How DO you get a pre-order for your novel?

A big fat zero.

While most of my books post respectable sales in their early days, I’ve never once, not once, managed to get anyone to place a pre-order.

Does that grate? Not really. But it would be another goal ticked off to get at least one pre-order in the bag for my forthcoming novel Dead Headz, which is out in the new year (2026).

It’s not the point of this post to promote that work, which is still under construction BTW. Instead, I’d like to know how other indie writers manage to rustle up some pre-orders for their works.

With my other books, I’ve tried posts on X before, ads on BookBub too, but neither route has generated enough interest to tempt anyone to invest their hard-earned in one of my works before its release date. Any tips or tricks gratefully received.

And if you’re into apocalyptic fiction with a twist of horror and slash of zombie, look out for Dead Headz, coming soon – ish.

It’s the most epic novel I’ve written. And I'm not just saying that. I'm typing it.