Delivery dates refer to when customers, recipients, or suppliers can expect their products or services. Regarding books and publishing, delivery dates denote when the customer or retailer should receive a shipment from the publisher.
Delivery dates refer to when publishers will send out advance copies of books to reviewers, journalists, or booksellers; this date is also known as an embargo date; typically, this occurs a few weeks before publication so reviewers have time to read and write about the book before its sale on sale shelves.
Publishing industry production processes rely heavily on meeting delivery dates. Once a book is typeset and printed, it needs to be shipped out; delivery dates assure publishers that all readers will be ready for shipping on schedule.
Delivery dates are essential both to publishers and customers. Publishers need to adhere to production schedules without interruption from delays. Customers, meanwhile, rely on on-time deliveries to avoid hassle.
Delivery dates of books are vitally important for several reasons. First and foremost, earlier delivery means earlier sales. Delivery dates allow publishers to quickly generate revenue from book sales as soon as they go on sale. Secondarily, delivery dates determine when the book is released in various formats (such as ebooks and audiobooks). Thirdly and fourthly, delivery dates affect marketing campaigns designed to generate interest in a book’s sales; when done, well-timed campaigns can create lots of attention, leading to successful sales figures.