Writing a book is one thing, but getting it into the hands of readers is another. I wrote a new book called The Realm of the Dog. If you’re reading this, I want you to read it. Even if you’re not reading this, like maybe you’re the grandpa of somebody who is reading this, I want you to read my book. Begs the question, ‘How does Grandpa know you want him to read the book if he is not reading this substack post?” My answer is, ‘Somebody is going to tell him. He’s Grandpa. Come on, Gramps. I’m counting on you.’
The Realm of the Dog is in pre-order mode right now. It comes out officially on June 22nd. That means between now and then, you can get your copy squared away before all the people who wait to buy books when they actually come out. This is the now, of course. You don’t have to do that kind of waiting anymore. But I got to thinking why is making a pre-order a big deal? Well. I really like what Joshua Lorenzo Newett has to say on the matter (italics mine.) Hear ye, hear ye! And thank you for supporting indie literature and reading my stuff!
"By supporting J.New Books through your preorders, you're not just buying a book; you're helping to dismantle an antiquated and unjust system. You're ensuring that real literature—the kind that challenges, delights, and changes us—has a place in our world. Without your support, the corporate publishers win, authors lose, and we all lose a vital pillar of society.
In an era where the essence of literature risks being overshadowed by the machinery of corporate publishing, J.New stands as a beacon of change—a testament to the power of meaningful literature and the invaluable role of authors in shaping our society.
The current publishing paradigm serves the interests of everyone but authors. It's a system where bookstores, distributors, and corporate publishers thrive, while the creators of the works, the authors themselves, struggle to make ends meet.
Preorders are not just a show of support; they are a foundational pillar that enables us to publish in a way that aligns with our values of fairness, sustainability, and quality. Here's why:
Gauging Interest: Preorders provide us with early indicators of a book's potential success, allowing us to make informed decisions about marketing strategies and allocate resources more effectively. This early insight is invaluable in creating a buzz around a new title and ensuring that we're meeting the expectations of our readers.
Optimizing Print Runs: The number of preorders directly influences the size of our initial print run. The publishing industry operates on economies of scale, meaning the more copies of a book we print at once, the lower the cost per book. This efficiency not only makes the publishing process more sustainable but also allows us to invest more in our authors and their works.
Reducing Waste: By accurately gauging interest through preorders, we can tailor our print runs to match demand, significantly reducing the risk of excess inventory. This is a step away from the traditional model that often leads to unsold books being returned and possibly destroyed, a wasteful and disheartening outcome for authors and publishers alike.
Financial Stability: Preorders provide early revenue, improving cash flow and financial stability for the publishing house. This financial backbone supports the entire publishing process, from author advances to marketing efforts, ensuring that we can continue to bring meaningful literature to the forefront without compromise.
Building Momentum: High preorder numbers can create momentum for a book before it's even released, capturing the attention of media, book reviewers, and influencers. This early buzz is crucial for visibility in a crowded market and can lead to more opportunities for our authors and their works.
A Collaborative Effort: Ultimately, preorders enable us to collaborate more closely with you, our readers, in the publishing process. Your early commitment to our books allows us to publish with intention, precision, and respect for the literary ecosystem we're striving to nurture.
Your Impact: Every preorder is a step toward a more equitable, transparent, and author-centric publishing model. By supporting our titles before they hit the shelves, you're directly contributing to a system that values quality over quantity, sustainability over waste, and fairness over exploitation.We are deeply grateful for your support and belief in our mission. Together, with preorders as our foundation, we can build a new paradigm for publishing—one where authors are celebrated, literature thrives, and readers like you are the cornerstone of our success.