Preorder Calendar

Pre-orders are an increasingly important way in which books are now sold and marketed, and indie bookstores can and should take part in this growing business. Heavily influenced by television and social media, the months before a title’s publication are critical, and pre-orders are a growing component of a book’s ultimate sales. By working with publishers to take full advantage of pre-order opportunities, indie bookstores can avoid lost sales, lost PR, and lost market share. Booksellers who would like to learn more about pre-orders can check out the presentation from the 2019 ABA Spring Forums: “ABACUS and Pre-Orders: Two Programs You Can’t Do Without.”

Below are some suggested titles that may have good pre-order potential and/or have added value to entice customers to pre-order from their local indie. The list will be updated on a regular basis. When available, titles will link to a page with downloadable digital assets. The list is also available as an Excel Download at the bottom of the page, along with ABA-created "Keep It Local" Pre-Order shelftalkers and web assets. 

Booksellers and publishers are welcome to send pre-order suggestions for this list to preorders@bookweb.org. Publishers should also attach any digital marketing assets available for booksellers to use. ABA has final approval over which titles are included on this list.

Stores should be sure to note "Limited Supply" or "While Supplies Last" in promo to customers.

* Updated 8/18/23 *

SEPTEMBER 2023

- On Sale Date 9/5/2023:

• Dasher Can't Wait for Christmas by Matt Tavares (Candlewick Press, 9781536230130, Hardcover, $17.99) Added Value: FREE INDIE EXCLUSIVE Preorder Item -- Pack of 5 Dasher Play Scenes. Build your own 3D Dasher play scene with pop-out characters, including Dasher and Santa, and a holiday backdrop (5-pack play scene ISBN: 9781536236545). Limited quantities are available while supplies last, publisher will do their best to fulfill demand. Store promo should include "limited supply" notice to customers. This item is to be used an incentive for customers who preorder DASHER CAN’T WAIT FOR CHRISTMAS through your store. Please limit the number of 5-pack bundles you order to the number of books you project to presell. Suggested minimum order: 5 books. Order through Edelweiss or reach out to your Candlewick rep for more details.

• Don't Let The Pigeon Drive The Sleigh! by Mo Willems (Union Square Kids, 9781454952770, Hardcover, $18.99) Added Value: INDIE EXCLUSIVE - For every 12 books ordered, accounts get one package of 12 sheets of double-sided Pigeon wrapping paper (ISBN 9781605824017). Accounts who order a 12-copy floor display (ISBN 9781454954675) will automatically be eligible for this offer. The campaign runs from June 15 to August 18 (or as long as supplies last).

• The Spirit Bares Its Teeth by Andrew Joseph White (Peachtree Teen, 9781682636114, Hardcover, $19.99) Added Value: Peachtree is coordinating a consumer pre-order campaign. Customers who email marketing@peachtree-online.com with proof of pre-order receipt and fill out this google form (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe9U0OfcqGvebR9OcwPfGcTFJ_j29JCw2JbUSM7TqEzH2ab7Q/viewform) will receive a signed bookplate, limited edition enamel pin, fan art print, and letter from the author. Items available while supplies last. Digital assets available here (https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1XWYTwy1Hnr7ymU4uCfnTrmcY9Xa8W7Wk) for booksellers to use to promote the pre-orders with their store customers.

OCTOBER 2023

- On Sale Date 10/3/2023:

• *Added 8/15* Be That Way by Hope Larson (Margaret Ferguson Books, 9780823447619, Hardcover, $22.99) Added Value: Margaret Ferguson Books/ Holiday House is coordinating a consumer pre-order campaign. Customers who email marketing@holidayhouse.com with proof of pre-order receipt and fill out this google form (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1saTAvSZB84raml89wm09mqv5Tf7a4A4Yuy9iMn3Rg4o/viewform?edit_requested=true) will receive a signed bookplate, limited edition patch, bookmark, and letter from the author. Items available while supplies last. Digital assets available here (https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1UxNb2t9XgFqLVoSucLu1jXSxcApxVV6K) for booksellers to use to promote the pre-orders with their store customers.

- On Sale Date 10/10/2023:

• *Added 8/18* The Fall of Whit Rivera by Crystal Maldonado (Holiday House, 9780823452361, Hardcover, $19.99) Holiday House is coordinating a consumer pre-order campaign. Customers who email marketing@holidayhouse.com with proof of pre-order receipt and fill out the google form (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdqdJBiqefINpUHp_sjkT1OjT6KTC7U4e27wAYUC6LL6AGyOQ/viewform) will receive a signed bookplate, a limited edition Fall themed coffee tumbler, and letter from the author. Items available while supplies last. Digital assets and google form available here (https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1s5rrRZIEBRQHQkStBwewL8d3TkgPfiW7) for booksellers to use to promote the pre-orders with their store customers.

- On Sale Date 10/24/2023:

• I Must Be Dreaming by Roz Chast (Bloomsbury Publishing, 9781620403228, Hardcover Paper over boards, $27.99) Added Value: Preorder Items -- Bookseller resource hub for Roz Chast's I MUST BE DREAMING! This includes links to preorder assets, social media assets, and a link where booksellers can request signed bookplates by Roz.

JANUARY 2024

- On Sale Date 1/30/2024:

• *Added 8/8* House of Flame and Shadow - INDIE EXCLUSIVE EDITION by Sarah J. Maas (Bloomsbury Publishing, 9781639732982, Hardcover, $32) Added Value: This independent bookstore edition includes an exclusive bonus scene. While supplies last.

"Keep It Local" Pre-Order Shelftalkers (multiple designs)