WHO READS NONFICTION

A survey of readers of nonfiction estimates the size of the market, co mpares the demographics of the survey group to those of readers of ''l iterature,'' and describes the respondents' reading habits: how much t hey read, what other kinds of books they read, what magazines they rea d, and where they read. It then examines how these readers select book s and what influences their choices. Their reasons for reading serious nonfiction are also explored. Finally, these readers are compared wit h two other groups that have been studied in depth: readers of romance novels and female readers of self-help books.