Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Lookup
About The Gloss Book Club
Is The Gloss for women only?
The Gloss is a community built primarily for women and non-binary readers, but you don’t have to be either to belong here. Men are welcome too, as long as they share our values and show up with care for the safe, welcoming space our hosts work hard to create. Our priority has always been to bring people together through books in a way that honors and respects everyone in the room.
How do we choose our books?
We read a lot. We work with publishers big and small to find the best new books out there. Curating the book list is the thing we spend the most time on, and it’s a role we take seriously. For an official Gloss Title, we lean toward paperback editions. Publishers and authors are always welcome to share suggestions. Drop us an email with the title in mind and we’ll take a look. We’re always excited to discover new voices and stories.
Do we hold other events other than Book Club meeting?
Yes, absolutely. The Gloss community comes together for all kinds of events throughout the year. Most months, we hop on Zoom with the author of the book we’re currently reading. Each quarter, we host bigger virtual events too, including publisher previews, author panels, and in-depth author interviews, giving members an inside look at the books and writers we’re excited about. And on top of all that, your local chapter may be hosting in-person activities of their own. There’s always something happening at The Gloss.
Do we support charities?
Yes. Each year, we choose one literary charity to support, and we commit to it fully. Five percent of every new annual subscription is donated to that year’s chosen charity, which means every member who joins is helping put more books into more hands. There are so many worthwhile causes out there, and we wish we could back them all. Focusing on one charity each year is what lets us make a contribution that genuinely matters, which is why we’re not able to take on additional charitable partnerships outside of our annual focus.
Subscriptions
How much will this cost me?
We keep our subscriptions intentionally affordable. Beyond what you pay to subscribe, the only added costs are your copy of the book each month and anything you might order at the venue. Being part of The Gloss should feel accessible, never extravagant, so every member can comfortably show up and stay.
Do we charge authors?
There is no cost for an author to be considered for our book of the month. Selection is based purely on the books we love and want to share with our community. For authors and publishers who’d like to do more, though, we do offer The Author Media Kit, an affordable advertising opportunity designed to put your book in front of The Gloss community, a global audience of readers who care deeply about discovering new voices and the stories behind them. To learn more or request a copy, reach out to us directly through our form. A note on email impersonation: We’ve recently become aware of scammers impersonating The Gloss and contacting authors and publishers under our name. If you’d like to verify a message you’ve received please contact us through our form.
Books & Events
Do we only read books in English?
Yes. All of our official titles, author interviews, and gatherings happen in English.
How often does The Gloss meet?
We meet once a month, usually the last week of the month but that can change depending on the month and public holidays.
How many books do we read?
We read one book a month, although we sometimes host extra events with authors and that may feature additional books beyond our Official Gloss Book of the Month.
What do I need to do before book club?
It’s simple. Grab a copy of the month’s book from your local bookshop, library, or favorite retailer, and read it before we meet. If you want to come extra prepared, the month’s discussion questions are available to download ahead of time. They’re a great way to gather your thoughts and spark ideas before the conversation begins.
What happens if I didn’t finish or read the book? Can I still attend?
Yes, of course. Life gets in the way, and we understand. Whether you finished the book, got halfway through, or didn’t pick it up at all, you’re still welcome at the meeting. Spoiler alert: you might find out how it ends before you do!
How many people attend?
It varies. Depending on the chapter and the month, most meetings have anywhere from 5 to 45 readers. Some gatherings are intimate, with plenty of room for every voice. Others are bigger and buzzing with energy. Either way, you’ll find a warm, welcoming community ready to make space for you.
What is a Newcomer Welcome?
A warm welcome before the main conversation begins. Walking into a new community for the first time can feel like a lot. The Newcomer Welcome is our way of making it easier. New members are invited to arrive 15 to 30 minutes before the regular meeting starts, so you can settle in, meet your host, and connect with other readers also joining for the first time. By the time the rest of the chapter arrives, you’ll already feel like part of the room.
Still have questions?
Get in touch to ask any remaining questions, or for any press or other inquiries.
Looking for a bookclub in your area?
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