Did anyone report on this yet? It seems to have missed getting any press but its one of the most press worthy developments I've seen in a long time.
Market research is a fascianting topic.
How it can be applied to books can revolutionize our industry. I think the best thing we could market research would be bookcovers and titles. Also we can test descriptions to see which one would best sell a book.
Better to have 2000 readers saying yes, I love that cover rather than three people sitting in an office who have just spent the last 2 hours looking at covers for 200 other titles.
Of course we have to be careful when we start testing whether to publish books based on letting a handful of readers read a few pages.
But I'm excited at the idea that publishers are looking at methods of encouraging sales.
(Unfortunately I found the link after the test was closed, so I don't know have an opinion of the book in question, but I do look forward to innovations in testing.)
This was the letter:
Dear friend of Borders,
To help us enhance service and improve your shopping experience, please share your opinions on titles currently being considered for publication by clicking on this link to the Early Read Book Preview Survey.
Take the survey within the next three days, and you'll receive a store coupon for *20% off the list price of one item with the purchase of $20 or more*, good through 12/03/06. (Please note: This email is not a coupon.)
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and for shopping with us. We look forward to seeing you soon.
—Your friends at Borders
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