Book Clubs: Think They’re Just for Novelists? Not True!
Are you a nonfiction author who thinks book clubs are only for fiction writers?
Yes, we all know there are book clubs for fiction. We may even belong to one. Those book clubs generally have 5- 8 members, meet in someone’s home, and enjoy cookies, with coffee (or wine) as the group discusses the book. We imagine them to be all women.
“…according to a new BookBrowse report called ‘The Inner Lives of Book Clubs.’ In fact, the vast majority of book clubs–84% of private book clubs and 90% of public ones–spend at least 40 minutes of each meeting discussing a book, and most ‘designate a facilitator to keep the conversation on track.’” (This is where your Reader’s Guide is so useful – keep reading.)
The BookBrowse report goes on to say that women do comprise 88% of private book clubs, though men are welcome to participate.
I think book clubs meeting in person supports the Pew Research report that states, “Print continues to be the only book format used by the majority of Americans.” I imagine those IRL book clubs bringing their print books with underlined passages, all ready to discuss the book, its characters, or its topic, depending on the genre.
Or do they use print books? They can use e-books if they choose. Somehow, though, given the research that print dominates, I’m going to say in-person book clubs most often use print books. The better to show their underlined and highlighted passages.
Pew also agrees that more women than men are members of a book club. When you have two trusted resources saying the same thing, you know it’s true.
But all reports I found online said most book clubs are open to all participants.
Book Clubs are part of the 21st century as much as the 19th or 20th centuries
Perhaps you’ve noticed that book clubs have grown with technology. There are numerous online book clubs today where groups meet via Zoom. I imagine having a print book for these meetings to be even more helpful. Holding up a Kindle to share just isn’t the same, in my opinion.
I also know that some book clubs came out of blogging. We’ve talked about the power of your blog and the blogs of readers who will write about your book. If you understand blogging, it’s easy to understand that many bloggers who review books might also form book clubs to host discussions, recommend titles, and interview authors.
Our friends from BookBrowse say:
An estimated 13 million Americans participate in book clubs, and online platforms now support thousands of reading groups worldwide.
Book clubs can skyrocket your marketing if you approach them strategically
Use them as one more strategic channel for discoverability, authority, and word-of-mouth sales, for fiction and for nonfiction. Use them as a way to engage with readers and be part of discussions around your nonfiction book’s topic. Many readers are eager to discuss topics around nonfiction, not just consume the content.
Note: Book clubs have many members. So, if your book gets chosen, you’ve already sold 5 -10 or more books, depending on the book club membership.
And book clubs share, recommend, and discuss books with their networks. Possible book sales there, also.
Networks usually include family, friends, colleagues, LinkedIn connections. Lots of people. Possible sales there, for sure. I know when someone recommends a book online, I check it out and might even buy it.
Why book clubs matter (even for busy nonfiction authors)
It seems, according to Conspire Creative, that one book club that finds a really good book to read will often refer that book to other book clubs (yes, a repeat of what I just said, but worth repeating).
Book club readings can lead to invitations to speak.
Book clubs can help generate consulting leads, build communities, support you on your next book project.
Conspire Creative also recommends Meetup with Strangers Book Clubs, and Silent Book Clubs. The first is through Meetup, where anywhere from 8 to 40 people might show up. The second is new to me: a silent book club seems to be an international phenomenon where people gather at a coffee shop, online, or anywhere at all, and just read in silence, together. How interesting is that? (visit the link – such good content there!)
Nonfiction book clubs appreciate expert‑led discussions, so nonfiction authors can leverage their subject‑matter expertise to participate in some interesting conversation.
Believing that book clubs are only for fiction is a wrong-headed way of thinking. Book clubs are part of today’s wider creator/community marketplace.
When to pursue book clubs
Think of book clubs as part of your early venture into marketing your book. You don’t yet have a book to offer, but researching book clubs that fit your book topic or genre gives you a head start on that community/fan base I keep talking about.
