At Written Word Media, we’re all about helping authors connect with their ideal readers, and that starts with having real audience insights into who those readers are. So, we surveyed thousands of our subscribers across all five of our reader brands to get the scoop on what makes them tick 📚
Whether you’re getting ready to run a promo or planning your next launch strategy, consider this your audience insights cheat sheet; the insider’s guide to the readers behind the clicks.
Jump to the reader group you’re most curious about:
Meet the Freebooksy Reader: Free eBook fans
Meet the Bargain Booksy Reader: Deal-loving digital shoppers
Meet the NewInBooks Reader: Trendspotters & early adopters
Meet the Red Feather Romance Reader: Romance readers with heart
Freebooksy readers are the ultimate bookworms. These are the folks who never leave home without a Kindle in their bag, a book on their nightstand, and a “just one more chapter” bedtime routine. They love free reads (of course), but don’t mistake them for freeloaders; they’re loyal, voracious readers who know what they like and aren’t shy about supporting the authors they love.
Here’s what we learned about our Freebooksy fam:
These readers devour books.
Yep, you read that right; more than 90% of Freebooksy readers are getting through at least a book a week. If anyone’s looking to set a Goodreads goal that scares them, these are your people.
For Freebooksy readers, books are more than entertainment; they’re comfort, escape, and joy.
They’re not necessarily chasing literary prizes or bragging rights; they’re in it for the pure love of the written word.
Yes, Freebooksy promotes free eBooks, but our readers are still spending.
Translation? A free book might be how you get in the door, but it’s certainly not the end of the story.
Freebooksy readers are a curious bunch; they love learning about the minds behind the books.
Top things they want to know about you:
So if you’ve got an author bio or newsletter, make it personal! These readers are interested in you, not just your backlist.
They do, and they show it.
This is an audience that champions the underdog. They want to discover new voices. So don’t be shy about letting them know you’re self-published—they’ll see that as a plus.
Yes, and no.
What this means for you: A Freebooksy promo works whether you’re wide or exclusive. It reaches both groups effectively. KU readers love free books just as much as your average bargain hunter, and they’ll happily one-click yours into their growing collection.
Freebooksy readers are loyal newsletter subscribers and seasoned Amazon browsers. Over half of them find their next read through Freebooksy emails and Amazon directly, with friends and Goodreads also playing a role in shaping their TBR.
Social media has some presence; about 28% use Facebook for discovery, while Instagram and TikTok lag behind. If you want to reach Freebooksy readers off-platform, focus on newsletters, optimize your Amazon presence, and consider a casual Facebook presence for visibility.
If the Freebooksy reader is a free spirit, the Bargain Booksy reader is a savvy shopper with a soft spot for a good deal. They know exactly how much they’re willing to pay for a book, and they’re more than happy to pay it if you catch their eye.
Let’s dive into what makes these deal-loving readers tick 📉➡️📚
Bargain Booksy readers are dedicated page-turners:
Whether they’re flying through thrillers or bingeing beach reads, these readers make time to read, and they read a lot.
The top reasons Bargain Booksy readers reach for a book:
In short: these readers use books to unwind, recharge, and occasionally spark a little personal growth. They’re not looking for homework; they’re looking for heart.
Despite their love of discounts, Bargain Booksy readers absolutely spend money on books:
Translation: these aren’t just deal hunters; they’re book buyers. And your discounted promo? Exactly their speed.
They do!
They value stories that break the mold, and the writers behind them. So wear your indie badge with pride.
Kindle Unlimited is popular, but not dominant:
What this tells us: Whether your book is in KU or not, there’s a solid Bargain Booksy audience waiting for it.
Nearly two-thirds discover new books through email newsletters (like ours!) and Amazon, making those your strongest marketing channels.
Goodreads, Facebook, and author websites also have meaningful impact, while Instagram and TikTok play a smaller but growing role. If you’re running social ads or building a community, Facebook is still the most fertile ground for reaching this audience off-platform.
The NewInBooks reader is your trendspotter; the friend who always has a fresh rec, a TBR list curated like a Spotify playlist, and a deep appreciation for that “new book smell.” They’re looking for what’s next, what’s now, and what’s you.
