The weeks before and after a book’s release are critical to its success. According to the American Booksellers Association, pre-orders typically account for 3-30% of a book’s total sales.* Early readers hold tremendous power in welcoming a book into the world. But don’t just take my word for it!
Lisa Schroeder (who kindly let me use the same title she did on a pre-order post she wrote in 2014) says:
Pre-ordering a book is one of the very best things you can do for an author whose work you enjoy.
Pre-orders are crucial in helping a bookstore decide whether or not to carry a book. With solid pre-order numbers, the sales rep has a much easier time convincing stores to carry the book.
If another book the author has written is being considered by that publisher, pre-orders might help the publisher say yes to the next project.
If this book has a strong start, the author might get more publisher support/marketing dollars for the next book.
[Pre-orders] let retailers know readers are interested. When readers show interest before release date by preordering, retailers order more copies for release day. The more copies they order, the larger the print run.
The more preorders, the more buzz among readers and booksellers, and the more book[s] will be stocked in actual, physical bookstores.
A recent post at BookEnds Literary Agency says:
For authors, preorders make the difference between a bestseller list, a new book contract, and your ranking on bookseller websites or places like Goodreads.
Rankings on a bookseller’s website, whether it’s Amazon or an Indie, help determine the promotion that store will give a book.
If you know you’re going to read and buy a book don’t just add it to your wishlist, go ahead and preorder.
If you plan on buying a copy of A Race Around the World, I’d be grateful if you pre-ordered online, at a chain bookstore, or your local indie. Consider asking your local library to order a copy. And remember, one of the best ways to support a new book is easy and free: leave an honest review on Amazon and Goodreads.
Click through to pre-order your copy. Thank you so much for your help sending Nellie and Elizabeth’s story into the world!
*Winter Institute 2019
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