Frequently Asked Questions:

General Questions
	Who are we? How can you offer such low prices on your books? Do you offer a limited selection of titles?
Enrollment Questions
	What kind of books will I find in the Scientific American Book Club? How does Scientific American Book Club work? What's the catch? What are the benefits of membership? What are the benefits of membership in the Scientific American Book Club? How do I join? What if I change my mind? I am not a resident of the United States; can I join the club?
Questions on Billing & Shipping
	What are the total costs for my introductory books? Is it safe to enter my credit card information on the web site? How does credit card billing work?

Who are we?

We service the premier direct marketer of general interest and specialty book clubs, with millions of members, and over 40 book clubs including Book-of-the-Month Club®, The Literary Guild®, Quality Paperback Book Club®, and Scientific American Book Club.

How can you offer such low prices on your books?

We are leaders in the field of direct marketing - which means we promote and sell our products directly to you - our customers - avoiding the middleman. That's why we're able to offer our club members substantial savings off the publisher's price on every book every day.

Do you offer a limited selection of titles?

Our club members have access to a catalog of thousands of titles that have been hand selected by editors in tune with what you like to read. Say goodbye to browsing through shelves and screen searching for something — anything — that interests you. We do the work so you can focus on reading great science books not searching for them!

What kind of books will I find in Scientific American Book Club?

The Scientific American Book Club has been serving discriminating readers with a serious interest in the leading edge of scientific development. We bring you the most significant books and software on theoretical and applied mathematics, physics, biology, astronomy, chemistry, biochemistry, earth science, computer science, and cognitive science.

How does Scientific American Book Club work?

You'll receive our free club magazine about every 3 weeks, up to 19 times a year, featuring a Featured Selection for the club along with a dated reply card.

Choose from the current Featured and Alternate Selections, or from a selection of recently offered titles.

If you want the Featured Selection, do nothing and it will be sent to you automatically. If you prefer another selection, or no book at all, simply indicate your choice on the reply card and return it by the date specified. (You can do it through the mail, or right here, online!)

You will always have at least 15 days to decide. If, because of late mail delivery of the club magazine, you should receive a book you do not want, the club guarantees return postage.

What's the catch?

All we ask is that you purchase books from us. The Membership Agreement outlines the number of books you need to purchase as well as other important details about this great offer.

What are the benefits of membership?

The Best Books - First!
We review books from top authors and publishers while still in manuscript form, select only those that meet our exacting standards, and offer these titles to you as soon as we can - often before they arrive in bookstores.

Lowest-Price Guarantee
Club members always save an average of 20% and up to 50% off publishers' prices on every science title. And if you see the same edition of a book we offer being sold at a lower price through any direct selling source -- even online booksellers -- just send us a copy of the advertisement or book listing, and we will match that price -- guaranteed!

Bonus Credits for Even Greater Savings
With every regularly priced book you buy as a member, you earn Bonus Credits that entitle you to 50% discounts.

Shop-at-home Convenience
Enjoy the freedom to shop for books when it's convenient for you, in the calm and quiet of your own home.

Safe Web Shopping
Our online bookstacks put every book we offer at your fingertips, and make secure ordering as easy as clicking your mouse. Once we set up your membership, every order is shipped and billed to your account.

Expert Book Reviews
You receive Club Magazines featuring detailed reviews of each new book we offer, making it easy to choose the titles that match your needs and interests.

Risk-free Examination Privileges
You can examine your selections for 15 days without spending a dime. If you're not delighted, return your order and owe nothing.

Cross-Club Purchasing Option
Once you become a member of our book club and register your user name and password on our website, you will be able to purchase titles online from many of our Bookspan clubs and charge these purchases to your club account.

How do I join?

Make your selections from our online catalog and review the items in your shopping cart. Fill out the form with your address and agree to our risk-free membership by marking the checkbox next to YES. Complete the billing and shipping information, then click the SUBMIT ENROLLMENT button to JOIN.

What if I change my mind?

We guarantee your satisfaction. Your membership is risk-free. If you're not completely satisfied with your introductory package, you may return it within 10 days at our expense. Your membership will be canceled and you'll owe nothing.

I am not a resident of the United States; can I join the club?

At the present time only residents of the United States and those who are active U.S. military personnel living overseas (with APO/FPO addresses) can be members of the Club.

What are the total costs for my introductory books?

For your introductory package, your amount due for your 3 books is $5.97 plus the shipping and handling charges of $14.99 plus tax where applicable.

Is it safe to enter my credit card information on the web site?

Yes. In addition to the security benefit of password authentication, we use Secure Server Software (SSL) to maintain the safety and privacy of your information. SSL is the industry standard and the most effective way to conduct secure commerce transactions. It encrypts all of your personal information, including credit card number, name, and address, so that it cannot be read as the information travels over the Internet. Whenever you see a URL that begins with https://, you are using SSL.

How does credit card billing work?

Your credit card will be charged when your selections are shipped. Your credit card will only be charged for this order. We will NEVER charge your credit card for any purchase throughout your membership without your prior authorization. If you receive featured selections automatically, your credit card will not be charged unless you explicitly authorize us to use your card as payment.

Do you have questions about your account, your order, or club policies? Please review the questions and answers in the categories above to see if your question (and its answer) is among them. If you have any additional questions, contact customer service.