The Read sample feature allows readers to search through and preview samples of your books. When you publish a book, it’s automatically enabled.

You can find the “Read sample” button below the cover image on your book’s detail page. Note that in mobile devices the feature is only available for eBooks, and it will show the “Look Inside the Book” sticker instead. This feature is not available in mobile devices for print books.

How Read Sample works

Once your book is available for purchase on Amazon, including eBook pre-orders, the reading sample will display within a few days. If you make updates to your book, it will take additional time for the sample to update with the latest content.

Timelines and amount vary by type of book:

• Paperback and hardcover: 9 -10 business days
• eBook: 7-8 business days

Amount Shown

The reading sample is based on a percentage of your book’s current manuscript. This percentage varies by book format as outlined below. Reading samples percentages cannot be adjusted. However, page samples can be adjusted to hide spoilers.

Here are the amounts shown by book format:

• Fixed layout / Reflowable (eBook): 10%
• Print replica (eBook): 10%
• Paperback and hardcover: 20%

Reading sample limitations

• Books without an ISBN, such as low-content books, will not display the feature.
• Print replica books and these file formats will not display a reading sample: TPZ, MOP, REF MAG
• It isn’t possible to hide specific pages or chapters that appear in the sample.
• The Read sample feature can’t be adjusted for books in landscape or right-to-left orientation books.

Benefits of Read Sample

• Point-of-Sale Sampling
  • Customers can check printed and Kindle versions
  • Preview random pages and search for specific references or characters
  • View books on similar topics
• 1-Click Purchasing
  • An Add to Cart or Buy with 1-Click button can be found throughout the customer's previewing experience, eliminating the need to return to the book detail page
• Improved Search Results
  • When customers search for books on Amazon.com, we use the actual words that match inside the book to return the best possible selection of books.

Where is the Read Sample available

• Amazon.ca
• Amazon.cn
• Amazon.co.jp
• Amazon.com
• Amazon.com.au*
• Amazon.com.br*
• Amazon.com.mx*
• Amazon.co.uk
• Amazon.de
• Amazon.es*
• Amazon.fr
• Amazon.in
• Amazon.it*
• Amazon.nl*