A recent Quick & Dirty Survey asked: Do you read digital ARCs?

• 62% answered NO.
• 19% said that of the ARCs read, 10% or less are digital.
• 6% said a 1/4 to 1/3 are digital.
• 13% said that 50% or more of their ARCs are read digitally.

Some of those answering NO said:

“no, never, never will”

“NEVER read digital ARCs.”

“No. Already spend too much screen time working. I like to relax with my books.”

“We do examine, browse, and read physical ARCS. The physical appearance of a book and cover and being able to dip into a real copy of the book will make a big difference as to whether we carry in store or not. The quality of the cover and book as an “object” as well as the quality and style of the writing itself are big determining factors for whether we carry physical copies in the store. Books need to be something to pick up and hold.”

Some of those answering YES said:

“I was hesitant to start at first, but it’s freed up so much room in my office!”

“99% of what I read digitally is graphic novels. It’s practically the only way I can get access to ARCs of that format since the publisher’s don’t hand them out as readily.”

“I prefer the physical book, but it has become really easy to request (or download) an ARC while reviewing publisher catalogs.”

“I prefer a physical book, but arcs are great when you’re traveling.”

“Only when I really want the book and can’t wait for a hard copy.”

“I only read digital ARCs if I need to read the book in advance (for example, before a launch party or to judge it for a committee), that is the only form of ARC and the publisher is not willing to send me an advance copy.  I’ve only read one ever.”

Devices mentioned most often were iPad/iPad mini and Kobo Arc. Others included Kobo HD, Sony Reader, Galaxy Tablet and phones. Specific apps mentioned were Bluefire Reader and Aldiko Android App.