Who reads nonfiction?

Abstract

A survey of readers of nonfiction estimates the size of the market, compares the demographics of the survey group to those of readers of “literature,” and describes the respondents' reading habits: how much they read, what other kinds of books they read, what magazines they read, and where they read. It then examines how these readers select books and what influences their choices. Their reasons for reading serious nonfiction are also explored. Finally, these readers are compared with two other groups that have been studied in depth: readers of romance novels and female readers of self-help books.