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Writer's Haven => Publisher's Office [Public] => Topic started by: alhawke on July 24, 2025, 05:27:12 AM

Title: Preorder release date change
Post by: alhawke on July 24, 2025, 05:27:12 AM
On Amazon, if a book is ready, is it possible to release the book immediately instead of waiting for the scheduled preorder date? I'm weighing exact release dates for marketing reasons. I'm looking to see if it's possible to publish 3 days early for a promotion opportunity (on sale sells better than preorder).

I think the date can be pulled back as an option too?

Info on other retailers helps too as I'm wide.
Title: Re: Preorder release date change
Post by: TimothyEllis on July 24, 2025, 11:40:28 AM
On Amazon, if a book is ready, is it possible to release the book immediately instead of waiting for the scheduled preorder date? I'm weighing exact release dates for marketing reasons. I'm looking to see if it's possible to publish 3 days early for a promotion opportunity (on sale sells better than preorder).

I think the date can be pulled back as an option too?

The book gets locked 3 days before release. It's actually a bit more than that these days it seems, so I work on 4 days, and lock in by Tuesday for a Saturday release.

You can bring the pre-order date forward, but only with that 3 day lock period in place. The date selection shows you what dates you can set.

If you're already into that 3 days, you can't access the book at all.

So check what the pre-order date selector is allowing you. If it lets you bring it forward the 3 days, just select the day you want it, or for a promotion, maybe better the day before the promotion.
Title: Re: Preorder release date change
Post by: alhawke on July 24, 2025, 01:24:34 PM
Thanks. I'll keep the 3 days limit in mind. It's bad we can't just release it at will if it's ready to go.
Title: Re: Preorder release date change
Post by: TimothyEllis on July 24, 2025, 01:27:24 PM
Thanks. I'll keep the 3 days limit in mind. It's bad we can't just release it at will if it's ready to go.

You could try to change the option from Pre-Order to Publish now.

I've never tried that, so I don't know you can change it back after being in pre-order.

Worth a try.
Title: Re: Preorder release date change
Post by: alhawke on July 24, 2025, 06:35:47 PM
Still weighing my options. I have some days yet. Do you know of any problems with moving the date earlier on Amazon? I wouldn't think it'd matter too much.
Title: Re: Preorder release date change
Post by: TimothyEllis on July 24, 2025, 06:41:21 PM
Still weighing my options. I have some days yet. Do you know of any problems with moving the date earlier on Amazon? I wouldn't think it'd matter too much.

None. You can bring forward a preorder as much as you want.

It's only missing it that Amazon hates.
Title: Re: Preorder release date change
Post by: alhawke on July 25, 2025, 11:44:49 AM
I moved the preorder 3 days forward on Amazon without much difficulty. The date still says the 6th for the US market, but my main promo is intl, so...  :shrug , no worry. I'm pretty sure the new US date will correct itself in another day or so.

Edit} It's updated for the right date everywhere now grint