I dropped by the local bookstore today and the August 2009 releases were on the shelves. These books are out at least a week early.
Over the past couple of years, I’ve noticed authors asking their readers to refrain from buying the book until the actual release date. The velocity of sales helps the author’s chances of getting on a bestseller list, or getting a higher spot on the list from the last book.
I understand that authors want to hit high on the lists. I get that their placement on the bestseller lists helps them when it’s time to negotiate a new contract. But does that stop me from buying the books early? No way!
Do I feel guilty for buying the books early? Kind of, because I’m taking advantage of the bookstore’s error (more like indifference) regarding the sale date. Then again, I made the trip to the bookstore hoping the books were available. So really, how guilty can I truly be when it was premeditated?
Should I feel like I’m a bad fan for not supporting my favorite author? All because I didn’t wait until the actual release date? Hell, no.
Because, honestly, it’s not my job as a reader to make sure the authors get on the bestseller list.
In fact — and this may come across as brutal — the author should be glad that I’m interested enough is buying the book.
Some of my fellow authors act like I’m doing such a bad, bad thing by purchasing the books early. Puhleeze. If the bookstores are supplying what I demand, I’m going to buy what I want, when I want.
And I see nothing wrong with that.
I’m the opposite (in timing); I very rarely find them early — but since I can only go to the bookstore once a month, sometimes less, I can only get a book when I get it. I have to limit myself when I’m there, but if it’s something I really want, I eventually get caught up. Might take me a while, and it probably doesn’t help an author out at all, but I can only do what I can do for me. If I do end up getting a book the week it comes out, it’s purely coincidental.
Lois
There have been a few times when my bookstore stock the books very late and I would have to ask them to get them from the backroom. The booksellers always seem surprised that I know what books are supposed to be out that month!
Oops – I’m not the only bad one then. I get excited when one certain store in my area puts them out the friday before release
I live 40 miles from a bookstore. So, if they have it out early you bet I’m getting it!
I get the idea of waiting until the actual release date but I suspect many readers are like me…they don’t have all the time they would like to hang in a bookstore. You’re there, you see the book you want, you grab it. Plus, I’d have to keep a spreadsheet to know when my favorite authors’ release dates are. Not gonna happen! Although I find more of a problem getting new books I specifically want sometimes a week or so after their release. Where IS that new Daniel Silva? Not on shelves around me yet…