why preorders are important
Help me help you help me
#WednesdayWisdom
“At this point in the game, I think you should be spending less time asking what you should be doing, & more time simply trying things. You can get all the advice you want, but you only know what works or doesn’t once you actually start working it.” ~ Junae Brown
Morning Musings
First and foremost, a note of heartfelt gratitude to everyone who’s written in about the book, preordered their copy and/or shared it on social media! I am truly overwhelmed with the response in the best of ways. Like, I always knew y’all would show up, but this past week you’ve also shown out and I appreciate the love more than you know.
Preorders are extremely important for first-time authors like me, especially those of us who are traditionally underrepresented in publishing. Your preorder is a show of support.
It lets my publisher, bookstores and libraries know that you’re interested in what I have to say and you want to hear more (I hope to make a career out of writing books, y’all). And you’re supporting more than just me—your preorders tell editors and publishers you’d like to hear from other authors like me.
As my friend
(and fellow Class of 2023 debut author!) shared in her newsletter, , Book Riot said it best:“When you preorder a book, it’s a clear message to the publisher that there is demand for that author’s work, that series, and those characters. To an even greater degree, however, preorders can send a message that has political resonance. When preorders go up for books that support trans visibility, queer characters, racial diversity, and representation, it forces publishers to assess the market thusly.”
When I was first querying my book, one literary agent told me to come back when I had 20,000 followers. And I get it—publishing is a business. And it’s estimated that about 20 percent of your followers will actually buy your book.
At the time, I had about 8,000 across all my platforms, which translates to roughly 1,600 books sold—definitely not enough to land on anyone’s bestseller list. Nowadays, my total follower count is closer to 16,000, but I’m still a relative nobody in the book industry. Which is why your preorder matters.
I promise we’ll get back to non-book business next week, but I had to let y’all know what’s up. Also, hold on to your receipts: there will be fun goodies for people preorder in the coming months as well as a (virtual) street team of sorts and, of course, we’re taking this show on the road this summer/fall. But in the meantime…
Preorder Stop Waiting for Perfect!
Upcoming Events
Feb. 18: I’m hosting a Galentine’s Day Pole Party at Fly Club in Chicago. It’s been a minute since I’ve hosted an in-person event and I’m excited to kick things off with this fun and flirty celebration. (FYI: Paid subscribers receive a discount on ticketed events. You can upgrade here).
Feb. 26: If your 2023 got off to a rough start, don’t sweat it. Join my friend Ymani of
for a Revision Board Party complete with refreshments and good vibes!
ICMYI
Last week I mentioned I learned my preorder link went live while recording an interview with the Good Moms on Paper podcast and now the episode is live! Check out my reaction below and listen to the full episode here.
Links I Love
The Burden of Providing Proof (MLK50)
Inside Book Twitter's Final(?) Days (Esquire)
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My Latest Obsession
I’ve been on an iced matcha latte kick lately and let’s just say at roughly $7 a pop, I quickly looked into options for making it at home. My bestie Pam recommended the matcha green tea latte mix from Trader Joe’s and I’ve been drinking it ever since. Add a splash of lavender syrup (I use the one from Williams Sonoma) and you can’t tell me I’m not a bona fide barista.
Now Hiring
Editor-in-Chief, Closing the Gap for The Boston Globe
Digital Director for Moms First
Copy Editor at The Baltimore Banner
Digital Communications Manager for Change Consulting
Communications Manager for Partnership for Safety & Justice
Social Media Manager for Alliance for Youth Action
Donor Engagement Director for New Economy Coalition
Design Director at Her Campus Media
Thank You
A special thank-you to Cait, Amanda, Harleen, Megan, Najja, Jessica, Priti, Cat and Jenna for becoming paid subscribers and helping to fuel this newsletter. I truly appreciate your support!
20,000 followers 😧
Yes! Pre-orders are so important. And thanks for the shout out, friend!