MSI Press Blog

  The pre‑order window isn’t just a waiting room before launch—it’s the first act of your book’s marketing story. Used well, it builds momentum, signals demand to retailers, and gives readers a reason to commit early. 1. Treat Pre‑Orders as a Campaign, Not a Countdown A pre‑order period is a marketing phase , not a passive interval. Authors who treat it as active time—sharing excerpts, early reviews, and behind‑the‑scenes posts—create anticipation that translates into sales. Retailers notice engagement: clicks, wish‑lists, and pre‑order conversions feed algorithms that determine visibility. 2. Use the “Early Access” Psychology Readers love being insiders. Frame pre‑orders as participation in your book’s journey— “Reserve your copy before the first print run ships” or “Be among the first to read what reviewers are already talking about.” This turns a transaction into belonging. 3. Leverage Advance Reviews and ARCs Send out Advance Review Copies (ARCs) during the pre‑order windo...

  One of the most common misunderstandings in the author–publisher relationship is the belief that all activities related to a book’s success fall under one big umbrella called “marketing.” In reality, three distinct processes shape a book’s life in the world: selling , promotion , and marketing . They overlap, but they are not interchangeable. When authors understand the difference, they can see more clearly what the publisher does, what retailers do, and what the author must do. Let’s untangle the three. 1. Book Selling: The Retail Side of the Equation Book selling is the business of making a book available for purchase. It is transactional, logistical, and retailer‑driven. Selling is what happens after awareness already exists. Book selling includes: Listing the book with retailers (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, indie stores, Bookshop.org). Ensuring metadata is correct and distributed. Managing inventory and supply chain. Setting wholesale discounts and returnability. ...

  Most authors imagine that getting their book into libraries is simply a matter of the library “wanting” it — or that the publisher can somehow “place” it there. In reality, library acquisitions follow a structured, policy‑driven process that has very little to do with author enthusiasm and everything to do with workflow, reviews, and patron demand. Here’s what actually happens behind the scenes. 1. Libraries Don’t Buy Books the Way Bookstores Do Bookstores browse catalogs, look at covers, and take chances. Libraries do not. Public libraries operate under: Collection development policies Budget constraints Vendor contracts Cataloging and processing requirements Professional review standards Every acquisition must fit those criteria. A library cannot simply buy a book because an author asks them to. 2. Most Libraries Buy Through Vendors — Not Directly From Publishers Many authors assume libraries order from Amazon or from the publisher’s website. They don’t. Libra...