#143: Pre-Order Campaigns for Self-Published and Hybrid-Published Authors

In the final part of this two-part series, Becky is again interviewed by Franchesca Conner—a PR specialist at Weaving Influence. They take a deep dive into the nuances of marketing print-on-demand (POD) books, highlighting benefits, challenges, and strategies surrounding pre-order campaigns.

With the rise of self-publishing and hybrid-publishing models, many authors face unique hurdles in timing and planning their book launches. Becky emphasizes the importance of pre-orders in establishing a book’s credibility, building anticipation for launch, securing retailer links, and facilitating planned marketing efforts. Becky also reveals some of the key reasons why an author of a POD book might choose not to make it available for pre-order, focusing primarily on first-week book sales and post-launch marketing efforts.

During the episode, you’ll learn:

• What is different about marketing POD books.
• About IngramSpark—a book distribution platform where authors can set up their POD books for pre-order.
• How setting up a POD book for pre-order can benefit book awareness, sales, and marketing initiatives.
• Why an author would want to focus more on the first week of sales for a POD book vs. pre-orders.
• Whether or not it’s a good idea for an author with no pre-order period for their book to switch up their categories on Amazon.
• How hybrid publishers typically approach pre-order campaigns for POD books and the limitations authors might face in that scenario.

Don’t forget to check out our show notes, which include action steps and resources.

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