I’ve learned a lot about publishing in the last two years, putting together the first print edition of Aphorisms for Artists with Letter16 (now a collector’s item) and working with Allworth Press to produce the second. There have been two main lessons to date. One is that blurbs are crucial. I’m pleased to announce that in addition to the one on the cover from the great Michael Fried of Art and Objecthood renown, the Allworth edition boasts blurbs from Laurie Anderson - yes, that Laurie Anderson - as well as Karen Wilkin, Peter Plagens, and Mark Golden of Golden Artist Colors, manufacturer of the best paint that money can buy.1
Two is that after blurbs, pre-orders are of utmost importance. I hate writing exposition. Hey ChatGPT, why are book pre-orders important?
Book pre-orders are important for several reasons:
1. Generating Buzz and Anticipation: Pre-orders help build excitement and anticipation for a book's release. By allowing readers to reserve their copy in advance, it creates a sense of exclusivity and generates buzz around the upcoming release. It's a way for authors and publishers to gauge the level of interest in a book and build momentum before it hits the shelves.
2. Marketing and Promotion: Pre-orders contribute to a book's marketing and promotional efforts. When readers pre-order a book, they are essentially committing to purchasing it, which provides valuable data to publishers, booksellers, and authors. This data can help in determining initial print runs, planning marketing campaigns, and allocating resources effectively.
3. Bestseller Rankings: Pre-orders count towards a book's first-week sales figures, which can significantly impact its chances of making bestseller lists. The more pre-orders a book receives, the higher the chances of it debuting on bestseller lists, attracting more attention from readers, media, and booksellers.
4. Publisher and Author Support: Pre-orders provide financial support to publishers and authors ahead of the book's release. Publishers can allocate resources for printing, distribution, and marketing based on the pre-order numbers, ensuring that the book receives the attention it deserves. For authors, pre-orders can be a significant factor in securing future book deals and maintaining a successful writing career.
5. Supply Chain and Inventory Management: Pre-orders help publishers and booksellers manage the supply chain and inventory. By having pre-order numbers, they can estimate demand and print an appropriate number of copies, reducing the risk of overprinting or underprinting. This ensures that there are enough copies available for readers when the book officially releases, avoiding potential delays or shortages.
6. Early Reader Reviews: Pre-orders often allow readers to provide early reviews and ratings before the book's release. Positive reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations from early readers can generate additional interest and influence potential buyers. These reviews can also be used in promotional materials and marketing campaigns to further boost the book's visibility.
Overall, book pre-orders serve as a valuable tool for authors, publishers, and booksellers in generating interest, managing resources, and ensuring a successful book launch.
Thank you, simulacrum. So consider, if you would be so kind, pre-ordering Aphorisms for Artists from Amazon or Barnes & Noble. More information about the title is available at the Aphorisms for Artists site.
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During the week of June 26 we will begin the Asynchonous Studio Book Club reading of Anne Truitt’s Yield. Obtain your copy soon.
There are things that I need to share with you about the splendor of Williamsburg Italian Lemon Ochre that will have to wait for another post.