How do book sales work?

[fuzzyoctopus]

So I was thinking of putting in an Amazon preorder for Elantris and another book or two that happen to come out in April - is that best for sales?  I wouldn't have thought of it but for Mustard's remark that it was better to buy at Deseret than Seagull because of the pushiing-books-for-quota thing.

So EUOL - is it better to do Amazon, or wait until you do a local signing?

[The Holy Saint, Grand High Poobah, Master of Monkeys, Ehlers]

for that matter, if we want a signed hard cover, and we don't live anywhere near you, how do you want us to handle it?

[EUOL]

I actually asked my agent this, and he said it really doesn't matter.  Sales are sales.  Buying them at a bookstore in the first week will make them reorder more.  But, buying them at Amazon will increase my sales rank, and that could make people buy more as well.

All in all, he said that in his opinion, the impact that my friends and family can have is minimal.  I'll sell maybe thirty copies that way, and they're printing 15,000 (at least.)  

So...do what you fell is easiest to you.  If you want to buy it at the store, that might be a tad better, but I don't think it will matter enough to inconvenience you.


SE:  I may offer signed coppies on my website.  I'm not sure about the logistics of that yet.  I'm sure we'll find a way to get it signed for you.

[Gemm: Rock & Roll Star; Born to Rock]

Just SE... what about, others? Come to Buffalo, do signs yes?

[The Holy Saint, Grand High Poobah, Master of Monkeys, Ehlers]

I think he only said "SE" because I'm the one who asked the question, Gemm. I don't think EUOL will object to signing a book if you buy it.

[fuzzyoctopus]

Hmm...  Maybe I'll just do both then. I'm planning on buying at least two copies for myself so maybe I"ll preorder one on amazon and buy one in a store.

[Peter Ahlstrom]

I dunno about that 30 copies comment...if a book is good, someone who reads it tells all their friends, who get it, who read it and tell all their friends, etc. etc...

[JP Dogberry]

What about those of us who live a nomadic lifestyle, fending off Kangaroos who want a signed copy for their signed copy collection? That goes for Mustard also, BTW. I'm Lazy.