HarperCollins is releasing an exclusive edition of Unsheltered, Barbara Kingsolver's new novel, for independent bookstores only, according to Bookselling This Week, which described the special edition as part of a test being conducted by ABA's new Pre-Order Task Force.
The edition will include "a one-page letter from the author that addresses the indie reader directly, highlighting Kingsolver's ongoing support for independent bookstores. The letter, to be highly designed with full-color border artwork, includes insight about the inspiration for the new novel."
HarperCollins will release the limited edition in 12-copy cartons; Unsheltered has a shipping date of September 26 and an on-sale date of October 16. A general edition also goes on sale October 16.
HarperCollins v-p and deputy director of sales Mary Beth Thomas commented: "We know the ABA members have been working on increasing preorders in the independent channel and we hope that an exclusive on such a highly touted book will help with that process."
She added that the publisher thought Kingsolver would be the perfect author to start such a program with and contacted her. "Barbara graciously agreed and wrote a letter about her love of independent bookstores and why they are necessary to the publishing industry, especially now."
The ABA will be offering education sessions at the fall regional booksellers association shows about how booksellers can expand preorders. Members of the task force will participate in the sessions.