Publishing the paperback first to gather ARC reviews prior to the ebook launch?

[Tom Wood]

I seem to remember seeing advice that suggested it's a good strategy to publish the paperback version first, during the ebook pre-order period, so that ARC readers of the ebook have an immediate link to leave a review. Then, when the ebook is finally released and the two versions are merged, the reviews will accrue to the ebook as well.

Is that a viable strategy?

Since the ebook is a new product, does the 30/60 day new release promotion start with the ebook release or do they go back to the paperback release?

ETA: I'll be using my own ISBNs and IngramSpark for the paperback.

I've also seen advice that said the opposite - that you don't want your early reviews accruing to the paperback. I don't remember the reasoning, especially in light of the eventual merging of both versions.

[Anarchist]

I seem to remember seeing advice that suggested it's a good strategy to publish the paperback version first, during the ebook pre-order period, so that ARC readers of the ebook have an immediate link to leave a review. Then, when the ebook is finally released and the two versions are merged, the reviews will accrue to the ebook as well.

Is that a viable strategy?

This is what I do.

Since the ebook is a new product, does the 30/60 day new release promotion start with the ebook release or do they go back to the paperback release?

My ebooks typically hit the HNR (hot new releases) lists and stick for a month (IIRC - it's been awhile since I paid attention).

I know that doesn't directly answer your question, but it's all that I can offer.

[Jan Hurst-Nicholson]

I always publish the ebook first so that you can pick up any possible problems before going ahead with the paperback. I've added a family tree on one book, and slightly changed an ending, and made some tweaks on others after reading the reviews. Once it's in print it's more of a problem making changes.

[Azalea Ellis]

I haven't done this yet, but I think it's a good idea. It requires planning and a little bit of leeway that I haven't had so far, because I've previously had Countdown Promo booked for the release. When things inevitably take longer than you expected, even if you tried to give yourself extra time when setting the release date... well, yeah.

[angela]

Don't blow your automated Amazon new release notification email on the paperback that your readers aren't going to buy.

Or do. It's your choice. It depends on what early reviews are worth to you versus getting conversions on those automated emails.

[Tom Wood]

I'll be advertising the ebook ARCs on BookBub so the ebooks can launch with at least a handful of reviews by people who bought some of my preferred also-boughts. That's the main goal for this particular effort.