Pre-orders: Why They're Important

In the publishing business, as with most other industries, it’s all about the numbers.  Publishers look at them closely, reporting stores submit them, Nielson BookScan calculates them, and authors work hard to increase them. The quantity of units sold can mean the difference between being able to publish another book, or the beginning and end of a literary journey.

Pre-orders are an important component in book sales. Essentially, pre-orders serve as the launching pad for a book’s success, giving it wings to fly off the shelves—or in today’s marketplace, clicks to digital download heaven.

When I self-published my first novel, Unexpected Interruptions, in November 2007, I started my campaign for pre-orders five months before my pub date. Although 2007, wasn’t so terribly long ago, it feels like eons now, when I reflect back on it. Technology has changed so many things, and social media combined with e-readers have provided a more efficient way to spread the word about a book and increase access to sales. But whether then or now, pre-orders still remain a critical part of selling a book.

Pre-orders generate buzz, which creates anticipation, and ultimately drives sales. My goal was to generate enough pre-orders to pay for my first print run, which was a modest 2,500 books. On the day of my book’s release I had pre-sold 1,000 copies, and within 30 days I sold the rest of my stock and ordered a second print run. I wouldn’t have been able to do that had I not pre-sold units to cover those expenses. Readers who had pre-ordered the book received it on the day of its release and quickly posted reviews, which helped to build more interest, increase momentum, and boost sales.

Another important thing about pre-orders is that they count toward an author’s fist week sales. As I stated in a separate post about first week sales (January 29, 2013), those numbers help determine whether a book makes its way to a bestseller list or not.

So how do you generate pre-orders? What kinds of marketing and promotion strategies yield the best results? Check back next week for my post on marketing and promotion.

Trice Hickman

www.tricehickman.com

Valentine's Day Tips...Spice Up Your Man's Day!

Valentine's Day Tips from Victoria Small of Divine Occasions

Who says that women are the only ones who like romance? Men like it, too! This Valentine's Day, make it ALL about him by showing your man you appreciate him in ways that will make him sit up, take notice, and beg for more! Here are a few tips from Divine Occasions owner, Victoria Small, to help you make your guy’s cupid day memorable!

Divine Occasions Valentine's Day Tip #1—Ladies, start your man's Valentine's Day morning off right by feeding him a delicious, healthy treat in bed. Mix strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries in a bowl, then top it off with a little whipped cream (on him!), and lick it off of him in small, delicious nibbles so you can have a sweet treat, too!

Divine Occasions Valentine's Day Tip #2—Pack your guy a sexy, heart-healthy Valentine's Day lunch. Every man loves to be fed, so before he walks out the door, hand your man a lunch bag that includes fresh fruits and nuts atop leafy salad greens, a juicy red apple, and a small box of red hot cinnamon candies...and don't forget to include a love note letting him know that you can't wait for him to get home so you can give him a "REAL" gift!

Divine Occasions Valentine's Day Tip #3—When your man comes home, greet him at the door in sexy lingerie and your most fierce pair of stilettos...but don't let him touch you. Take him to the dinner table (which should already be set with flowers, candles, and a delicious meal) and let him savor the pleasure of watching you dine in your sexy silk and lace (or leather if that’s your pleasure!). Then, continue your romantic evening by relaxing together in a warm bubble bath sprinkled with rose petals (by this time your lingerie should be off!).

Divine Occasions Valentine's Day Tip #4—Light an aromatherapy candle, turn on soft music, and give your man an all-over body massage with non-scented oil. Then, once you’re finished, hand feed him some delicious treats (chocolate covered strawberries, grapes, berries, and whipped cream)…Oh, and did I mention he should be blindfolded during this sensual pampering session!

Divine Occasions Valentines Tip #5—Wake him up with a sensual Lingam massage (It’s a Tantric, male centered massage that’s dedicated to one area of his anatomy) that will get his day started on the upswing *wink*. Meet your guy during his lunch break and sneak away for a sexy mid-day romp that will make him return to work with an extra pep in his step! Then, pick him up from work at the end of the day and tell him that the evening is his—do whatever he likes. He’ll appreciate that you made this day ALL about him!

Check out Victoria Small, her exciting life, and the amazingly colorful cast of jump-off-the-page characters in my novel, Unexpected Interruptions, (Dafina Books, March 29, 2011). Visit Trice Hickman at http://www.tricehickman.com/.