Sometimes.
(Well, I had to say something other than my usual “It depends”!)
There are times when I don’t read a sample before downloading (or buying) the book:
- When the book is a review copy, because I’m not “buying” it, and there is no sample available (as review copies are usually pre-release books).
- When the book is free on Kindle, because books are often only free for a short period, and I wouldn’t want to download the sample, not read it, then miss out on the free book because of my own tardiness.
- I may also click Buy without reading the sample on a book that’s on a short-term 99 cent sale so I don’t miss out. This is especially the case if I’ve read and enjoyed other books by that author, or if I’ve seen the book recommended by someone I trust.
- When the book is a preorder. Kindle samples are only available for books that are for sale, but many authors offer 99 cent or $2.99 preorder specials. If it’s an author I’ve read and enjoyed before, then it’s easy to click Buy on a 99 cent preorder.
If the book is more expensive, then my decision will depend on the price, the book, and the author—I’m more likely to click Buy on a book I’ve been waiting for (e.g. because it’s the next in a series I enjoy) than on an unknown book from a less familiar author.
Otherwise, I’ll download and read the Kindle sample.
Why? Because I already have hundreds of unread books (fiction and nonfiction) on my Kindle. I don’t want to spend money on more books unless I’m confident I’m going to read and enjoy it. The books I abandon are generally those where I didn’t read a sample first. If I read and enjoyed the sample, then I’m likely to want to read the whole book.
