Will Wight, New York Times Best-Selling Author of 'Cradle'
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In which we ramble on.
And by we, I mean me.

Unsouled-Blackflame Bookstore Pre-Orders

2/16/2023

53 Comments

 
EDIT: Hey, I learned something! This is NOT limited to the US. Details below.

Often, I have people ask me how they can help support the books besides buying them. People also ask "How can I support you without supporting Amazon?"

To the first question, I usually say, "You've already supported me!"

To the second one, I say, "You can't!"

But now there's a situation where your support would help me out.

Thanks to the success of the Kickstarter, we were able to fund a print run of trade paperbacks and trade hardcovers of Unsouled, Soulsmith, and Blackflame to replace our print-on-demand paperbacks that were only really available via Amazon.

Basically, we used the Kickstarter money to get books into bookstores.

Currently, they are available for pre-order online from Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, Walmart, and Target.* We're told they're coming out March 14th!

However, this isn’t a guarantee that they will end up on bookshelves in a real store. It's only a guarantee that you can buy them online.

Ingram (the book distributor) has to go “sell” new titles to the stores to get them to carry our books in physical stores. They have told us that the BEST way to increase the chances of them getting in stores is having a strong pre-order.

The more people who pre-order the paperback books, the more likely bookstores are to actually stock them.

Now, I want to get into bookstores because A.) it would be very cool, since I love bookstores, and B.) because there are still people who only read books that they bought in person. There might be a whole new audience out there who would enjoy Cradle.

Or maybe not, I don't know, but I'd like to find out.

TL;DR - If we sell a bunch of online pre-orders for the paperbacks, bookstores will put them on shelves.

So if you wanted sets of physical books that aren't from Amazon (and you missed the Kickstarter), good news! This would be a great time to order them.

Having said all this, don't feel any pressure from me to buy the books if you don't want to. I'm telling you all this because I know some of you would want to know.

For real, you reading the books is already more support than I deserve. But if you wanted to see the Cradle series on Barnes and Noble shelves, this is the way to make that happen.

I didn't know almost anything about how this worked until, like, today. This territory is as uncharted for me as it is for you.

But, just to be clear...

1.) This doesn't affect the books you got through the Kickstarter. You're getting those regardless. Different set of books; Kickstarter books are still on their way, don't worry.

2.) If you pre-order books through any of the above retailers, you ARE buying the books normally. You'll get books.

Thanks for hearing me out! I feel awkward for even bringing this up,  but when Ingram brought this to our attention, I knew I should say something.

-Will

*EDIT: Turns out, this list is not exhaustive. The books are available for online pre-order from many booksellers, including those outside the United States.

Here's the link for Waterstone in the UK, and if none of these stores ship to you, odds are the books are still available from a store that does! Unfortunately, I can't link every  bookstore site in the world.

Not until my powers reach their peak.

53 Comments
it's me I'm the problem
2/16/2023 06:57:20 pm

Are you kidding? Please always ask. You're an artist and a business owner. Use any marketing at your disposal. (literally signed up to get marketing from you for a reason) I hope you blow the pre-orders out of the water!

Reply
Will link
2/16/2023 07:03:18 pm

You're a very encouraging person and I appreciate you. I hope a sparkling dolphin descends from the sky and grants you three wishes.

Be careful, though. Dolphins are notorious rules lawyers.

Reply
It's me I'm the problem
2/17/2023 02:33:39 pm

I think I can outsmart them

Bridget
2/16/2023 06:57:34 pm

How much of being an author does the phrase "this is awkward but..." encompass?

Reply
Will link
2/16/2023 07:01:03 pm

All of it. The whole thing. Personally, professionally. It's awkwardness all the way down.

Reply
Jeremy
2/17/2023 01:57:55 pm

😂😂😂

Jed
2/16/2023 07:09:07 pm

If I have already getting the fancy versions from the kickstarter, but wanted to preorder to boost you, can I get it shipped to Hidden Gnome and they could donate it ?

Reply
Sean K
2/17/2023 03:23:36 am

Better yet, but them then donate them to your local library! This lets others who migjt not be able to buy the books to find them!!!

Reply
Rose
2/17/2023 12:00:44 pm

You could always get them and donate them to a Little Free Library in your city or to an actual Public Library.

Reply
DreamweaverMirar
2/16/2023 07:10:59 pm

Man you're making me wish I still worked at Barnes and Noble so I could shill the hell out of your books haha.

