Such a great post! I typically only pre-order if there’s an incentive (I pre-ordered yours to get access to the Memoiring Book Club event) or I’m just a very big fan or eager to read it ASAP. Otherwise I try my library first.
Something fun about pre-ordering from Bookshop I’ve found is that they sometimes ship 1-4 weeks ahead of the pub date. I assume they probably aren’t supposed to but as a reader that feels like a treat to get the book before it’s officially out. I often do a bunch of pre-orders there around Black Friday when shipping is free. Mad at myself because I had 2 books in my cart I could’ve sworn I’d pre-ordered but apparently never finished the order.
ps. I know it’s not the point of this post but the Doree 1,500 goal example made me wonder: A) What’s a good number of pre-orders for authors to aim for? Or is that individual to each book? and B) Do you think every author should try to drum up pre-orders?
Hi Rachel, and thank you for preordering! You're right that it's very individual to each book. Doree's numbers are REALLY high. She did her campaign when preorders were somewhat novel, and it's rare for us to see numbers like that unless a writer is already quite well-known. Even just a few hundred preorders can be helpful. It sends the signal to the publisher and to retailers that their is an audience waiting for the book. And I don't see any reason not to drum up preorders. As long as you're thoughtful about not *only* posting about buying your book, I don't think you risk annoying your fans and followers. It really is all upside.
I really appreciate this post, too! My book comes out with Penguin Random House Canada on Feb. 17th and I’ve been working like a dog (on instagram) trying get pre-orders. I filmed a short promo video of a scene from the novel and have been releasing it in bits, but now I’m thinking of asking my favourite bookstore to add something to the pre-order package. I figure I’ll go to every bookstore in the city and sign copies of the book as soon as I can and let the people know. Thank you, again!!!
Thanks for speaking to this topic and shedding some light. We are involved with a lot of different preorder campaigns and have seen some of the same things you shared. The one we are seeing more and more often is leveraging the sales of the rabid, loyal audience. And specifically sales occurring through the author's site with unique and special incentives. // Our part is the logistics and the reporting to the lists...so we get a front-row seat to some great ideas.
The things we see have the most success are usually tied to bringing REAL value to that most loyal audience. To us, it doesn't have to be an incentive for the mass market...it's ok to target a specific number (like you mentioned in the article). When it comes to value... you have to think like the fan though...what do they value from this author?
For fiction, we've seen an additional short story about a character that is printed and mailed with the new book. We've seen a plushie toy, apparel, etc.
For non-fiction, we've seen organic dog treats for a dog cookbook, access to an e-course, giveaway raffle-type thing for an hour-long consulting/coaching.
I accidentally put "Tucson, NY" when ordering from the Community Bookstore because Community Bookstore activates my New York self. Oops! I called them to correct the address and they said, "Don't worry, we know there's no Tucson here." bahaha ANYWAY mazel tov Alia & cannot wait to get my pre-order!
Thank you for this glimpse into the pre-orders-of-books world I knew nothing about. I've seen parallel discussions in the DIY/indie music community (consensus is they are tough to set up successfully for lesser known bands). Some helpful ideas here to think about!
Such a great post! I typically only pre-order if there’s an incentive (I pre-ordered yours to get access to the Memoiring Book Club event) or I’m just a very big fan or eager to read it ASAP. Otherwise I try my library first.
Something fun about pre-ordering from Bookshop I’ve found is that they sometimes ship 1-4 weeks ahead of the pub date. I assume they probably aren’t supposed to but as a reader that feels like a treat to get the book before it’s officially out. I often do a bunch of pre-orders there around Black Friday when shipping is free. Mad at myself because I had 2 books in my cart I could’ve sworn I’d pre-ordered but apparently never finished the order.
ps. I know it’s not the point of this post but the Doree 1,500 goal example made me wonder: A) What’s a good number of pre-orders for authors to aim for? Or is that individual to each book? and B) Do you think every author should try to drum up pre-orders?
Hi Rachel, and thank you for preordering! You're right that it's very individual to each book. Doree's numbers are REALLY high. She did her campaign when preorders were somewhat novel, and it's rare for us to see numbers like that unless a writer is already quite well-known. Even just a few hundred preorders can be helpful. It sends the signal to the publisher and to retailers that their is an audience waiting for the book. And I don't see any reason not to drum up preorders. As long as you're thoughtful about not *only* posting about buying your book, I don't think you risk annoying your fans and followers. It really is all upside.
I really appreciate this post, too! My book comes out with Penguin Random House Canada on Feb. 17th and I’ve been working like a dog (on instagram) trying get pre-orders. I filmed a short promo video of a scene from the novel and have been releasing it in bits, but now I’m thinking of asking my favourite bookstore to add something to the pre-order package. I figure I’ll go to every bookstore in the city and sign copies of the book as soon as I can and let the people know. Thank you, again!!!
Thanks for speaking to this topic and shedding some light. We are involved with a lot of different preorder campaigns and have seen some of the same things you shared. The one we are seeing more and more often is leveraging the sales of the rabid, loyal audience. And specifically sales occurring through the author's site with unique and special incentives. // Our part is the logistics and the reporting to the lists...so we get a front-row seat to some great ideas.
Thanks for this, Allen! I'd love to hear more about some special incentives you've seen that worked and I am sure my readers would too!
PS: Gernert loves Givington's!
The things we see have the most success are usually tied to bringing REAL value to that most loyal audience. To us, it doesn't have to be an incentive for the mass market...it's ok to target a specific number (like you mentioned in the article). When it comes to value... you have to think like the fan though...what do they value from this author?
For fiction, we've seen an additional short story about a character that is printed and mailed with the new book. We've seen a plushie toy, apparel, etc.
For non-fiction, we've seen organic dog treats for a dog cookbook, access to an e-course, giveaway raffle-type thing for an hour-long consulting/coaching.
This is so helpful. I wish I'd thought to interview you for the piece!
I accidentally put "Tucson, NY" when ordering from the Community Bookstore because Community Bookstore activates my New York self. Oops! I called them to correct the address and they said, "Don't worry, we know there's no Tucson here." bahaha ANYWAY mazel tov Alia & cannot wait to get my pre-order!
Maya, that is so sweet! THANK YOU and much love to you.
Thank you for this glimpse into the pre-orders-of-books world I knew nothing about. I've seen parallel discussions in the DIY/indie music community (consensus is they are tough to set up successfully for lesser known bands). Some helpful ideas here to think about!
Great repeatable examples. Thank you! And we’re thrilled to be part of your book’s pre-order season!
I'm so excited to come and I'm working on my talk right now!!
Amazing, Alia! We truly cannot wait to Zoom with you. Picture me refilling your morning cup of coffee…
Great post! Love the insights
Taking notes thank you!
Thanks for a terrific post!