Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy the books individually?
Not at present. In order to ensure all subscribers get their books in a timely manner, we try to keep an equal number of all books in inventory. Consequently, titles are not sold individually. As more titles are published, however, some may be offered on our website and in selected retail outlets.
Are any of the books sold elsewhere?
No. Linguality publishes all the titles it sells and, at present, only offers them by subscription to members of its book club.
How good does my French or Italian have to be to enjoy the books?
We recommend readers have completed the equivalent of two years of college French or Italian. While each title is amply annotated, beginners may still find it difficult to contend with the texts.
Why should I buy SIX books by authors I've never heard of?
1) Because they're wonderful stories. And...
2) Because each book doubles as a great intermediate language course!
Still unconvinced? Read what a subscriber wrote to us recently:
"This is one of the most delightful discoveries that I've found in many years. I've prayed for something JUST like what you are producing. Put me down as ONE VERY EXCITED AND HAPPY CUSTOMER! :-) I cannot tell you how delighted I am with this book already—I'm only partly through it, but I even hurried home from work last night so that I could get back to reading it.
I mostly work on learning French alone—with a French tutor whenever I have a little extra cash, now and then. I watch TV5Monde—but again, that's mostly done in the language of news productions and documentaries, etc.—it still doesn't move a lot (except for movies) into the expanded, more imaginative speech and vocabulary areas. And you are finally making that delightfully accessible!
I just do not know enough words (even in English:-) to tell you how I appreciate your branching into this area of French offerings. Its the PERFECT thing for a person such as myself, who will never be likely to take a college course in French literature (I'm 63 years old--and my years at university are well beyond me)—and I have so yearned to be able to read French novels better. Your publications are filling (in my humble opinion) a very great need for people who love to read more than just a short magazine article! Thank you SO much—a VERY grateful customer."
—KW, Washington, DC
Why is the U.S. subscription fee so much less than than the fees elsewhere?
It's not gouging, it's postage! While our texts are annotated in Paris and Rome, the books are all printed in the Unied States. American subscribers are then able to benefit from the U.S. post office's special discounted book rate. Unfortunately, there is no discounted international priority rate for books. The price of those stamps is... well, considerable. To see what other booksellers are charging for overseas shipping, go to their websites and have a look.
Are any of the books abridged?
Not at present. Linguality always republishes complete, unedited texts.
How are the books shipped?
In the U.S., books are shipped media-rate mail. Outside the U.S., they are shipped airmail. The books will not fit in smaller mailboxes.
How often do I get a new book?
A new book is shipped every two months.
How long does it take to get my first book?
It generally takes between 7 and 10 days in the 48 contiguous U.S. states. Outside the United States, we tell subscribers to expect delivery in 2-3 weeks. (Still, it is not unheard of for some Canadian and European subscribers to get their first books within a week.)
Can I cancel my subscription?
Yes. Subscriptions may be canceled at any time. Money is refunded for all books not shipped.
Will you automatically renew my subscription?
Absolutely not. You’ll get a renewal letter from us before your subscription expires asking whether you’d like to resubscribe. Then it’s up to you. If we don’t hear from you, you have no further obligation. We NEVER charge your credit card a second time unless and until we have your explicit permission.
How are the books selected?
Our editorial staff looks at hundreds of titles and considers several criteria: first and foremost, we want good books that we think will interest an avid reader. We try to avoid books that we believe would have a small constituency, are too long, or would present too many challenges for the intermediate speaker. Finally, we look for balance, typically four works of fiction and two of non-fiction.
May I suggest a title?
Absolutely. Send your suggestions to editorial@linguality.com Please understand that we are a small organization and may not be able to respond rapidly to your e-mail.
What does a subscription cost?
It depends on where you live. Because books are heavy and therefore expensive to mail, subscribers outside the Unites States pay a shipping surcharge. Our online shop will calculate shipping charges for you based on your location. For more information, e-mail circulation@linguality.com
May I send a check?
Certainly—if you live in the United States and have a US checking account. Make your check payable to Linguality and mail it to us at 955 Massachusetts Ave. #121, Cambridge, MA 02139.
Whom do I call if I have a delivery or ordering problem?
E-mail us at circulation@linguality.com or call customer service toll-free at 1.615.242.2002. Outside the United States, you may call +(01).615.242.2002 between14:00 and 23:00GMT.
What if the shop won't take my credit card?
First, check to make sure your billing address is correct, i.e., exactly the same as the address on your credit card statements. If you are ordering from outside the United States, you should check with your card's issuing bank to be sure their anti-fraud safeguards allow you to purchase merchandise from overseas internet vendors. Ordering problems may also be the result of browser settings. If you have a problem getting the online shop to take your card, you can download an order form and fax us your coordinates (+617.275.4360) or call our toll-free number: 1.615.242.2002.
Do you intend to offer books in other languages?
Perhaps. Our Italian book club launched in April. Other languages may follow shortly.
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