We have pre-ordered a few books in our time – books that have been highly anticipated (most recently, Insurgent by Veronica Roth) and books that offered a lower price for pre-ordering in advance. Publishers like books to be pre-ordered; it gives some indication of the interest in a book prior to release. In fact, some publishers have used the number of pre-orders made in an effective way – offering free short stories etc once each target of pre-orders was reached.

We’ve also experienced the down side of pre-ordering. A memorable occasion was pre-ordering an eBook way in advance, then promptly forgetting and buying the paper version on the day of release!

It got us wondering how many people do pre-order and the reasons for which they might. So we turned to Twitter and found some illuminating responses. Take a look and then maybe add your comments!

Depends on the book. If there’s genuinely going to be a shortage on release (as with Harry Potter), I pre-order. Otherwise nada – @voxael

Depends how badly I need the book as soon as it comes out. Usually only books in a series I already ADORE HARD. – @Rhube

I don’t pre-order really, I just love going into a bookshop :) – @ChooseYA

Yeah, I pre-order tons of books–I get 90% of my books from @bookdepository, where pre-orders are cheaper than regular orders. – @corinneduyvis

I pre-order once in a while, usually books I know I’ll want to own written by trusted, favorite authors or close friends. – @ecmyers

FWIW: I wait till release day. Desire to support B&M combined with having too many books on the go at any given moment. – @George_Stirling

I’m all about the instant gratification, so I head straight to the bookshop on release day (or download it for Kindle that day) – @thebrainofchris

I love hitting the bookstore every Tues. I preorder if I find a good deal online bc a good deal = more $$ left for another book – @sara_UFblog

I’ve taken to pre-ordering some titles after my local store failed to stock 3 of the last 4 books I asked for on pub date. – @MikeRUnderwood

Pre-order. If I buy a book, I’ve usually been looking forward to it for a while. That or I fell in love with a library book. – @ruthmidget

I pre-ordered John Green’s “The Fault In Our Stars” because I wanted a signed one. Only book I’ve preordered ever. – @miriamjoywriter

I pre-order all the time. Then I get surprises in the mail. – @categardner

Depends how much I want the book. If I really want it, I’ll preorder it. Usually for sequels, not for the first in a series – @ILikeTheseBooks

What do you think?