Why would someone purchase a book that doesn’t even exist yet? A rhetorical answer to this question might be: Who doesn’t love automation and convenience in the modern world? Many readers love pre-order campaigns because they don’t have to go shopping. Their books simply arrive in the mail as soon as they become available.
Authors benefit from pre-order campaigns in several ways. For one, if a campaign is successful, their publisher might agree to print more copies to avoid running out of stock. The sales from pre-orders are counted as part of the initial launch of a book, which helps boost a book’s popularity. There are several things that authors will want to do if they plan on using this type of pre-launch campaign.
Update all sales pages before pre-order campaigns
Nothing can chase readers away as quickly as an outdated, irrelevant sales page. Authors who want to run pre-order campaigns must make sure all sales pages on all their platforms are fresh and updated. Don’t just focus on the upcoming book’s links, but all previous novels that might still be available, as well.
Readers like to receive discounts as a token of appreciation
Building a successful following as an author involves more than being a good writer. Readers like to feel connected to their favorite authors. Authors who offer a discount during pre-order campaigns make those who place orders feel special, like they’re getting something extra for their time and effort.
Networking is a key to success
You can use social media and other online platforms to your advantage when using a pre-order strategy as a marketing tool for a new novel. Building a network with other writers, bloggers, or even friends and family members can help make your campaign a success. Consider offering rewards, swag items or other benefits to those who are willing to advertise your pre-order campaigns on their pages or websites.
If you’ve already hit the best-seller list numerous times in the past, you might think it is unnecessary to launch pre-order campaigns. Then again, launching a campaign might stir up hype among your loyal followers, which, in turn, can help expand your reach, especially if they spread the word and encourage others to buy your new book. Would people who pre-order buy the book anyway on launch day? Perhaps, which can make it difficult to determine if a campaign generated new sales. If you’re an author who has tried this type of marketing campaign, let us know what you think by leaving a comment on this post on our Facebook page.
