Reading Required FAQ
What is Reading Required?
Reading Required is a literacy empowerment program that supports, incentivizes, and celebrates reading habits for adults (participants must be 19+). Participants set personal reading goals (number of pages read) every six weeks. Lostintheletters creates and shares tracking sheets that participants use to update their reading progress during the six weeks. Those who achieve their reading goal receive an invitation to an exclusive party that also operates as a book exchange.
Is there a fee to participate?
You can participate in Reading Required for free, but we do encourage a $15 donation, which can be made here.
What does Lostintheletters provide during the reading period?
A shared spreadsheet to track progress
Motivational quotes from professional authors about reading
Tips for maximizing your reading habits
Support for any questions or thoughts that come up
How long is the reading period? When can I sign up?
Each reading period lasts six weeks. The party will be hosted one week after the reading period ends. Lostintheletters will share the schedule with participants.
We cut off sign-ups two weeks into each reading period. Participants who sign up after two weeks have passed in the reading period will be included the next reading session.
How should I set my reading goal? Can I change it after the reading period starts?
Reading goals are set by the number of pages read over the six-week reading period. We ask that you not change your reading goal after the reading period has started.
We encourage you to set a goal that feels achievable and aligned with your capacity. You can adjust your goal in the next reading period!
How do I track my reading progress?
Lostintheletters will share a communal spreadsheet with participants. You can your reading goal to the sheet along with your weekly number of pages read.
Reading Required relies on the honor system. Please be honest about your reading progress.
What if I don’t achieve my reading goal?
That’s okay! You won’t receive a ticket to the party for that round, but you can sign up for the next reading period and try again.
What happens at the Reading Required parties?
Lostintheletters will provide food and beverages (zero-proof options available!). Participants can also bring two books for a book exchange. We will share the party schedule with participants who sign up.
Why is Reading Required for adults only?
We want to create a space that encourages adults to read and socialize. Recent data shows that fewer than 50% of adults in the U.S. read more than one book per year, but more than 80% report that they think reading is important and that they would like to be reading more. The majority list their jobs, busy schedules, and technology distractions as reasons for not reading more. We aim to reverse this trend and increase the number of adults with regular reading practices.
What if I want to support my teen’s reading and writing practices?
Lostintheletters has created the Young Writers Studio, a new writing workshop and professional development series just for teens! You can sign up to get more information here.
What should I read for Reading Required?
You can read whatever you like! We are happy to make recommendations and share titles published by past Lostintheletters participating authors. You can also sign up for the Lostintheletters Book Lovers subscription to receive a new book each month!
Do audiobooks count toward my goal?
Yes, you can listen to audiobooks to reach your Reading Required goal. You will need to determine the number of pages you listen to in order to track your progress.
What if I still have questions?
We are happy to answer any other questions you have. Please email us at hello@lostintheletters.org