Announced via email on September 19, 2024, Google Play Books has introduced “contentless pre-orders,” a new feature allowing indie authors and publishers to offer pre-orders for their ebooks without needing to upload the book’s content file right away. This pre-order option enables authors to capture early sales and generate excitement before the book is finalized.
What Are Contentless Pre-Orders?
With this new feature, authors and publishers can make their ebooks available for pre-order on Google Play without uploading the finalized book files at the time the pre-order is set up. However, the content file must be submitted at least three days before the book’s release date to avoid cancellation of any pre-orders.
This gives authors more time to refine their ebooks while allowing them to benefit from early sales and the anticipation that pre-orders can generate.
Key Features of Google Play’s Pre-Order System
Here are some important details to know about how pre-orders work on Google Play:
- Pre-orders available up to 2 years in advance: Authors can set a release date up to two years into the future when creating a pre-order.
- Upload content three days before release: The ebook’s final content must be uploaded at least 3 days prior to the release date to avoid cancellations.
- No pre-orders within 3 days of release: Pre-orders cannot be created within 3 days of the release date, and the release date will lock 72 hours before publication.
- Content requirements: Content is not required to enable a book for pre-order sales unless the release date is within 7 days. This gives authors more flexibility in setting up pre-orders.
- Price protection for customers: If a book’s price changes after a customer has pre-ordered it, the customer will be charged the lower of the two prices when the book is delivered.
- Analytics and sales reports: Authors can track pre-orders through Google Play’s sales reports, but revenue is only earned when the book is officially released and delivered to customers.
Why Pre-Orders Matter for Authors
Pre-orders are a powerful way for authors looking to increase their book’s visibility and early sales. Pre-orders also allow authors to build excitement and create buzz around their upcoming release, which can drive even more sales once the book is live.
How to Set Up Pre-Orders on Google Play
Setting up a pre-order on Google Play is simple:
- Sign in to the Partner Center on Google Play.
- Add your ebook and go to the “Metadata/Book info” tab, where you can select “Allow Pre-orders.”
- Set your release date up to two years in the future.
- Make sure to upload your content file at least 3 days before the release date to avoid pre-order cancellations.
- Track pre-orders through your sales and earnings reports on Google Play.
Important Notes for Authors and Publishers
While the contentless pre-order option makes it easier to generate early sales for ebooks, it’s important to note that pre-orders are unavailable in some regions due to regulatory restrictions (such as in India). Be sure to check where your book is eligible for pre-orders before setting them up.
By allowing readers to pre-order, you can build early anticipation and maximize your book’s impact when it launches.
For more information, visit Google Play’s Help Center to learn about enabling pre-orders and managing your ebook release.