Know your book clubs: It doesn’t hurt to attend a book club that is promoting books similar to yours to see what readers have to say about them, before you get too close to launch. One thing to note: books that are too long are not likely to be chosen. How long is too long? Only the book club members know, so get to know them and ask. Some book clubs may think 200 pages is the limit. Others may be fine with 300 pages if the book can hold their attention throughout.
Well ahead of launch, 3 to 6 months: Put some effort into building real relationships with club leaders, librarians, and online groups. If you’re already a friend, your book has a better chance of being chosen. Do give a publication date. Even if you launch a bit later, the book club has plenty of time to decide where to fit you and your book.
During your launch window: I like the suggestion to have a “book club invitation” as part of your launch plan. This is where you offer virtual Q&As, show your discussion guides, and offer bulk‑order incentives if they choose your book in the first 6–12 months. Make sure to include this on your website’s book page.
Long tail (beyond year one): If your book isn’t about the internet or AI, it likely has a long tail. In other words, the content may be as useful 5 years from now as it is today. This means you can come back to some book clubs later on, next year, perhaps, and pitch again. “Backlist” titles can also be worth choosing.
Note: Keep your description and author bio updated for this. Offer fun incentives: mug, T-shirt, bookmark, coasters; whatever fits. Free merchandise is a great way to promote your book if the content fits the book’s message.
How to find book clubs (local and online)
In your marketing, I expect you’re reaching out to BookTok, Bookstagrammers, and groups on Facebook. These are proven ways to reach readers.
But there are a few more ways you can get connected to Book Clubs, especially nonfiction‑friendly ones.
Contact local libraries and bookstores: Make friends with your local librarians and independent bookstore staff. They know where the right book clubs are. They might even host one or two of their own.
Online possibilities: Get familiar with Bookclubs.com, Meetup, and Goodreads. These online platforms host hundreds of in‑person and virtual clubs. Use specific search terms to find them: genre, theme, or type (e.g., nonfiction, business, personal growth).
Professional and community organizations: Don’t discount your Chambers of commerce, industry associations, and faith or community groups. These organizations might be just right for you. See if your local area has any that host book clubs on leadership, business, or social issues, or on your book’s topic. Having an author join in might be a boost for them, as well as for you.
Consider starting your own themed club: This could be more useful than just for reading the book. By hosting a small “professional development” or “leadership” book club around your topic, always including other books besides your own, you position yourself as a go-to resource for that theme or topic (and could be the first step to inviting them to a paid webinar, workshop, or a course you’re developing).
The Master Book Builders Book Club Roadmap for Busy Professionals.
1. Be clear on what you’re asking – each club has its own approach
Identify 1–3 themes the members might be interested in. For example: “startup maps for success,” “women in leadership,” or “ideas vs action”.
If you don’t have a Reader’s Guide, create some discussion points: ideas that will spark conversation. Be provocative, if necessary. Make your points fit the focus of the club you’re pitching. LitLovers offers some suggestions here.
2. Create an easy way to connect
Offer a branded PDF discussion guide with 8–15 questions, plus a brief author Q&A and bio.
Some folks today are adding a dedicated “Book Club” page to their author’s website. Use this to share your guide and have a form for them to fill out if they would like you to attend.
Mention your willingness to be part of a book club discussion in your CTA at the back of your book and in your Amazon description.
3. Be friendly and human
Ask what they would like from you: in‑person visit (within driving distance), Zoom attendance, or other support.
Be respectful. Offer a short 5 -10 minute discussion. Stay longer if they ask you to. But don’t try to hog the meeting.
Save time for Q&A. If no one asks a question, be prepared with “Here are a few questions others have asked me about the book.”
4. Follow up and nurture relationships
Remember to send a thank‑you note. Politely ask for reviews.
Don’t be shy. Ask the club leader what other book clubs you might reach out to. Make sure to get some information on each one. The club leader may know more about these other clubs than you could find online.
So, do you still think book clubs are only for fiction?
I think I’ve shown that the answer is no. There are book clubs for nonfiction, too. And, just as in fiction, a nonfiction book has to meet the club’s requirements and give them something invigorating to talk about.
Back in Colorado, Tom was a member of a Books, Business, and Brews Club that met in various locations around Boulder that served both coffee and beer.
