30 Days with Book of the Month

I love books. So, naturally, book subscription services dominate my social media feeds. While most of these services limit their members to current releases, Book of the Month Club (BOTM) promised something different: full access to their back catalog of books. This caught my attention.

Like many readers, I wanted to know: Does this subscription deliver value? Will the books match my taste? Can I trust their recommendations? But rather than wondering, I committed to testing every aspect of their service for 30 days. I documented the entire experience, from sign-up through delivery, tracking everything from shipping times to customer service responsiveness. What follows is my complete journey—from first click to final verdict—a week-by-week breakdown of what Book of the Month Club delivers.

What is Book of the Month?

Book of the Month is a subscription service that offers members new hardcover releases at $16.99 monthly (less than typical retail prices). Each month, their editorial team curates five new titles across various genres. The service stands out from other book subscriptions in two key ways: members aren’t limited to current month selections and receive new hardcover releases rather than paperbacks. BOTM’s model effectively combines the convenience of online book shopping with the personalized experience of a local bookstore’s staff picks—the best of both worlds.

Week 1: Pre-Purchase & Exploring the Platform

After extensive research, the combination of catalog access, quality hardcover books, and introductory promotional pricing convinced me to give BOTM a try. They offered a one-time promotional discount code, “TURKEY,” that would reduce my first month from $16.99 to $9.99, making it an ideal time to try the service.

I appreciated the straightforward sign-up process: I simply entered my email and created a password. The entire sign-up process took <5 minutes. I then spent my first week thoroughly exploring the BOTM platform and investigating several key aspects of its service.

Their book selection page had a user-friendly interface, making filtering and sorting options easy. Each book listing provided everything I needed to make an informed choice: member ratings, a free sample, and a detailed summary. I also explored their membership terms and learned about their skip-a-month policy, additional book pricing, and shipping timeframes through their FAQ section and member forums. I particularly appreciated reading authentic member discussions about book quality and delivery experiences.

After a week of research, I made my purchase on November 14th. I selected ‘Maame’ by Jessica George, and the process was straightforward:

• Verified my shipping details
• Processed payment
• Received confirmation

BOTM’s post-purchase communication was prompt and thorough. I received my purchase confirmation within 10 minutes, followed immediately by a shipping notification.

Key Learnings for Subscription Companies

• Transparent Pricing and Value Proposition: Clearly communicate what differentiates your service. Members need to understand immediately why your subscription offers better value.
• Frictionless Onboarding: Keep sign-up processes short and offer promotional pricing. Keeping initial barriers to entry low will allow you to convert more curious browsers into paying customers.

Week 2: My Post-Purchase Experience

After my November 14th purchase, BOTM immediately began personalizing my account experience. The platform’s tracking system immediately provided detailed shipping information, with regular updates throughout the week. Despite the regular updates, their communication struck an effective balance—it felt purposeful rather than overwhelming.

Post-purchase, they guided me through several account setup steps, including:

• Option to upgrade to an annual plan at a discount
• Selecting an avatar for my profile
• Providing my birthday for a special gift
• Survey about how I discovered their service
• Information about their podcast and audiobook offerings

They also gave clear instructions for downloading and installing their mobile app, which became my primary way of interacting with BOTM. Beyond order tracking, I discovered features that enhanced the experience—from tagging books for my ‘To Be Read’ list to joining community reading challenges.

Despite having comprehensive FAQs available, I decided to test their customer support responsiveness by asking about gift subscriptions. I submitted an email inquiry (the only direct support option), and BOTM immediately acknowledged my message, noting, via email, that they were experiencing higher than usual volume. A day later, a support agent followed up with a detailed response that included helpful links to their gift membership options.

By the end of my first two weeks, I had everything in place—a confirmed order with tracking information, a functioning app, and a clear understanding of what my membership included.

Key Learnings for Subscription Companies

• Balanced Communication: Send timely, purposeful updates only when necessary without being overwhelming.
• Mobile Experience: Invest in mobile platforms with personalized features to create ongoing, engaging experiences accessible from anywhere.
• Multi-Channel Support: Provide immediate assistance options. While comprehensive FAQs work well, today’s consumers increasingly expect real-time support through their preferred channels.

Week 3: Delivery & Unboxing

My BOTM box arrived on November 22nd (8 days after purchase). The box came in BOTM’s signature blue packaging. Inside my package, I found:

• A pristine hardcover copy of ‘Maame’
• A BOTM-branded bookmark
• A welcome pamphlet explaining my membership benefits
• Protective padding that kept everything secure

During my visit to a local bookstore, I compared my BOTM edition of ‘Maame‘ with the retail version. The BOTM copy matched the retail quality while offering a unique membership touch—an embossed logo on the upper right-hand cover. However, the bookstore sold the book for $27.99, making BOTM the cheaper option.

Post-delivery, BOTM’s email communication remained focused. I received a delivery confirmation and a brief survey about my unboxing experience. The mobile app even updated to reflect my delivered status and prompted me to rate the book once I read it.

Key Learnings for Subscription Companies

• Product Quality and Customization: Add exclusive branding touches to your products. Embossed logos, signature packaging, and branded accessories turn these purchases into memorable membership experiences.
• Community Building: Develop forums, challenges, and customization options that connect members. Build a community that gives subscribers reasons to stay beyond the monthly product.

Week 4: Cancellation

In my final week, I dug into BOTM’s long-term membership structure to evaluate the pros of continuing beyond a trial. I discovered that members who stay longer receive:

• Credits that roll over for up to a year
• Special pricing on additional books each month
• Early access to new releases
• Special member anniversary sales

Since this was a one-month test, though, I proceeded to explore their cancellation process. When I initiated cancellation, BOTM presented two alternatives:

1. An option to pause my membership instead of canceling.

2. After declining this offer, I received a discounted offer of $9.99 for my next book if I stayed.

Despite these retention offers, I proceeded with cancellation. The process was straightforward—I clicked through the two confirmation screens and received an immediate email confirming my membership was canceled. My app access remains intact, with multiple prompts and offers to rejoin the service.

Key Learnings for Subscription Companies

• Retention Strategies: Implement structured cancellation alternatives. Offer pausing options before discounts and acknowledge customer concerns while providing solutions that prevent complete departure.

Conclusion

My 30 days with Book of the Month revealed why they’ve become a leader in book subscriptions. Their success isn’t just about delivering books—it’s about understanding what readers want. I found value in their unique offering of full catalog access, quality hardcover books at competitive prices, and a flexible membership model that respects reader choice.

My experience with BOTM was overwhelmingly positive, with one notable limitation: their customer support options. While their email support was responsive and their FAQs comprehensive, the lack of live chat or phone support might frustrate members who prefer immediate assistance.

For subscription companies looking to replicate this level of service excellence, Hugo’s specialized teams can help. From managing member communications to providing 24/7 multichannel support, our teams specialize in scaling subscription operations while maintaining the personal touch that keeps members engaged. Book a demo to learn how Hugo can enhance your customer experience.