Let’s unpack who they are and what they want 📦📖
NewInBooks readers are seriously committed to the page:
For authors launching new titles, this is the dream crowd; they’re ready to fall in love with their next favorite book.
Here’s what gets them flipping pages:
They want stories that move them, uplift them, or just give them a break from the doomscrolling. Bonus points if it’s all three.
They’re not afraid to pay for a great read:
For some, discovery still starts with free, but a good chunk of this audience buys books regularly, and they’re open to investing in new voices.
They do, and they show it with their ratings:
That’s a solid endorsement from a reader who’s eager to support bold new stories and indie author journeys.
The KU crowd is here; just not in overwhelming numbers:
In other words, this isn’t a KU-only audience. Whether you’re exclusive to Amazon or going wide, NewInBooks readers are interested in what’s new, not just what’s included in a subscription.
NewInBooks readers are the trendsetters of the bunch; they cast a wide net. Amazon, Goodreads, and newsletters are key discovery channels, but what really stands out is their reliance on people: nearly half get recommendations from friends and family.
They also lean more heavily on Facebook and Instagram than other groups, with 15-40% discovering books through social platforms or influencer content. If you’re promoting a new release, consider pairing your promo with an organic post, Instagram story, or an email shoutout; this crowd notices!
Red Feather Romance readers are passionate about love, about storytelling, and most of all, about romance books that bring the heat and the heart. Whether they’re into enemies-to-lovers, billionaire alpha males, or cozy small-town flings, one thing’s for sure: they are voracious.
Let’s see what sets this group apart (besides a fully charged Kindle and a box of chocolates).
These readers don’t dabble, they devour:
So if you’re wondering whether it’s worth releasing frequently or stacking promos across a series… the answer is a resounding yes.
Romance is more than just fun; it’s therapy, escape, and joy in paperback form.
Why RFR readers read:
These are readers who feel deeply, and want stories that make them feel just as deeply.
Their hearts are full and so are their carts.
Monthly book spending looks like this:
Romance readers are some of the most consistent book buyers out there. Your next promo is not going to waste here.
Very much so.
These readers are fiercely loyal. If you win them over, they’ll follow you across genres, series, and pen names.
A balanced blend here:
Bottom line: KU or not, these readers are eager to read, and they’re loyal to the authors who deliver.
Romance readers are a powerhouse audience, and they’re everywhere. They rely heavily on newsletters and Amazon, but they also engage across multiple platforms: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and even BookTok influencers.
About one in three find books through author websites and social media, while friends and Goodreads still hold sway. If you’re hoping to reach RFR readers off-platform, go where the love is: Facebook and BookTok are smart bets, especially when paired with strong visuals and a good hook.
| Brand | Typical Reader Mindset | Reading Volume | Monthly Book Spend | Indie Support Score | KU-Friendly? | Best Use Case for Authors |
| Freebooksy | Voracious readers who love discovering new authors | Very high (90%+ read 1+ book/week) | $10–50+ | 8.2 / 10 | Split (48% KU / 52% wide) | Free launches, series starters, wide or KU discovery |
| Bargain Booksy | Deal-savvy shoppers who still buy regularly | High (32% read 100+ books/year) | $11–50+ | 7.5 / 10 | Mixed | Discounted promos, backlist revivals, price drops |
| NewInBooks | Trendspotters and early adopters | High (24% read 100+ books/year) | $11–50+ | 7.3 / 10 | Not KU-dependent | New releases, first-in-series, visibility boosts |
| Red Feather Romance | Passionate, genre-loyal romance fans | Extremely high (45% read 100+ books/year) | $11–50+ | 7.8 / 10 | KU-friendly | Romance launches, rapid release strategies, series stacking |
Whether your book is free, discounted, brand new, or a steamy second-chance romance, there’s a reader in the Written Word Media community waiting to discover it.
These audience insights are the first step in choosing the right prom, and now that you know what makes our readers tick, you’re ready to meet them where they are.
So go forth, schedule that promo, and let your book shine ✨We’ll make sure it lands in the inboxes (and hearts) of the right readers.