David Walter Launches BookInsights.ai and Consumer Compass Survey of American Book Buyers
In 2023, David Walter established BookInsights.ai after spending more than ten years at Nielsen, NPD Group, and Circana. This consultancy focuses on helping publishers make informed, data-driven choices. Its inaugural offering, Consumer Compass, represents the first extensive survey of American book purchasers since the onset of Covid, the rise of BookTok, and the popularity of Colleen Hoover. Results, based on a sample of 5,000 buyers from various genres and platforms, are anticipated by early November. The survey will explore reading preferences across print, e-books, and audiobooks, as well as insights into teenage readers and perceptions of AI-generated content. Walter aims to fill the void in tracking small press data and consumer insights, leveraging AI for enhanced recommendations. Consumer Compass may be the first of multiple upcoming products.
Key facts
- David Walter spent over a decade in business and client development at Nielsen, NPD Group, and Circana before founding BookInsights.ai this year.
- BookInsights.ai is a consultancy that helps publishers turn data into decisions.
- Consumer Compass is the first product from BookInsights.ai.
- Consumer Compass is described as the first detailed, comprehensive study of the American book buyer in close to a decade, and the first since before Covid, BookTok, Colleen Hoover, and romantasy.
- Full results from the survey are expected by early November.
- The survey will reach 5,000 book buyers and profile them by genre, covering discovery channels, purchasing habits, and format mix (print, e-book, audio), with deeper looks at audio and subscriptions.
- It also captures teen readers alongside their parents and explores attitudes toward AI-generated text and disclosure.
- AI is used in the survey questions and in the platform: image recognition for cover uploads, mobile-first chat-style interface, and an AI assistant to improve data quality.
Entities
Artists
- David Walter
- Colleen Hoover
Institutions
- BookInsights.ai
- Nielsen
- NPD Group
- Circana
- BookScan
- Publishers Weekly
- Consumer Compass
Locations
- United States