Self-Publishing Decision: To Pre-Order or Not to Pre-Order?

Understanding pre-orders and deciding whether it's the right decision for your book, and most importantly, for you.

When you’re self-publishing a book, one of the big decisions you’ll face is whether to offer preorders. A preorder allows readers to buy your book before its official release, and while this can be a great marketing tool, it also comes with its challenges. Let’s explore the pros and cons of setting up a preorder and whether it’s the right choice for your publishing strategy.

What Is a Preorder?

A preorder is a system that allows readers to purchase your book before its official release date. On most platforms, such as Amazon, Apple Books, and Kobo, preorders don’t charge the customer until the book is released, but they still count toward sales rankings in different ways.

Preorders can be a valuable marketing tool, but they also introduce added complexity and pressure. Below, we’ll look at the major benefits and drawbacks so you can make an informed decision.