Pre-order

What it means

A pre-order is a sale before the book exists for readers. For ebooks, retailers usually take the order and deliver on release day. For print, a pre-order can also mean a special edition that is only printed once enough readers have ordered it.

A fantasy author might open pre-orders three months out, so newsletter readers can commit early. A memoir author might take pre-orders for signed hardcovers to judge how many to order from the printer. A cookbook writer might pre-sell a special edition with a ribbon marker and a print run limited to what readers ordered.

Some pre-orders charge the reader at once. Others charge only when the book is ready or the campaign closes.

Why it matters when you sell direct

Pre-orders bring money and certainty before release day. When they are on your own store, the readers who pre-order are on your list, and you can email them on launch day and when the next book comes.

With special editions, pre-orders mean you only print what has already sold.

How Lanternbee handles it

Pre-orders are coming to Lanternbee, starting with campaigns for special editions with tiers and stretch goals, and signed copies. Today you can set a release date on each title, and a release-day email can go to readers who follow you.