The world’s largest online retailer is getting back to its roots: books. If you haven’t heard about Amazon First Reads, that’s OK. You’re not the only one. So what’s the deal? Is it another version of Kindle First Reads?
If you’re an Amazon customer and you’re itching to get your hands on the latest book for a low price (or even for free), Amazon First Reads is at your service. If you’re a loyal Amazon client and are in love with books, here’s everything you need to know about the online retailer’s lesser-known service.
What is Amazon First Reads?
Amazon First Reads (previously known as Amazon Kindle First Reads) gives Amazon Prime members immediate access to newly released e-books published by Amazon Publishing for FREE. This means you could be reading your favorite author’s new book before your friends and you didn’t spend a dime to do so.
Every month, Amazon selects 10 titles across different genres and makes them available to Amazon First Reads users. Amazon Prime members can find out what these titles are by signing up for the First Reads newsletter. With rotating titles from popular genres like comedy, romance, true crime and Book Club fiction, members can read titles from their favorite genres or discover a new book.
Amazon Prime members can choose up to two titles for low prices or even for free.
How Does Amazon First Reads Work?
Reading an e-book is the best online alternative for people tired of social media (e.g. Instagram or TikTok).
If you have an Amazon account, you can easily join Amazon First Reads for FREE. You need not pay a monthly subscription fee or buy anything. Instead, you browse the online Amazon book store, find what you want and pay for the books, as and when you like. However, if you’re an Amazon Prime member, you are automatically entitled to at least one free book from the Amazon First Reads selection every month.
If this offer sounds enticing, just sign up for an Amazon Prime membership. Amazon users who are uncertain if they can commit to Prime membership can sign up for a 30-day free trial. This gives you enough time to try all the Prime services, as well as get free titles from Amazon First Reads. Note: if you don’t want to continue your Prime membership, cancel it before the 30 day expires; otherwise, Amazon will automatically bill you.
But if signing up for an Amazon Prime membership isn’t an option for you, you can still sign up for Amazon First Reads for FREE. You’ll just pay $1.99 for the books you choose, which is still a sweet deal!
How Do You Get Your First Read on Amazon?
To start reading, sign up to Amazon First Reads. Once you’re signed up, click on Amazon First Reads to see the latest selection of e-books. Choose your book, which you can read on any device. Once you’ve selected titles, pay for them and start reading!
All Amazon First Reads purchases are automatically added to your Kindle library. You can read the e-books on any Kindle device, which includes phones or tablets that run the Kindle app.
One of the best things about Amazon First Reads is you keep the e-books you purchase. However, your First Reads books are part of a rotating selection and will disappear from your library if you swap them out for something else.
Another perk of signing up to Amazon First Reads is the monthly email that contains details of the next batch of new e-books. You’ll have the first glimpse of next month’s selection. If you see a book that you like, you can buy it before anyone else. All you have to do is click the link in the email.
But if you don’t like receiving newsletters, you can still use Amazon First Reads without signing up. Visit the First Reads page at the beginning of each month and see if there’s anything you like.
How Much is Amazon First Reads?
As mentioned above, Amazon First Reads is FREE for Amazon Prime members. You can choose a Kindle book and get it without paying for anything. For non-Prime members, you just pay $1.99 and that’s it.
For both Prime and non-Prime members, you can buy hardcover print copies of your favorite e-books for $9.99 or less. So, if you love the hardcover version of your favorite books, you can get amazing deals at Amazon First Reads.
When Does Amazon First Reads Update Its List?
On the first day of every month, you’ll see a new selection of titles selected by Amazon First Reads editors. But you don’t have to make a decision ASAP; you have the entire month to decide if you like any of the new titles.
At the end of the month, the books are officially published and anyone who wants to buy them can. They will then be replaced with a new list of pre-published titles.
Is Amazon First Reads Worth Your Money and Time?
If you’re an Amazon Prime member, then taking advantage of this Amazon service is a must. After all, it’s FREE. Each month, you’ll receive new book titles from popular authors before anyone can call DIBS. So, if you’re an Amazon Prime member, what are you waiting for?
If you’re not an Amazon Prime member, the question of whether First Reads is worth it depends on you. Fortunately, this Amazon service doesn’t lock users into a subscription service, so you don’t have to worry about monthly contracts or fees. Instead, you browse the selection for new books each month. If you like a title, buy it. If not, you can put it off and wait for next month’s selections.
Other Amazon First Reads FAQs
Do you have other questions concerning Amazon First Reads?
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions concerning this Amazon service.
Where is Amazon First Reads Available?
Currently, this service is only available in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia.
Do Amazon First Reads Expire?
Your titles are yours to keep forever, so the books you choose do not expire. However, the selection each month changes, so the offer itself expires at the end of the month. Make sure you choose titles each month before the end of the offer.
Does Amazon Offer Other Book-Related Services?
If you’re excited about the reading benefits that come with being an Amazon Prime member, you may also enjoy Kinder Unlimited. This service offers members an unlimited number of e-books. If you’re a big fan of audiobooks, Audible offers good titles for less.
Amazon may have branched out into other services, from Amazon Music to Amazon Prime Video. But with its First Reads, it is getting back to the heart of how it started. And it’s a cool service, especially for e-book lovers. If you love getting your hands on new releases, keep First Reads close to you.