My research shows that there are book clubs for almost any topic. Be it history, science, memoir, leadership, personal development, or social issues. Note that readers prefer nonfiction that “reads like a story” while still delivering insight. Don’t I always say that?
Nonfiction book clubs differ from fiction book clubs in that they may experiment with structure: they may discuss the book chapter‑by‑chapter across several meetings or pair it with articles, talks, or exercises, which is ideal for experts with frameworks and tools.
Books that blend story, case studies, and actionable steps are naturally attractive to clubs that enjoy learning plus conversation.
Note: Think of book clubs as discussion groups. For books primarily aimed at men, you might look beyond traditional clubs into:
Industry discussion groups Leadership circles, online and offline Men’s groups that fit your book topic Topic-specific groups – industry, history, business, investing, etc
Attending as an invited guest
This all sounds like a lot of work, but it isn’t.
Once you’ve done your homework, using the advice here, you can rinse and repeat without having to think about it. I want you to consider saving this post for future reference. I want you to position yourself as a potential guest, both locally and online. I want you to seriously consider book clubs in your bigger marketing budget/plan.
Note: The time it takes to do this may very well reward you in exponential sales. Sharing some behind-the-scenes information and stories will make you memorable. Often, readers want to know what it’s like to write a book. Tell them. The good and the bad.
Just as you would if you were invited to speak on a podcast or in person, always ask organizers up front what the group might want, what would be most helpful. You need to make the club leader look good by sharing the things they tell you the members are eager for. It can be a deeper dive into you (Who are you? What made you write this book? What’s your next book? How hard is it to write a book?), a deeper exploration of themes, or practical exercises (with handouts, perhaps); clarification of something in Chapter 4; whatever it is, prepare ahead of time.
There is power in numbers and in word of mouth. Book clubs go back a long way. According to History Through Fiction (link below), the earliest known book club was in 1634. It didn’t turn out well.
“One of the earliest instances of a book club was Anne Hutchinson’s Bible study group, in Massachusetts Bay Colony, in 1634. Anne Hutchinson, born in England, travelled to Massachusetts in 1634 and her teachings that were based on the questioning of traditional gender roles struck fear in the religious leaders of the colony. Hutchinson was excommunicated from the colony and moved to Rhode Island. One of the most important elements to Hutchinson’s group was that it brought together women who lacked a formal education into a community that were free to discuss and debate weekly sermons and religious text.
“Her meetings became so influential that colonial leaders eventually put her on trial and banished her from the colony.”
A century later, we see the rise of book clubs as we understand them today. Women would gather to discuss poetry, their own writings, the bible, and other literature. Some women used book clubs to discuss women’s rights.
In the twentieth century, according to Grace E. Turton of History Through Fiction:
“The Book-of-the-Month Club was created to support Copywriter Harry Scherman and his partners, Max Sackheim and Charles and Albert Boni. This was done to support their publishing company, Little Leather Library.
“They started out with “4,000 subscribers and within 20 years that number jumped to more than 550,000 subscribers.”
We can now move up to 1996 when Oprah launched her book club. The ‘Oprah Effect’ was highly influential on sales for first-time authors and some established authors she featured. Books became overnight bestsellers when recommended by Oprah. I recommend visiting History Through Fiction, where I found a good bit of this information. Fascinating content there!
My advice today is not to ignore the opportunities book clubs offer. Consider hiring a VA to help you begin your work finding and connecting with the right book clubs.
If you’re writing a book now, start connecting to book clubs as soon as possible. If you’re thinking of writing a book tomorrow, or next year, same. Any questions?
My friends call me The Book Whisperer. I'm a Book Coach and Author advisor. I help entrepreneurs and successful business professionals put their story into a book. A book that matters. That leaves a legacy. That creates community. That helps build business and invites more speaking opportunities. A book that builds authority.
I’m a writer. An author. An advisor. A former book publisher. In 2015, I was awarded the title of Woman of the Year in the Women in the Pet Industry Network. It was the most wonderful accolade and highest honor I have ever received!
My favorite saying is: "It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things." Elinor Smith, Aviator
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