20 Tips for Your Successful Book Pre-Sale
top of page

20 Tips for Your Successful Book Pre-Sale


A presale for a new book release is a marketing strategy used by authors and publishers to generate buzz and anticipation for a forthcoming book before its official release date. During a presale, readers have the opportunity to pre-order the book before it becomes widely available for purchase. Typically, the book is listed for sale on online platforms or through a bookseller, and readers can place orders in advance.


Presales often come with incentives to encourage readers to pre-order the book, such as limited-time discounts, exclusive bonuses, signed copies, or other special offers. The purpose of a presale is to build excitement among potential readers, create early sales momentum, and generate early reviews or testimonials that can help promote the book when it is officially released.



1. Early Promotion: Start promoting the presale well in advance of the release date to build anticipation among potential readers. Utilize various marketing channels such as social media, email newsletters, author websites, and online communities to spread the word about the presale.


2. Incentives: Offer exclusive incentives to encourage readers to pre-order the book. This could include limited-time discounts, bonus content, signed copies, or other special offers that are only available during the presale period. These incentives can create a sense of urgency and reward for readers who pre-order.


3. Personalization: Make the presale experience personalized by engaging directly with readers. This could involve personalized emails, messages, or social media interactions to thank readers for their support and provide updates about the book's progress. Building a personal connection with readers can foster loyalty and encourage them to spread the word about the presale.


4. Collaborations: Collaborate with influencers, book bloggers, or book reviewers to help promote the presale. They can share information about the book with their followers, post reviews or endorsements, and help spread the word about the presale to their audiences, which can help expand the reach of your promotion.


5. Limited Editions: Create limited edition versions of the book or special merchandise that are exclusively available during the presale period. This could include special covers, signed copies, or unique merchandise related to the book. Limited editions can create a sense of exclusivity and urgency, motivating readers to pre-order.


6. Cross-Promotion: Collaborate with other authors or publishers who have a similar target audience and cross-promote each other's presales. This could involve joint social media promotions, email newsletter swaps, or other collaborative efforts to expand the reach of your presale campaign.


7. Early Access: Offer early access to certain content, such as a sneak peek of the book's first chapter, to those who pre-order the book. This can provide an additional incentive for readers to pre-order and get a taste of the book before it officially releases.


8. Engage with Your Community: Engage with your existing fan base and community of readers by regularly updating them on the progress of the book, sharing behind-the-scenes insights, and involving them in the presale process. This can create a sense of ownership and excitement among your most loyal readers.


9. Reviews and Testimonials: Seek out reviews and testimonials from early readers who have pre-ordered the book and use them in your marketing efforts. Positive reviews and testimonials can help build social proof and encourage others to pre-order the book.


10. Follow-up After Presale: After the presale period, follow up with readers who pre-ordered the book and express your gratitude. Keep them updated on the status of the book, and provide them with any additional information they may need regarding the release. This can help foster long-term relationships with readers and encourage them to continue supporting your work. Exclusive Events: Host exclusive events, such as virtual book launch parties, author Q&A sessions, or live readings, for readers who pre-order the book. This can create a sense of excitement and exclusivity for pre-order customers, and provide them with additional value beyond the book itself.


11. Limited-time Offers: Create limited-time offers or discounts during the presale period to incentivize readers to take action and pre-order the book. For example, offer a special discount that is only available for a limited time or for a limited quantity of pre-orders.


12. Social Media Campaigns: Run social media campaigns, such as contests, giveaways, or social media challenges, to generate buzz and engagement around the presale. Encourage readers to share about the book on their social media accounts using specific hashtags, or offer prizes or incentives for those who participate.


13. Email Marketing: Utilize email marketing to build and maintain a connection with potential readers. Send out regular newsletters or updates to your email list with information about the book, exclusive content, and reminders about the presale. Personalize the emails and make them engaging to encourage readers to take action.


14. Influencer Collaborations: Collaborate with influencers, book bloggers, or booktubers in your genre or niche to promote the presale. They can share their thoughts and reviews about the book, create buzz on their platforms, and reach new audiences that may be interested in your book.


15. Guest Blogging: Write guest blog posts for popular book blogs or websites to promote the presale. Share engaging and informative content related to the book's themes or genre, and include information about the presale in the author bio or within the content itself.


16. Street Team: Form a dedicated street team of loyal readers or fans who are willing to help promote the presale. Provide them with exclusive access to the book or other incentives, and encourage them to share about the presale on their social media accounts, leave reviews, or engage in other promotional activities.


17. Book Bundles: Offer special book bundles or packages during the presale period that include additional books, novelties, or exclusive content. This can provide added value to readers and incentivize them to pre-order the book.


18. Publicity Efforts: Implement targeted publicity efforts to create buzz around the presale. This could include pitching the book to media outlets, conducting interviews or guest posts, or utilizing other public relations strategies to generate coverage and awareness about the presale.


19. Retargeting Ads: Utilize online advertising, such as retargeting ads or social media ads, to reach potential readers who have shown interest in your book or similar books. Use compelling visuals, engaging ad copy, and clear calls to action to drive traffic to the presale page and encourage pre-orders.


20. Book Trailer: Create an engaging book trailer that provides a sneak peek into your book and generates excitement among potential readers. Share the book trailer on your website, social media accounts, and other relevant platforms to drive interest and encourage pre-orders.


BONUS TIPS!


21. Virtual Book Tours: Organize a virtual book tour where you participate in interviews, guest posts, or other promotional activities on relevant blogs, podcasts, or websites. Include information about the presale in your tour materials and encourage your host platforms to share about the presale as well.


22. Early Reader Reviews: Offer free or discounted copies of your book to a select group of early readers in exchange for honest reviews. These reviews can be posted on online platforms, such as Amazon or Goodreads, and can help generate social proof and credibility, encouraging others to pre-order the book.


23. Author Endorsements: Seek endorsements from well-known authors or industry experts in your genre or niche. These endorsements can be included in your presale marketing materials and can help boost the perceived value and credibility of your book.


24. Local Bookstore Partnerships: Partner with local bookstores to promote your presale. Offer to do a book signing or a reading at their store, or provide them with exclusive promotional materials or discounts for their customers who pre-order your book.


Remember to tailor your presale strategies to your target audience and the unique characteristics of your book. It's important to be genuine, engage with readers authentically, and provide value to them throughout the presale process. Always comply with applicable laws and regulations, and ensure that you communicate any terms, conditions, or deadlines associated with the presale clearly to potential customers.



20 views0 comments
bottom of page