How To Subscribe To Book Of The Month A Complete Guide To Joining And Getting The Most Value

For avid readers who crave fresh, hand-curated fiction and nonfiction delivered monthly, Book of the Month (BOTM) offers an appealing alternative to traditional book clubs or endless scrolling through online retailers. With a focus on discovery, quality, and convenience, BOTM has built a loyal community of literary enthusiasts. But signing up is only the first step—knowing how to choose wisely, customize your experience, and extract maximum value transforms a casual subscription into a rewarding reading habit.

How Book of the Month Works: The Basics

Book of the Month launched in 1926 as a print-based book club but was revitalized in 2015 as a digital-first subscription service. Each month, a panel of judges selects five to seven new releases across genres like literary fiction, thrillers, memoirs, and young adult novels. Subscribers receive access to this selection and choose one title to receive in hardcover at a discounted rate—typically $14.99, significantly below retail price.

The core model is simple: pay a flat monthly fee, pick your book by the monthly deadline (usually the 5th or 6th), and receive your selection shipped free within 3–5 business days. You can skip a month, swap selections, or add extra books at checkout for an additional cost. There’s no long-term commitment—cancel anytime.

“Book of the Month removes the guesswork from finding great new reads. It’s like having a well-read friend who knows exactly what you’ll love.” — Sarah G., Literary Editor & Longtime BOTM Member

Step-by-Step Guide to Joining Book of the Month

Signing up takes less than five minutes and can be completed entirely online. Follow this timeline to get started:

1. Visit the official website: Go to bookofthemonth.com and click “Join Now” or “Start Your Membership.”
2. Select your plan: Choose between the standard $14.99/month plan or premium options if available (e.g., BOTM+ for extra perks).
3. Create an account: Enter your email, create a password, and provide basic personal information.
4. Choose your first book: Browse the current month’s selection. Read synopses, judge reviews, and member ratings before making your pick.
5. Enter shipping details: Provide your address and payment method. All shipments are free.
6. Confirm and submit: Finalize your order. You’ll receive a confirmation email and tracking info once your book ships.

Your subscription automatically renews each month unless you skip or cancel. You’ll get email reminders before the monthly selection deadline.

Tip: Set a calendar reminder for the 1st of each month to review that month’s picks before the deadline.

Maximizing Value: Smart Subscription Strategies

While the base cost is reasonable, true value comes from strategic use of the service. Many members overpay or underuse their subscription simply because they don’t know the full range of features.

• Skip strategically: If none of the monthly titles appeal, skip without penalty. Accumulate credits mentally—you’re not losing money by waiting for a must-read.
• Add extras at discount: Add a second or third book during checkout for $12.99 each—often cheaper than retail and includes free shipping when bundled.
• Leverage member reviews: Real reader ratings and comments often reveal pacing issues, trigger warnings, or standout prose that blurbs omit.
• Use the mobile app: Get push notifications about new picks, deadlines, and exclusive content like author interviews.

When to Add Extra Books

Consider adding a second book when:

• You’ve read and loved the author before.
• The genre aligns with your comfort zone (e.g., romance, mystery).
• A debut novel has glowing judge comments and high early ratings.
• You’re gifting to a fellow reader.

Comparison: BOTM vs. Buying Books Retail

Factor	Book of the Month	Traditional Retail (e.g., Amazon, Bookstores)
Price per Hardcover	$14.99 (main pick)	$22–$28
Shipping Cost	Free	Often $5+ or minimum spend required
Curation Quality	High – selected by editorial team	Algorithm-driven or self-published clutter
Discovery Factor	Excellent – exposes you to award-caliber debuts	Moderate – reliant on ads or bestseller lists
Flexibility	Monthly opt-in; skip anytime	One-time purchases only

The data shows that for consistent readers, BOTM offers both financial savings and higher-quality discovery. Over a year, selecting just nine books yields a potential savings of $90 compared to average retail pricing.

Real Example: How One Reader Doubled Her Reading Output

Jamila R., a high school teacher from Austin, joined Book of the Month after finishing her summer reading list and feeling disconnected from new releases. Initially skeptical, she committed for three months. By engaging with the member forums and paying attention to judge notes, she discovered *The Midnight Library* in its debut month—a book she later assigned to her senior elective.

“I used to buy books impulsively and let them pile up unread,” she said. “BOTM gave me accountability. One book a month felt manageable. I ended up reading 14 books last year—more than any year since college.”

She now uses her extra add-on slots to build a seasonal reading stash, purchasing two books every other month and skipping when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my book choice after selecting?

Yes, as long as the monthly deadline hasn’t passed (typically the 5th). Log in to your account, go to “My Box,” and switch your selection before cutoff.

Is there a discount for longer commitments?

No. Book of the Month operates on a month-to-month basis with no contracts or bulk discounts. This flexibility is part of its appeal.

Do they offer international shipping?

Currently, Book of the Month only ships to U.S. addresses. International readers cannot subscribe directly, though some use package forwarding services at their own risk.

Checklist: Getting Started the Right Way

Before finalizing your subscription, ensure you’ve completed these steps:

• ✅ Reviewed the current month’s book selections thoroughly
• ✅ Read at least two judge reviews and five member ratings
• ✅ Added your preferred shipping address
• ✅ Set a monthly reminder for selection deadlines
• ✅ Downloaded the BOTM app (iOS/Android) for easier access
• ✅ Marked your calendar for upcoming theme months (e.g., Spooky Reads in October)

Final Tips for Long-Term Success

To truly benefit from Book of the Month, treat it as more than a delivery service—it’s a reading ecosystem. Engage with the community through the BOTM forum or social media groups. Vote in monthly polls. Pay attention to recurring judges whose tastes align with yours. Over time, you’ll develop a sense of which genres and voices consistently resonate.

Tip: If you finish your BOTM pick early, use the remaining weeks to revisit an old favorite or explore a backlist title from a BOTM alumni author.

And remember: skipping a month isn’t failure—it’s curation. Protect your reading joy by only selecting books you’re genuinely excited to start.

Conclusion: Start Your Next Chapter Today

Subscribing to Book of the Month is more than a transaction—it’s an investment in your reading life. With smart choices, active engagement, and a clear understanding of how the service works, you can turn a simple monthly box into a powerful tool for discovery, consistency, and literary growth. Whether you're rediscovering your love of reading or expanding your horizons, the right book is just one selection away.

🚀 Ready to make your first pick? Visit bookofthemonth.com today, join thousands of engaged readers, and let your next favorite book find you.