Why Presales Matter—Especially for Indie Authors
If you’ve ever seen an author (ahem, me) shouting “PREORDER NOW!” like it’s a limited-edition concert ticket, you might be wondering: why all the hype around presales? It’s a fair question. And the answer is essential when the author isn’t backed by a giant publisher, but is instead building something from scratch, like indie authors do.
Here’s the truth. Presales are more than just early numbers. They’re a powerful tool that can make or break a book launch, especially for indie authors.
What is a Presale?
Presales—or preorders—mean readers can buy a book before it officially releases. In my case, When Darkness Falls drops on June 30, 2025, but the presale window opens the door early for you to grab a signed copy, choose exclusive character-themed bookmarks, and even unlock some digital surprises.
However, for indie authors, that early support extends far beyond fun extras. It’s foundational.
Why Presales Are a Big Deal
1. They Build Buzz
Presales build excitement from the ground up. Every single preorder helps boost my book’s visibility when it officially launches. The more pre-orders a book receives, the better its chances of ranking higher on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major retailers.
2. They Help Us Plan Ahead
When you preorder, it gives me a clear picture of how many books to print, bookmarks to create, and packages to lovingly prepare. It’s the difference between winging it and working with a plan.
3. They Cover Upfront Costs
Let’s be real—indie publishing isn’t cheap. Between cover design, professional editing, printing, shipping supplies, and all the little things in between, it adds up. Presales help offset those costs before launch day, which makes a huge difference for self-funded authors.
4. They Show Retailers That the Book Matters
Strong presale numbers demonstrate demand for bookstores and distributors. That kind of data helps when approaching indie shops or requesting shelf space at larger chains. It says: Hey, this book isn’t just a passion project—it’s something people want.
5. They Let Me Give Back to You
Presales are my chance to spoil early readers. I want to say thank you with signed copies, character-themed goodies, and behind-the-scenes extras. This kind of experience is harder to offer after launch, especially through big-box retailers.
When You Preorder, You’re Doing More Than Buying a Book
When you place a preorder, you’re not just buying a book—you’re helping bring an indie author’s dream to life. You’re saying, “I believe in this story. I believe in this writer.” And for me, that means the world. And in my case, you're helping an emotional, paranormal little dream come true.
If you’ve already preordered, thank you from the bottom of my cafecito-fueled heart. And if you haven’t yet—there’s still time (and yes, there’s a surprise bookmark waiting for you).
Presales are open until June 9, 2025, and I promise, I’m making it worth your while.
With gratitude,
Ana G.
Follow me on Instagram and TikTok → @storiesbyanag
