Saturday, November 23, 2019

What We're Writing Week: Why Preorder?

JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: Like several other Reds have copped to this week, I haven't yet started writing UNTITLED CLARE FERGUSSON/RUSS VAN ALSTYNE MYSTERY #10 (as it's so elegantly called in my contract.) I'm also at the research-and-noodling stage, with half a notebook filled with ideas, questions and themes. Today, I'm in Greenwich NY - just a hop, skip and jump away from Millers Kill - to visit friends and see the annual Lighted Tractor Parade, which I'm pretty sure will feature in the next book.

Instead of talking about writing, then, I'm going to talk about buying. Specifically, pre-ordering books. Lucy mentioned her next Key West Food Critic mystery, THE KEY LIME CRIME, is up for pre-order, even though the book won't be published unto July. So why should you order it now? Why pre-buy Jenn's PARIS IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA, also out in July? Or HID FROM OUR EYES, coming in April, which has been available for pre-order for two months now?

For readers, there are several reasons why pre-ordering is a good idea. You don't have to remember that a book you want to read is coming out - you order it when you learn about it, and then have the happy experience of seeing it in the mail or getting a call from your local book store - is there any happier news than, "Your book's here!"

You can also skip waiting in line, ensure you'll actually be able to get your hands on a copy, and avoid getting spoiled as to the events in the book - because you'll have read it before anyone else!

B&N has a funny list of why pre-order, including this gem: "You can take the time before the book’s arrival to build yourself a cozy reading nook with food and water supplies and possibly plumbing. That way, when the book finally arrives, you can sit down and read without interruption."

But the number one reason to pre-order is that it materially supports the authors you love. No, we don't get our royalty payments any faster. (Oh, that it were!) Instead, pre-orders are one of the major ways our publishers gauge reader interest and commitment to our books. A book with strong pre-orders garners buzz in the industry - the numbers are passed around to book stores and publishing news outlets. Like any other product, just hearing an item is popular makes people more likely to check it out. (Doubt that? Look at the lines out the door at Apple stores the day a new iWhatever comes out.)

Good pre-order numbers tell bookstores they might want to order a few more copies, just in case. The publisher is going to consider upping the initial print run to keep up with demand. If a book is in the running to get on the New York Times bestseller list, every pre-order counts as part of the first week's sales. Since making the list depends on the number of books sold in a single week, you can see how important pre-orders are. (I'm pretty sure it was pre-orders that lifted me over the bar the first time I made the NYT list.)

Pre-orders help authors that aren't competing for a bestseller slot, too. Ever wish you could call a publishing company and say, "Hey! I love this person's books! Keep them coming!" Well, a pre-order does exactly that. And when its time for your favorite author to negotiate a new contract, you can bet everyone involved will be looking at those pre-order numbers to see how devoted her or his readers are. 

So I hope you'll consider pre-ordering THE KEY LIME CRIME



and PARIS IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA (it's 24% off at B&N!)



and HID FROM OUR EYES.


But please, don't stop with the Reds. Whenever you have an author you're passionate about, think about pre-ordering. It really, truly helps, and believe me when I say, we're grateful.

52 comments:

  1. I had absolutely no idea that pre-ordering a book was important for any reason other than getting it in my hand as soon as possible. Now that I’m properly enlightened, Julia, I’m even more thankful that I’ve already pre-ordered my books . . . .

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    1. Oh my goodness yes! It makes a huge difference—and that is so lovely of you!

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  2. No one ever put it better, Julia! Am off to share this post - and do some preordering.

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    1. I don't know about not putting it better, Edith, but it does seem to be something lots of people not in the industry don't know.

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  3. I am aware that pre-ordering is important, and I try to do it when I think of it. For the past several books I've pre-ordered Deb's newest, even though she always swears she'll give me one. I know she would be happy to, but she is my friend, so I pre-order anyway. With "A Bitter Feast" I also went to her book launch event at Barnes and Noble, only to realize my pre-order was sitting at home on my porch, waiting for me. Not handy for autographing, or for telling B&N that fans will turn out and buy, so I bought another copy, and gave my pre-order to friend, so she could get her mother hooked on Duncan and Gemma.

    Not long ago I came home from work to spy a familiar package on my porch, but I couldn't remember what I'd ordered. Turned out to be pre-ordered copies of Jenn's "The Christmas Keeper" as well as the newest Verity Kent mystery. Oh, happy day! So, now, clearly, I will be hopping over to that bookmarked tab on my browser to do a little more pre-ordering. Thanks for the reminder, Julia, and all best wishes for a tidal wave of pent-up Russ and Claire demand to let your publishers know we still love them and you. Pre-ordering is always a good idea.

