Book distribution - QuirksBlog

Right, I seem to have been a bit premature in my book release entry. Although the book definitely exists by now, it turns out that it might easily take a few weeks before it has been shipped from printer to distributor, from distributor to the bookstore warehouse, and from the warehouse to the shelves. Therefore it's not strange that almost no-one has a copy of the book yet: you'll have to have a few more weeks patience, I'm afraid.

I myself am the only exception to this rule: this morning I received my own copies of the book; and as you can imagine I spent about two hours leafing through it. It feels odd; initially it seemed nothing but the umpteenth printing proof to be corrected. At one point, when I encountered an unclear paragraph, I found myself absent-mindedly reaching for a pen to make a note. It took me a few seconds to realise that I was too late: the book has been printed and cannot be changed any more.

What's really gratifying is that I haven't yet found a single typo. I have an excellent head for spelling; a kind of reverse dyslexia where any typo stands out like an eyesore. In fact, I found only three typos during the final proofing, and although there will definitely be a few that I missed, it's a neat score.

Anyway, it seems that my family, friends, and a few selected clients will be the first ones to actually get hold of a physical copy; and most of them will nod sagely but won't be able to actually understand what I'm talking about. In a way that's good: for the next few weeks I'll be an uncritically acclaimed AUTHORity.

Comments

1 Posted by Philip Withnall on 27 September 2006 | Permalink

I'm looking forward to getting my copy. :-)

2 Posted by Mark McDonnell on 27 September 2006 | Permalink

I'm looking forward to receiving my copy too! I seriously cannot wait :)

3 Posted by robert on 27 September 2006 | Permalink

I ordered the book on amazon.com, delivery estimate is Nov. 29.

4 Posted by ppk on 27 September 2006 | Permalink

Robert, are you in Europe? Even then 29 November seems a bit excessive.

Unfortunately I can't help; I don't have the faintest idea how to speed up the process; in fact, I think it can't be done at all.

5 Posted by robert on 28 September 2006 | Permalink

Hi, nope, I'm not in Europe, I'm in Austin, TX.

I'm not complaining at all, just letting you know it might be more than a few weeks...my order date was Sept. 20, and the estimated delivery date using "super saver"shipping is Nov. 29.

Looking forward to reading it!

6 Posted by Maarten on 28 September 2006 | Permalink

I ordered the book on amazon.com, delivery estimate is December 21, 2006

7 Posted by James Nelson on 28 September 2006 | Permalink

I ordered the book at my "local webdesign bookstore". I was suprised to find out they already had 2 coming, and one was claimed by somebody else :-) So, now they're both claimed. They told me it'll probably be ready late october.

Good to see that the technical bookstore in the most remote major city in the world (Perth, Western Australia) already has it on their list :-)

8 Posted by Roger on 28 September 2006 | Permalink

I ordered it too, date estimate was of 24th Dec.. :)

9 Posted by Christopher Boomer on 28 September 2006 | Permalink

Be honest. Until the book actually arrives at Amazon's warehouse they are only guessing. Rather than disappoint, they are giving very long lead times. It's better customer service to be a month early. :)

Don't panic, Peter-Paul's wisdom will be with us shortly and we can bombard him with typos for weeks afterwards!

Well done, chuck! Now how's about one on ...

10 Posted by ppk on 28 September 2006 | Permalink

Thanks, Christopher. Your explanation makes sense.

I assume therefore that the book will become available around the start of October in the US, and about two to three weeks later in Europe.

11 Posted by Brian LePore on 28 September 2006 | Permalink

My order date was July 16th and Amazon has my package is still marked with a delivery estimate between September 22-25. Considering that you've remarked on the shipment being delayed and I have not seen it yet I'm not upset over the package being late.

Two other items that I had ordered along with your book were shipped on the 17th and I have received them. Amazon had those listed as in stock from the start, so I don't know why they delayed shipping them, but wahtever.

I'm located in Rochester, NY for what it matters. I believe those that are seeing later delivery dates may have ordered it later than I did, given what robert posted.

12 Posted by ppk on 29 September 2006 | Permalink

My Dutch Pearson contact just told me she estimates the book will be in Dutch bookstores around 13 October.

Even if we say it'll be a week late, that'd mean it'll be available in Europe around the 20th, and consequently the US availability date would be around the 2nd of October, or next Monday.

Unless it takes more time, of course...

13 Posted by Daniel Vandersluis on 29 September 2006 | Permalink

I ordered the book on Aug 2, via amazon.ca (I'm in Ontario), and the end of the estimated delivery range was yesterday. Delays happen, though, so it's all good. I can't wait to get my hands on it, though.

14 Posted by Haris Skiadas on 2 October 2006 | Permalink

Congrats on getting the book published! The estimate for my copy is Dec 1st-4th, we'll see!

Looking forward to reading it.