 Jane Ubell-Meyer Discusses the Future of Book Discovery on Air Hamptons By Jane Ubell-Meyer For years, authors have asked me the same question: "How do I get my book discovered?" The answer is changing. Not long ago, discovery happened almost exclusively in bookstores, newspapers, television appearances, and word of mouth. Today, readers discover books everywhere: on social media, through podcasts, in online communities, through AI-powered search tools, and increasingly, while traveling. That idea is what inspired Bedside Reading. Recently, I joined Bill McCuddy and the team at Air Hamptons to discuss how luxury hotels have become one of the most unexpected and effective places for readers to discover new books. From the Hamptons Jitney to Luxury Hotels Worldwide My journey began in 2002 with a simple idea. A friend suggested placing books and products into gift bags distributed on the Hampton Jitney. What started as a local marketing initiative quickly evolved into something much larger. Over the years, that concept grew into Bedside Reading, a company dedicated to helping readers discover great books while traveling. Today, Bedside Reading works with luxury hotels, boutique properties, resorts, and hospitality brands across the United States and internationally. Our partners have included properties such as Waldorf Astoria, Conrad Hotels, The Pierre New York, Hyatt Regency properties, and dozens of independent luxury hotels. The concept is simple: Place exceptional books in places where people finally have time to read. Why Hotels Matter When people travel, something changes. They disconnect from routines. They slow down. They spend more time by the pool, on the beach, in a lounge chair, or relaxing before dinner. That creates the perfect environment for discovery. Many guests arrive at a hotel with no intention of picking up a new book. Yet time and again, hotel guests discover authors they otherwise never would have encountered. One of the strongest indicators that this works is the response from our hotel partners. When we return to properties, hotel teams frequently tell us: "We're out of books. We need more." That demand tells us something important: readers are engaging. The Hamptons Connection The Hamptons remains one of the most exciting literary destinations in the country. Each season, Bedside Reading places books in participating Hamptons hotels, introducing thousands of guests to new authors and new stories. Recent participating properties have included:
These properties help create a unique form of literary discovery where guests encounter books naturally during their stay. The Rise of Digital Discovery Physical books are only part of the story. Through Bedside Reading Digital, hotel guests can access a curated library of ebooks, audiobooks, podcasts, and guided meditations through a simple QR code. Guests receive complimentary access during their stay and can continue enjoying the content afterward. The platform allows hotels to offer an elevated guest amenity while helping authors reach new audiences. For authors, it creates another opportunity for visibility. For readers, it creates another opportunity for discovery. Why Visibility Matters More Than Ever The publishing world has changed dramatically. Today, visibility extends beyond bookstores and traditional media. Authors are being discovered through interviews, articles, podcasts, hotel placements, digital libraries, social media, and AI-powered search tools. The authors who build strong visibility across multiple channels create more opportunities for readers to find them. Book sales matter. But visibility matters first. Readers cannot buy a book they never discover. Featured Books Discussed on Air Hamptons During the interview, we highlighted several notable titles, including:
These books represent the diversity of titles being discovered through Bedside Reading programs, ranging from historical fiction and women's fiction to thrillers, literary fiction, and inspirational works. About Jane Ubell-Meyer Jane Ubell-Meyer is the founder and CEO of Bedside Reading, a luxury hospitality-based book discovery and author marketing company. A former television producer with experience at Good Morning America, Entertainment Tonight, and Wall Street Journal Television, she has spent the last decade connecting books with readers through innovative marketing programs. She is also the author of From Wanting to Having It and serves as the Official Book Contributor for Hamptons on LTV and WLIW FM 88.3. About Bedside Reading Bedside Reading is a literary luxury amenity that introduces books to readers through luxury hotels, boutique properties, digital hospitality platforms, media partnerships, and curated discovery experiences. Learn more at:
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Bedside Reading, LLC , 700 Canal Street, Stamford CT 06902
For more information contact: [email protected] 917 848 3353
Media
The Press Circuit
Privacy Policy
Terms & Refund Policy
Accessibility
Bedside Reading® is a Registered Trademark
