Author Topic: My paperback is an instant sellout! Or... another KDP glitch. (Read 3086 times)

OfficialEthanJ · « **on:** May 02, 2019, 03:27:20 AM »

Today was supposed to be the triumphant release day for my latest and greatest novel, For Centuries More. After waiting (and waiting and waiting) for the paperback to go live so I could notify my newsletter subscribers, I got the green light from Amazon (email and dashboard + working link). Huzzah!

But: The paperback shows as "unavailable" with no ETA. Um, they sent me 2 proofs already.

The link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1794453261

Has anyone else had this issue? Did it magically fix itself? Should I email support? (Or, will it do the famous Johnson Luck™ thing and "just" work now that I went public with my woes?)

Thanks!

Fee · « **Reply #1 on:** May 02, 2019, 04:31:44 AM »

I've had this happen twice before in the US store only. I contacted them both times. The first time I got an irritating stock reply about how it could take up to 72 hours (or something like that) to go live in all stores. It had already been more than 72 hours, and I'd received the 'It's live' email, just like you. Not long after I received the irritating reply, the book was live.

The second time it happened (different paperback) I got a reply saying it was a technical issue and they were looking into it. Again, the book went live soon after they responded. So I'd say yes, contact them. Whether they give you an irritating reply or an honest one, they'll usually fix the problem (even if they won't admit there ever was one

)

OfficialEthanJ · « **Reply #2 on:** May 02, 2019, 07:27:36 AM »

They responded quickly and took the "72 hours" path on the flowchart. Here's hoping it's sooner.

Fee · « **Reply #3 on:** May 02, 2019, 11:32:40 AM »

Fingers and toes crossed for you.

okey dokey · « **Reply #4 on:** May 02, 2019, 12:00:38 PM »

Ethan, that is a great cover

OfficialEthanJ · « **Reply #5 on:** May 03, 2019, 12:55:07 AM »

Thank you! I'm very pleased with how it turned out, which makes it doubly frustrating to have the paperback held up at launch.

notthatamanda · « **Reply #6 on:** May 03, 2019, 01:03:11 AM »

Did you do a preorder, if you don't mind me asking? I'm hoping to release the paperback and ebook at the same time with my next release, so I really appreciate knowing this kind of stuff can happen.

Best of luck with it.

OfficialEthanJ · « **Reply #7 on:** May 03, 2019, 01:40:51 AM »

Nope, I planned a 5/1 launch, then remembered KDP can drag on publishing the title(s), so i sent the request through a day early. If anything, I did a soft launch. The eBook is live, but the paperback is still in limbo. Not good. This is the first time that's ever happened. Normally my eBooks and Paperbacks go live in unison and are both immediately available.

notthatamanda · « **Reply #8 on:** May 03, 2019, 02:07:56 AM »

Okay, thanks. Good luck and I hope the paperback comes on line for you real soon.

OfficialEthanJ · « **Reply #9 on:** May 04, 2019, 03:11:46 AM »

73 hours and counting...

notthatamanda · « **Reply #10 on:** May 04, 2019, 04:20:58 AM »

Sorry man.

Jan Hurst-Nicholson · « **Reply #11 on:** May 04, 2019, 05:05:58 AM »

Quote from: OfficialEthanJ on May 04, 2019, 03:11:46 AM

73 hours and counting...

And now ... ?

OfficialEthanJ · « **Reply #12 on:** May 04, 2019, 10:57:15 AM »

Still waiting...

Fee · « **Reply #13 on:** May 04, 2019, 07:33:02 PM »

How frustrating

You knew there was a glitch. They denied there was a glitch. Now, it's clear that you were right and they were wrong. I feel your pain. I'd message them again (in fact, I have done in this situation). But it's annoying to have to tell them the same thing all over again, I know

OfficialEthanJ · « **Reply #14 on:** May 04, 2019, 08:55:10 PM »

I did. They didn't respond (yet). I'm wondering if this is in any way tied to the ongoing sales reporting issue. I figure once that banner goes away on Author Central I *should* see my paperback up for sale. (Although arguably I *should* have seen it much sooner, but whatever, I'm off to Disney World.)

Fee · « **Reply #15 on:** May 04, 2019, 09:19:30 PM »

Have fun at Disney World

Jan Hurst-Nicholson · « **Reply #16 on:** May 04, 2019, 10:13:37 PM »

Quote from: OfficialEthanJ on May 04, 2019, 08:55:10 PM

I did. They didn't respond (yet). I'm wondering if this is in any way tied to the ongoing sales reporting issue. I figure once that banner goes away on Author Central I *should* see my paperback up for sale. (Although arguably I *should* have seen it much sooner, but whatever, I'm off to Disney World.)

Sounds like you're already living in Disney World

OfficialEthanJ · « **Reply #17 on:** May 06, 2019, 04:00:05 AM »

Response from Amazon support:

Quote

Hello Ethan,

I completely understand your concern regarding your paperback not being available for sale after 3 days.

Please keep in mind that the detail page should be created within 3 days. However, for your paperback to show as "In stock" can take 3 to 5 business days.

If your paperback isn't showing as "In Stock" by May 7, 2019 please contact us so we can investigate further.

For a complete overview of our publishing timelines please check the link below.
https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G202173620#update_paperback

I hope this gives clarification and if you have any additional questions or concerns please contact us and we are more than happy to assist further.

Have a great day!

To be fair, or as fair as I'm willing to be, I have to quote standard processing time in my day job too, and I get that sometimes despite being spoiled by quick turnaround times that other factors can push resolution out closer to the end of the standard window. It stinks for all parties especially when we all get used to things happening much faster - read: instantly. If I hadn't been blessed with instant paperback availability for 6 times in a row I could set my expectations accordingly. UGH.

Oh well, lesson learned for paperback #8: don't send out the email blast until *all* editions are in stock and ready for delivery.

Meanwhile, I'm still waiting for resolution.

Happy Sunday!

OfficialEthanJ · « **Reply #18 on:** May 09, 2019, 02:47:53 AM »

Resolved, at last!

Fee · « **Reply #19 on:** May 09, 2019, 02:51:37 AM »

Jan Hurst-Nicholson · « **Reply #20 on:** May 09, 2019, 03:56:26 AM »

Quote from: OfficialEthanJ on May 09, 2019, 02:47:53 AM

Resolved, at last!

News:

Author Topic: My paperback is an instant sellout! Or... another KDP glitch. (Read 3086 times)