As a first time author, I know there will be mistakes. Much of the journey through independent publishing is learn-as-you-go. Yesterday I made my first big first time author mistake, and I’m kicking myself for it.
I received an email message late last night saying my paperback is now available on Amazon. There were some bullet points about what to expect going forward, which include linking, product description, the “Look Inside” feature, international marketplace, updates, and explained how long it would take to see all of that show up. I am most interested in the “Look Inside” feature. I want that to be available before I start promoting the book on social media.
The other thing mentioned in that email is that I can now order author copies. I’m not going to run and place a huge order, but it’s nice to see that’s available. I might order a few, at least one, so I can see how it looks…
I just placed the order. It seemed odd that I could place the order. I looked at the KDP bookshelf and noticed the paperback is set to “Live.” I clicked on the link to view it on Amazon and realized that anyone can order copies. The publication date was September 25. Nonononono! That’s not what I want! I went to change the publication date in the paperback book details. I cannot change the publication date. It’s set.
So I’ve made my first big fist time author mistake. I knew I would be making mistakes along the way, but this kind of derails my launch strategy. I want all formats to be available on November 1. I can’t change the Kindle date. So I contacted Amazon….
Hello,
I am in the process of independently publishing my first novel, “Naughty Week,” and I expected to make mistakes. I made a big mistake when I published the paperback. I did not list the publication date. The publication date is supposed to be November 1, 2019, as you can see from my Kindle edition. It is currently published and available, which is not what I want. I tried to change the publication date, but it would not allow me to. I am planning to publish all formats — Kindle/ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook — on the same day, which is November 1, 2019. Please help me change this for my paperback!!
I purchased one author copy, but if that needs to be canceled to reset the publication date, then I am fine with that. Please help!
Thank you,
Matt Donnelly
It’s been fewer than 24 hours. I hope they can see that my Kindle edition is set for a November 1 launch and adjust my paperback edition. If this is a rigid rule, then I’ll be very upset. Because I can’t change the publication date for the Kindle. Or can I? Let me check…
Yes, I can. If need be, I’ll just have everything available to publish on October 1. I’ll go with the flow on this one. Maybe it’s better to publish earlier. I just don’t want to stand out like an obvious first time author. Everything I can do to avoid that, I will do. The mistakes will come, so I need to be flexible.
