I feel foolish for asking this but what is a advanced reader copy book and how do I know I have one?

Thanks

ok thanks

Sometimes it will says "advanced reader copy" or sometimes "review copy" or even occasionally "uncorrected proof".  But somewhere it usually has something along those lines with the words "not for sale" or "promotional purposes" as well. 

The other thing that is a dead giveaway is if you input the ISBN on the back of the book and it comes up as hardcover when you're holding a paperback.  This doesn't always mean it's an ARC, but it's a good clue to double check that you're not holding an ARC.

Welcome to PBS Esther.  Not foolish at all, it's a very good question.  I was a longtime reader before I ran across or understood ARC's.

Some ARC's appear very similar to the final edition, they have the final artwork and are merely noted "ARC" somewhere on the cover.  I've seen others that are a standardized cover with typing on a solid color cover, one publisher is bright yellow while another is glossy white with purple ink.  I've even seen a few that are spiral bound.

All should be labeled ARC, Advanced Reader Copy, Uncorrected Proof  or otherwise noted that they are not the final edition. 

Another special edition are the freebies or promotional copies (often classics), these are entirely postable as long as the entire book is included and not just a chapter or two/partial.

Just one nit to pick, Alisa, Review Copies are more likely to be a final retail edition of the book than an ARC. It's the full final retail for sale version but might come with extra papers like a press release or something.  Just a quirk of terminolgy :)

Also look out for "bound Galley" Those are usually from QUITE early in the editing process. My mom used to get UNBOUND galleys for review all the time...picture a ream of printer paper being mailed to you to read....arghh! :)