The gem levels used by our ARC program are a way to give our most active reviewers the best chance at reserving a copy of the books they want most, but unless your gem is Cracked, there will always be copies of each book available to all gem levels. And in cases where the author allows us to give out unlimited copies, then there are no gem level restrictions at all.
How are gem levels calculated?
The Hidden Gems ARC program is a program specifically for readers that love to read books and write reviews. Your gem level is designed to reflect how closely you match those criteria, and is calculated on a variety of different factors.
For a number of reasons we do not provide the exact formula we use to make this calculation, but the main factor that goes into it is how reliably you are filling out your reader forms and leaving reviews, since that is the main point of the program.
There are no quotas or requirements on how many books you need to read or how quickly, it is more about how reliable your participation is when you do. If you reserve a book, make sure to read it as soon as you can, and let us know when your reviews are published. But even in those odd times where you decide not to leave a review, you should still add that reason to your form so that we know you’re finished with the book.
So to be clear, the best way to maintain or raise your gem level is by filling out the reader forms, and it normally only takes a few seconds to do so!
The Gem Levels and their benefits
In total there are 7 gem levels, although one (Uncut) is specifically for new readers to our program, as a way to allow them to get used to how everything works.
Below is a list of all the gem levels, what they mean, and what benefits each one gives you. They are ordered from highest to lowest with the exception of Uncut which is just for readers that have read less than 5 books with us.
Uncut – (Only for New ARC readers)
New ARC readers to our program will initially start off as Uncut gems. Think of this as a trial period, while you get your feet wet learning how the Hidden Gems ARC program works, how to leave your reviews, fill out your reader forms, etc. This gem level is the only one that is not based on your participation and instead lasts until you have reserved and been sent 5 books. At that point, your true gem level will be calculated and you will be assigned one of the levels below. So make sure that you keep on top of your reviews and reader forms so that your gem doesn’t become Cracked!
While you’re Uncut, you will receive enough points to reserve one book a day, but will not be able to store more points.
Daily Points for Uncut: 100
Max Points for Uncut: 100
Ads: At this gem level, you may see a short ad on the New ARCs section before you can reserve a book.
Regular Gem Levels (from highest to lowest)
Flawless
This is the highest gem level you can achieve, and means that you rarely (if ever) miss leaving a review or filling out a reader form.
As long as you have the points and there are still copies available, you should be able to reserve any book you’re interested in. Congratulations, your participation is flawless!
Daily Points for Flawless: 200
Max Points for Flawless: 1200
Bonus: Points awarded for filling out reader forms accumulate 3x faster!
Ads: You will not see any in app ads at this gem level!
Radiant
You’ve almost reached the top tier of all of our ARC readers. Keep filling out your reader forms for every book, and leaving your reviews as often as you can to make sure you stay at this level, or continue to climb.
As long as you have the points and there are still copies available, you should be able to reserve any book you’re interested in.
Daily Points for Radiant: 150
Max Points for Radiant: 840
Bonus: Points awarded for filling out reader forms accumulate 2.5x faster!
Ads: You will not see any in app ads at this gem level!
Sparkling
You’re doing great, but you likely aren’t filling out all of your reader forms or maybe you’re choosing books that aren’t interesting you enough to finish or review. To improve your level, only reserve the books that interest you most, or if you’ve simply fallen behind, catch up on the previous books we’ve sent before reserving others. Keep on top of filling out any incomplete reader forms from the Books You’re Reading section, or update any old forms from your list of Completed Books.
You may find that there are not as many copies available to your gem level, which may prevent you from being able to reserve all of the books you’re interested in until you can improve.
Daily Points for Sparkling: 125
Max Points for Sparkling: 350
Bonus: Points awarded for filling out reader forms accumulate 1.5x faster!
Ads: At this gem level, you may see a short ad on the New ARCs section before you can reserve a book.
Dimming
Your gem is dimming, and the most likely reason is you have fallen behind on filling out your reader forms and leaving reviews. Go to the Books You’re Reading section to fill those out. Even if the review date for a book has passed, you can still write a review and submit it. The review date is just a date to aim for, but it’s never too late to review a book we’ve sent. But if you decide not to review a book at all, at least fill out your reason. Only leave reader forms blank if you are planning to review but haven’t yet gotten to it, or it’s not yet published.
There are less copies available of each book to readers of your level.
Daily Points for Dimming: 100
Max Points for Dimming: 270
Ads: At this gem level, you may see a short ad on the New ARCs section before you can reserve a book.
Tarnished
You’re in the danger zone now and really need to catch up on the books we’ve sent. Maybe you need to be more selective in the ones you reserve, or maybe you’ve requested too many and have fallen behind.
There are less copies available of each book to readers of your level.
Daily Points for Tarnished: 100
Max Points for Tarnished: 180
Ads: At this gem level, you may see a short ad on the New ARCs section before you can reserve a book.
Cracked
You’ve missed far too many books and in fairness to our authors and other readers, your ability to reserve new ones will be temporarily suspended until you can get caught up on what we’ve already sent.
If you are having any issues doing so, or think there is an error, please contact us as we want to get you back to reading and reviewing ASAP.
Daily Points for Cracked: 0
Max Points for Cracked: 80
Quick Tip: If you have been with us for a while and your gem level has been negatively affected by the fact that you were blocked from leaving reviews on Amazon but wish to participate now by leaving reviews on the other sites, please contact us to discuss resetting your stats.