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 [1].”
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 [email protected] [2]. 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 4/11/24 *
APRIL 2024
- On Sale Date 4/9/2024:
- Addie Ant Goes on an Adventure by Maren Morris, Karina Argow, Kelly Anne Dalton (Illus.) (Chronicle Chroma, 9781797228914, Hardcover, $18.99). Digital assets available here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/k0u4l0ekdurnvq9lroisn/h?rlkey=xokvm9xqor2tc4677w515fbbx&dl=0 [3].
- *Added 3/11/2024* The Band by Christine Ma-Kellams [4] (Atria Books, 9781668018378, Hardcover, $26.99) Added Value: Preorder customers can submit their receipt by 4/15/2024 for a chance to win a pair of earbuds, a crystal egg, and a custom sticker. All entrants receive a bookmark and magnet while supplies last. Customers can submit here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/p/the-band-preorder-sweeps [5]
OCTOBER 2024
- On Sale Date 10/1/2024:
- *Added 4/11/2024* The Hotel Balzaar by Kate DiCamillo, Júlia Sardà (Illus.) [6] (Candlewick, 9781536223316, Hardcover, $17.99) Added Value: Indie Preorder Exclusive! Hotel Balzaar Postcard 10-Pack (ISBN 9781536242676), available to order on 9/3/24; Please only order what you’ll use for pre-ordered copies. While supplies last. Edelweiss link: https://www.edelweiss.plus/homepage.aspx?#keywordSearch&q=hotel+balzaar&page=1 [7]
"Keep It Local" Pre-Order Shelftalkers (multiple designs) [8]