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    1. Gigi, there is nothing as pleasurable as getting a package of books you had forgotten you ordered!

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  4. Thank you Julia for the explanation and support! And we know you Jungle Red Readers are our stalwart support--so thanks for that. Julia, Jenn, cannot wait for these books!!

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    1. One of the reasons we're all friends is that we like each others books!

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  5. Never knew how important it was. With kindle, I preorder a lot and now know to continue.

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  6. I didn't realize the pre-order numbers counted towards first-day sales--good to know. And I've just about got my reading nook ready for all the Reds' latest and greatest--and the best part is, I don't have to reroute the plumbing--it's actually nearby ;-)

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    1. It's hard for me to choose between my two reading nooks, Flora. One is close to the bathroom, and the other is close to the kitchen..

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  7. Great post, Julia - seconding everything you said

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    1. Thanks, Hallie. I do think it's something most readers aren't aware of.

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  8. I had no idea pre-order mattered so much but it makes sense like when percentage of annual givers matters to universities almost as much as the amounts. For bragging rights and for matching grants. For me it makes sense for my leaky memory and as a just mp start to a new book. Already ordered all the above. Thanks for the impetus. I already have my happy nook!

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    1. Atlanta, the primary benefit to me as a reader is getting the book ordered as I find out about it from a review or a newsletter. If I don't nab it then, chances are it will be out for a year before I notice!

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  9. To this day, the only books I pre-ordered where Louise Penny's books because I could go to her pre-launches to get them.
    I've read many books of each of the Reds but never thought to pre-order them because I download them on kindle app and
    I thought that pre-orders were for " paper books " and I didn't understand how important it is to you. So I just verified that I could pre-order downloaded books and will use it now.

    Julia, I only had two of your series when you wrote about your publisher's offer of a discounted book each month until the new one. I take advantage of this offer and enjoy it a lot. So Hid From Our Eyes will be the first I'll pre-order.

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    1. Danielle, thank you! And I am delighted you're enjoying the series. Book 5 will be on sale starting 1 December!

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  10. I have often pre-ordered and I will continue to do so. As a matter of fact I'll go do that right now! Thanks for the nudge.

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  11. I pre-order everything as I learned at some point how important it was for the authors. Then I face the conundrum of what to do when that ARC arrives. However, ARCs make up only a small percentage of my reading, so WTH, I usually leave it both ways, and unless the ARC is signed, I pass it on to someone else.

    I have a question for readers: Do you keep more than one book going at a time, and if so, why?

    I do this. Right now I'm reading three, and I flip back and fourth. Plus, I put them all on hold to read UNSPEAKABLE THINGS by Jess Lourey. I like going from one book to another, sometimes when the story gets too slow, other times when it is unsettling, and often just for a change of pace. The beauty of Kindle is that another book is only a click away.

    BTW, I've ordered all the books you mentioned!







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    1. Ann, I usually have two books going at all times -- one audio book and one either ebook or physical book. Or as I often say it, one to read with my ears and one to read with my eyes.

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    2. Ann: It depends. I will sometimes have a bed-reading book and a bus-reading book on the go at the same time. But if my head is really full with work and other stuff, then I tend to read one book only at home (and daydream on the bus).

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    3. I usually have three books that I’m reading simultaneously. I have a book that I read while running, something that does not require close attention. Other books for when one temporarily loses my interest or another suits my mood more appropriately. I will put them all aside for a long anticipated book that has just become available.

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  12. So important! And publishers watch the numbers like mad. You see why we’re all bonkers—because first day sales are critical, too.
    And that ARC-or-buy conundrum—I always think it’s our responsibility as authors to buy books . And having an ARC means we have the responsibility to encourage other people to buy them. If someone sends you an arc—it’s not only a lovely gesture and a huge treat , it’s a message that says: if you love the book , please review and spread the word.

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    1. You are right on all points, Hank. I love telling my friends, both real and virtual, about books I've read and like, and then watching them tell others so that I can see both readers and sales increasing exponentially.

      Last night I read something wonderful in a book by Lisa Jewell, THE FAMILY UPSTAIRS. A character asks another if the book he is reading is good. The reader answers, and I paraphrase, that all books that get written and published and distributed are "good" for someone, maybe not for him, but for someone somewhere. There are no bad books.

      Interesting thought?

