Pre-orders are an increasingly important way in which books are now sold and marketed, and indie bookstores can and should take part in this growing business. Heavily influenced by television and social media, the months before a title’s publication are critical, and pre-orders are a growing component of a book’s ultimate sales. By working with publishers to take full advantage of pre-order opportunities, indie bookstores can avoid lost sales, lost PR, and lost market share. Booksellers who would like to learn more about pre-orders can check out the presentation from the 2019 ABA Spring Forums: “ABACUS and Pre-Orders: Two Programs You Can’t Do Without .”
Below are some suggested titles that may have good pre-order potential and/or have added value to entice customers to pre-order from their local indie. The list will be updated on a regular basis. When available, titles will link to a page with downloadable digital assets. The list is also available as an Excel Download at the bottom of the page, along with ABA-created "Keep It Local" Pre-Order shelftalkers and web assets.
Booksellers and publishers are welcome to send pre-order suggestions for this list to [email protected] . Publishers should also attach any digital marketing assets available for booksellers to use. ABA has final approval over which titles are included on this list.
Stores should be sure to note "Limited Supply" or "While Supplies Last" in promo to customers.
If you do not see the Pre-order list below please login.
* Updated 7/24/2026 *
September 2026
- On Sale Date 9/22/2026:
- Tom Nancy by Mac Barnett and X. Fang (Tundra Books, 9781774885710)
- From two of the most acclaimed and beloved picture book makers today, Mac Barnett and X. Fang, comes a hilarious trickster tale like no other. A sneaky sheep has a proposal for an innocent boy that will change both of their lives forever: a brain swap!
- Offer: 4 x 6 lenticular print. More information can be found here and the form for customers to fill out is here. Assets for promotion can be found here.
- Henri and Miko: Autumn in Bosk Olivette (9781774880647) and Henri and Miko: Winter in Bosk Olivette (9781774880678) by Rebecca Green
- Best friends Henri, a mouse, and Miko, a bee, experience seasonal joys and adventures in their sweet cider press house and forest community.
- Offer: Preorder both Henri and Miko: Autumn in Bosk Olivette by Rebecca Green and Henri and Miko: Winter in Bosk Olivette by Rebecca Green to receive your Cozy Celebration Kit. Follow Rebecca Green on Instagram for the reveal of each item included in the Cozy Celebration Kit. More information about the series can be found here and the form for customers to fill out is here. Assets for the promotion can be found here.
October 2026
- On Sale Date 10/6/2026:
-
Kiki and Me by Leo Timmers (Gecko Press/Lerner, 978834841700)
-
A landmark work from one of Gecko Press's most beloved and acclaimed creators, Kiki and Me is an exquisitely illustrated large-format picture book about the enduring bond between a horse and her owner, Kiki, as they grow up together. Told from the horse's perspective, the story follows their inseparable friendship through change, separation, and ultimately reunion, in a moving exploration of growing up, friendship, and finding connection again.
-
Offer: We have a limited number of exclusive signed art prints from Leo Timmers! Stores who are interested in receiving a print to share with their pre-ordering customers can register here . First come, first served, quantities are limited.
- On Sale Date 10/6/2026:
-
Beetle Moses: A Comics Menagerie by Harris Fishman (Andrews McMeel, 9798881610579)
-
Sharp, surreal, and endlessly quotable, this debut collection from one of the most mind-bending new voices in webcomics pairs bold neon art with absurdist wit.
-
Offer: We are offering signed bookplates + downloadable phone screen saver. Images for promotion can be found here , on the Beetle Moses Edelweiss page, under Images. To redeem the downloadable phone screen saver, we will need the email addresses from the stores OR we can send them the link to download.
- On Sale Date 10/20/2026:
- You're No Better by Andrew Joseph White (Peachtree Teen, 9781682639245)
- From New York Times bestselling author Andrew Jopseph White comes a visceral psychological YA horror: a profound portrait of a struggling teen trying to convince the world—and himself—that he’s better than the serial killer who raised him.
- Offer: Order the INDIE-EXCLUSIVE 4-copy SIGNED prepack and receive 4 limited-edition art prints illustrated by cover artist Evangeline Gallagher to be given as a gift-with-purchase, as well as a shelf talker for store merchandising. More information can be found here. Assets for promotion can be found here.
November 2026
- On Sale Date 11/10/2026:
-
Song for Medusa: A Graphic Novel by Grace Desmarais (Andrews McMeel, 9798881600242)
-
A sapphic graphic-novel reimagining of the Medusa myth, where the fearsome Gorgon and a blind princess fall in love against impossible odds. Perfect for readers of Lore Olympus and The Song of Achilles.
-
Offer: We are offering signed bookplates. Images can be found here , on the Song for Medusa Edelweiss page, under Images.
"Keep It Local" Pre-Order Shelftalkers (multiple designs)
