The Sell More Books Show: Book Marketing, Digital Publishing and Kindle News, Tools and Advice Episode 616 - Pre-Order Previews with AK DuBoff
Jan 28, 2026
A.K. DuBoff, independent sci-fi author behind the Starship of the Ancients series and host of Sci‑Fi Chat, shares writing persistence and a decade-long path to breakthrough. They dig into Amazon pre-order sample strategy, making samples story-forward, timing uploads, the visual turn in marketing, using pre-orders as deadlines, and outsourcing to grow an author business.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Ad Agency Work Supported Early Career
- A.K. Duboff used ad agency work as a side gig while her writing income was insufficient.
- That side work complemented her author business and provided financial stability until her series succeeded.
Update Social Headers For New Releases
- Keep your social header images current and showcase recent releases so readers see your latest work.
- Update headers immediately after new releases to maintain consistent branding.
Put Story First In Pre-Order Files
- For pre-order samples, place minimal front matter and start the story immediately to maximize the readable excerpt.
- Avoid long salesy material so readers get the most story within the 10% sample limit.