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    2. Ann, that is important. I won't give a review of less than 3 stars (out of 5) because it may be this book was not meant for me but would make someone else happy.
      3 stars is rare. It usually means there was something sloppy about the book.

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    3. Hank, I, too, think it's important to spread the word when we love a book. Not only do I think my reviewing is part of that, but I like to share FB posts from authors, especially the Jungle Reds, on pre-sales and sales of older books in a series and just promotional materials about the author, like awards and appearances. And, not to jeopardize my receiving ARCs, because I like to read them ahead and have a review ready no later than publication date, but for authors and books I love, I try to buy a finished copy, too. Besides adding them to my favorite authors' books collection, I like to support the sales of fabulous books and authors.

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    4. Oh, so wonderful to hear this--yes, yes, so very important--and we are all incredibly grateful. And it's like that Prell commercial, remember? She tells two friends and they tell two friends, and ...

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  13. Well okay then. Message received.

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    1. Pat, please consider it a public information announcement, not a directive! lots of readers love the experience of going to the bookstore and pulling a new book off the shelf, and God bless them for it.

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  14. I will actually probably increase the frequency of pre-ordering now. This might sound pathetic, but one thing that slowed me down in pre-ordering is that there are occasions -- or at least there were while I was managing my son's college tuition -- when a $20 purchase on just the wrong day would send me into an overdraft. I wish Amazon offered the option to pay for the ebook when I ordered it. I know it seems ridiculous to want to prepay, but in terms of managing cash flow, I would sometimes prefer it. However, now that we are empty nesters I am virtually never $20 from overdrawing, so I will consider going back to pre-ordering, since it matters so much.

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    1. Susan, as someone who just went into overdraft when my daughters tuition payment got sucked out of my account, I am 100% sympathetic with your point of view. I understand why book stores don't want to charge for a pre-order, but it should definitely be an option.

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  15. I try to buy as many books as I can through my indie bookstore. I'll have to see if there is a way to pre-order. They are usually spot on with which books I want, so I don't bother unless it's a trade paperback, which they don't usually carry.

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    1. Kristin, I buy or pre-order almost all my books from independent bookstores. I can guarantee your local store will be happy to pre-order for you.

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  16. I’m really enjoying this week’s theme! And I’ve learned the importance of pre ordering from earlier posts, so now happily pre order — and then have the lovely surprise of a longed-for book show up on my Kindle. Yay!! It’s a total win-win for a reading fan.

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  17. Like everyone else, I had no idea of the importance of pre-ordering books. However, I nearly always pre-order books from my favorite authors. Not long ago, I happened to be awake at midnight and discovered that an eagerly awaited book appeared on my Kindle. You won't be surprised to learn that I read the rest of the night. Last week I had an incredible experience. Bookish First had a giveaway for writing a first impression review. I had never done that, but for this book, I had to try. And I won an advance readers copy of - wait for it - HID FROM OUR EYES! I can't remember when I've been so excited. My husband thought I'd won the lottery - even though I don't play. But getting an advance copy of this particular book is almost better than the lottery. So, Julia, while I do pre-order, this time I'm eagerly watching the mail praying that it arrives before we join our in-laws in Kentucky for Thanksgiving. (They might start to wonder why I'm spending so much time in the bathroom.)

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  18. I've always done some pre-ordering but not on a consistent basis. But, I will do so now. Thanks, Julia! Do library pre-orders of print and ebook sales also count as first day/week sales? If so, those of you who are published by various Macmillan imprints may see a dip in your first day sales. Macmillan has decided that libraries (or systems that purchase cooperatively) can only buy one copy of a new ebook for the first eight weeks of its availability. Many libraries buy multiple copies of books (in various formats) by popular authors to keep those "hold lists" down to reasonable numbers. Macmillan believes that limiting library purchases will move more readers to individual purchases; maybe it will for some, but I bet it won't balance out the drop in library purchases.
    Stepping down off the soapbox now...

    Chris

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    1. Asking your library to buy the book is SO helpful (former librarian)! More readers, more exposure, plus libraries buy tons of books!

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  19. I read this at 2:00 this morning during my little insomnia adventure. Only Joan had commented but I had the same thought as Kristin, how do I pre-order at my indie bookstore? I've ordered published books through them but need to check if they take pre-orders. There is a nice little Barnes and Noble in our art deco building which is great for an alternate shopping location. I've pre-ordered through my Kindle and am always delightfully surprised to find my new, often forgotten, book in my reader but I want to support the local shops. And I want to support my favorite authors.... Drama, drama.....

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    1. Most independent book stores in California have web sites where you can preorder books. If not, they will do it by phone too.

