Reader Interest survey results

A month ago, I posted a survey as I wanted to gauge reader interests and buying preferences platforms. I like to run a survey every few years just to learn whether trends in the book publishing market affect the way readers purchase books and what they like to read. Here are the results, some of which are not surprising, and others have got the ‘ole grey matter’ working.

Question 1: As a reader, what do you want most from reading?

• Information – 18%
• Education – 18%
• Entertainment – 37%
• Inspiration – 17%
• Transform ideas – 10%

Like most readers, I like to be entertained but I also like to learn, and was impressed by the number who like to do the same. That is an element I hope readers are gaining from my books.

Question 2: Do you prefer?

• Romance – 9%
• Adventure – 27%
• Thrills – 17%
• Sci Fi – 13%
• Fantasy – 18%
• Other – 16%

I was quite happy by these results as my books have plenty of adventure, fantasy and thrills with a small amount of romance. My novella, a contemporary story, has adventure, intrigue and thrills the main character encounters. Watch out for the publication of this book.

Question 3: Do you like to?

• Laugh – 29%
• Cry – 3%
• Be scared – 0%
• To be shocked – 11%
• Awed – 58%

I’ve learnt from this question that my readers/followers are not into horror, something that I will keep in mind for future books and try to add more ‘awe’ factor and humour into my stories. 😉

Question 4: Which eReader do you own?

• Kindle – 53%
• Nook – 13%
• Kobo – 2%
• Other – 32%

It seems people read on their iPads, iPhones and Androids. This is a market I haven’t targeted that much and will need to readdress.

Question 5: Which format do you read most?

• Print – 43%
• eBook – 54%
• Audio – 3%

In spite of the push in the book industry to make audio books, it appears readers prefer digital and hardcopy. Interestingly, the numbers for print books have dropped since my last survey in 2016 where print was 53% and eBooks were 50%.

Question 6: Where do you buy your books?

• Amazon – 35%
• Apple – 8%
• Barnes and Noble – 19%
• Smashwords – 8%
• Book Depository – 8%
• Bricks and Mortar – 19%
• Other – 11%

Amazon still holds the market and surprised to see Barnes and Noble along with the good old book store. Second-hand book stores, in ‘other’, factored well as an alternative place to buy books.

Question 7: What price are you willing to pay for eBooks?

• 0.99 to 3.99 – 59%
• 4.99 to 6.99 – 27%
• 7.99 to 9.99 – 14%

The results for this question go against what the trade informants are saying, that readers are willing to pay 4.99 and more for eBooks.

Question 8: What price are you willing to pay for print books?

• 13.99 to 16.99 – 57%
• 17.99 to 20.99 – 17%
• 21.99 to 24.99 – 17%
• 25.99 to 28.99 – 3%
• 29.99+ – 6%

This question had a two-pronged element, the first two dot points relates more to Print on Demand books, while the latter are price points for book stores. Another question to consider is what are readers willing to pay for a book by an indie author, and I believe the results answer that too. I’d like to hear from readers and indie writers with regards to this question and the results.

Question 9: Are you likely to buy a book if you have read the first in the series?

• Yes – 89%
• No – 11%

This is good to know, something to consider for future books.

Question 10: Are you likely to buy a book written by an author if you have previously read their books?

• Yes – 94%
• No – 6%

This is also good news, but also wonder how many readers may have read a second or third book published first, and then gone back to read the earlier books published?

Love to hear back from people on the last few questions, or on all of them 😊 Thank you for your continued support and as always, I look forward to your comments and will respond.

Historical fiction novelist and a secondary teacher, Luciana Cavallaro, burnt out but not done… yet.

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