A reader’s copy is an unedited hardcover proof of a book or manuscript that is released to a limited audience, including bookstores and reviewers. It is a promotional tool for unknown authors and a way for booksellers to be exposed to new genres and authors. Reader’s copies are often shared among employee staff in independently owned bookstores to offer suggestions on which books to order. They may contain errors and lack page numbers, and usually include a comment card for feedback.
A reader’s copy is an unedited hardcover proof of a book or manuscript that is released to a limited audience. Bookstores and reviewers are typically sent readers’ copies so they can familiarize themselves with products that are about to be released. A reader’s copy usually has a plain paper cover with a notice that it is an incorrect proof and that the final version may have material differences. The release of a player’s copy should also be limited, although many bookstores give away copies of the player to loyal customers.
A reader’s copy is an excellent promotional tool for unknown authors. Readers’ copies of major authors are not usually sent to bookstores, because publishers are sure of their marketability. Booksellers can be exposed to new genres and authors with a reader copy and feel confident recommending them to customers. Reviewers find reader’s copies very useful because a book review can be printed the day it is published, since the reviewer has already read it.
Usually, a reader’s copy is sent in a box of other materials. Many publishers mail such boxes once or twice a month to bookstores and reviewers along with other trade associations. In addition to readers’ copies of upcoming releases, the boxes will also include posters, buttons and other promotional goodies. Also enclosed is a catalog listing the publisher’s releases for the next quarter.
In many independently owned bookstores, readers’ copies are shared widely among employee staff so they can offer suggestions on which books to order. Publishers count on this to sell books, knowing that staff members will encourage the store owner to order books they think will sell well. This also means that the stock of such stores tends to be well balanced, because it reflects the opinion of multiple people rather than a single staff member responsible for ordering or a central corporate decision maker.
A reader’s copy often contains printing and typographical errors and may lack page numbers. It usually represents a first proof of the book, which means that more changes will be made before the book is printed for general release. If there’s a cover, it could change. Usually a reader’s copy also includes a comment card that can be sent back to the publisher. Comment cards are often used to pop out the edges of book covers.
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