separately to be considered.

What happens to my information?

I do not sell your personal information. Period.

Unless you unsubscribe, I will retain your contact information and a record of your application for the Sic Parvis Magna ARC in my mailing list platform. I will not retain the selection decision after this campaign ends. Whether you are selected for this campaign will not influence my selection decisions for future ARC campaigns.

Please read the site’s Privacy Policy for more information. You may withdraw your application at any time or ask a question here:

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