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  20. Perfect post, Julia! Thank you so much for sharing the love!!! I’m thrilled that the pre-order buzz is kicking in and BN has already dropped the price on the Paris book again!!! It’s 27% OFF! Here’s to a pre-order storm for us all!

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  21. I've seen a number of articles about this topic lately. And I've seen a few authors not associated with the JRW that have said, "Hey pre-order the new book because..."

    And I have no doubt that everything you all say is true. But there is a problem to consider. For those of us who don't have an unlimited book buying budget, we can't automatically assume we will have the room on the credit card when it comes time for the book to actually be charged to the card on release day.

    I have yet to hit the lottery so the day in/day out payment of bills is a delicate balancing act that can be screwed up by forgetting that I've pre-ordered a book or books and suddenly the money I was expecting to take care of a bill isn't where it is supposed to be because books just got paid for and I forgot I'd ordered them months before.

    I am going to buy books by the authors I like. It just might take an extra week or two. But they'll get bought. I wish the publishing companies would realize that not everyone has 30 extra bucks for a hardcover to throw around every time a new book comes out, but it doesn't mean I won't make that commitment. I just have a boatload of authors to support, you know? We are more than a month away from 2020 and I've already got 15 books on my buy list and that's just from what's been given official release dates. I'm sure that there will be MANY more.

    Sadly though, I'm not actually made of money or have a tree in the backyard with dollar bills for leaves.

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  22. As someone who immensely enjoys promoting the books and authors I love, I also like to share the pre-order information of books on FB. I try to pre-order myself, but I could probably do better in that department. As I mentioned in a response to Hank above, even though I receive ARCs of so many of my favorite authors' books, I like to purchase a finished product for my collections of those authors. That doesn't mean I don't want or need the ARCs, because I still like to have my reviews out shortly before on when the book is published.

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  23. Thank you, Julia, for this important educational post! It is so very true, and I love, love this bit:

    "Ever wish you could call a publishing company and say, 'Hey! I love this person's books! Keep them coming!' Well, a pre-order does exactly that."

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  24. Shalom Reds and fans. I’ve tried pre-ordering a few times. It didn’t really work out. I live hand to mouth. I know it’s terrible. However, sometimes you will see me trying to throw Peter up in the air only to try and catch Paul as he comes down. Several years ago, I tried pre-ordering Garden of Lamentations several months in advance. In the interim, a need came up and I cancelled the order. When the launch actually happened, my best recollection was that I bought the Kindle version and paid the extra for the audio-book. In the meantime, I don’t remember ordering the hardback, but it is sitting on my shelf with a glassine cover, which indicates that it was discarded from a library somewhere.

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  25. I do a lot of pre-ordering now and also requesting books from the library. Often they are cheaper, which helps.

    There is a book by my chair downstairs, one by the computer and printer for when they are slow, one to take to appointments, and one on my Nook. I usually don't have any trouble getting back into the stories on any of the books unless they are similar. Once I read half through a mystery about a witch in a bakery looking for the boyfriend from another baking witch mystery series. Which is another reason I alternate mysteries, romances, and autobiographies.

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  26. Julia, thank you for the reminder. I have twenty books on my pre-order list. I did not know that it was possible to pre-order books until recently when Ellie Alexander talked about preordering on her IG page and on her Youtube page. I am just beginning to pre-order this year. I once pre-rdered a novel from Poisoned Pen Bookstore in AZ several years ago and got a signed copy from the author.

    Since I want to support my local independent bookstore, I will ask them to pre-order the books that I want.

    Diana

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  27. Thank you for this clear explanation on why pre-orders are a good thing. I've actually never seen that explained before. Stated, but not explained. Must save, preferably somewhere I can find it again.

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  28. Julia, I hope you don't mind if I quote from your reasons to preorder (I'll give you credit) in a couple weeks when my next book is available.

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  29. Julia, thanks you for such a clear account of why pre-order is important. Since I'm a hybrid author, I realize it is equally important to put my self published novels up for pre-order. Orders are orders and buzz is buzz. Amazon, no doubt, notices these things and a solid number of pre-orders will likely put my self-published book into one of their many bestseller categories and on their "hot new titles" list, all of which can help any indie author tremendously!

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  30. I've been in Book Jail all weekend, so I am just seeing this now.

    Yes, preorders are so important. I try to preorder all my favorite authors. Like Annette, I may just steal this when my new historical is up for preorder.

    And Julia, I'm loving these sales. They are building my Russ and Clare library!

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