So you preordered an indie book

So you preordered an indie book.

How actually receiving it sometimes works with online retailers.

The Sudden Not-Available

It’s publication day and you don’t see the book that you preordered in your mailbox! You go online and check, and the status of the book says “not-available” or “back ordered”…

What it usually means

It might just mean that the online retailer didn’t prestock the book (happens to us smaller book and publisher chums, especially if we have “no return” policies with Ingram). So the retailer needs time to actually order it for you, and they want to be sure you still want it.

Confirm your order (again)

Sometimes the online retailer wants to confirm you still want the book. So you have to go through some additional steps. Sometimes they cancel the order! This means you need to reorder it (and they’ll confirm that you were not charged).

Feel good once again

Not only did you secure your order, you made sure an indie author secured a book sale. Happy reading!