Reply
Samuel Chu
2/16/2023 07:18:48 pm

Fyi The target link sent me to Amazon

Reply
Will link
2/16/2023 07:22:43 pm

So it did! Thanks for letting me know! Should be fixed now.

Reply
Kelly
2/16/2023 07:40:10 pm

On it! I’ve bought paperback, kindle versions, and audiobooks—and sent my paperbacks to those who needed to read them. Time to restock!

Reply
Man traveling the Way
2/16/2023 07:41:56 pm

I was just in Barnes and Noble wondering where Cradle was… and now I know.

Reply
Travis
2/16/2023 07:51:12 pm

I'll be ordering some paperbacks for my bookstore, just found them on Ingram!

Reply
Nick
2/17/2023 02:42:30 am

Hi Travis, will your bookstore ship to UK? Would love to put a copy of each in local Library (already got hardbacks and leather bound coming for myself and don’t want to be too greedy)?

Reply
Travis
2/17/2023 01:58:21 pm

Sorry, we don't. :/
I've had people overseas use a shipping service before, but never found out if it made it to the final destination.

Reenie
2/16/2023 08:05:33 pm

Man, I’m still mad I missed out on the Kickstarter books. Those look awesome. But like other people have said, I think it’s always appropriate to ask your fans to support you in whatever way you need. If we can do it, we want to because we are your fans! And I 100% support getting books in ways that don’t feed the Amazon monster, if at all possible.

Reply
Brianthas
2/16/2023 08:14:41 pm

I got the kickstarter, but I’ll gladly buy the first three to donate to a library!

Reply
Kia
2/16/2023 08:21:59 pm

Aussie fan here :)

Can international fans help too or is this just US for now?

Reply
Chris
2/18/2023 01:58:45 pm

I just found them on booktopia.com.au and on the Dymocks website either in stock or available March 14 so looks like can get them in Oz

Reply
Rachael
2/16/2023 08:40:23 pm

Just bought hardcovers of Unsouled and Soulsmith on the Books a Million website - they started in Alabama. Hoping to build a loyal fanbase here....

Reply
Francisco Leon
2/16/2023 09:59:22 pm

Done! Order placed. On B&N, I was able to place an order for all 11 books, so I did!

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Matthew Garcia
2/17/2023 08:42:51 am

The pre-orders he is talking about are for the Hardcovers. The paper backs to my knowledge are all from Amazon

Reply
Devin Silverwood
2/17/2023 10:56:49 pm

Can anyone confirm this? I just bought all 11 paperback from B&N, but I didn't know they were from Amazon.

DIO link
2/16/2023 11:04:57 pm

This is cool and all, but when will we see WAYBOUND in stores? That’s the one I’m really waiting for.

Reply
Jeremiah
2/17/2023 05:01:28 am

But now I feel pressured............

I blame Sam

Reply
J K
2/17/2023 06:25:30 am

In accordance with the contract I signed to be part of the Blackflame Empire, I must buy your books. This means I cannot accept "free" book downloads offered at any time, for any reason. Like if I ate gelato, I would lose my Super Vegan Powers if I ever download during a free event. Besides, I can't wait that long to read them.

Reply
Geoffrey
2/17/2023 07:14:30 am

Digital books are like digital currency, they work but are they real? Physical books; however, are akin to precious metals and like any good dragon with a horde of gold, I will be growing my treasures and keeping your shiny new addition in a favored spot.

Reply
Joel
2/17/2023 08:11:04 am

Are you mostly focused on the big stores? I was surprised to not see a mention of bookshop.org. You can pre-order through them and select your local shop to support. Even better, you could call or walk in to your local shop and ask them to order the book. Looks like the publisher is listed as Riyria Enterprises LLC.

Reply
Kevin
2/17/2023 08:15:00 am

Well now I know what to spend that Barnes and nobles gift card I got for Christmas on.

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Matthew Garcia
2/17/2023 08:38:29 am

We are with you! Just pre ordered all 3

Reply
Kris
2/17/2023 09:06:29 am

Will,

Is there something that can be done to encourage libraries to order your books? Sure I can buy some and donate them, but I was wondering if you (or anyone else) knows if there's like an official method of doing it?

Reply
Fenris
3/1/2023 07:30:44 pm

Most libraries have an online request form

Reply
James
2/17/2023 10:17:52 am

When can we expect a sneak peak podcast episode? I feel like a junkie looking for my next fix. Half of the company I work for is getting though the complete works of Will Wight in some form or another and we are all very excited.

Reply
Mikey
2/18/2023 10:15:29 pm

James, you’re a tool. We are trying to get Wills print books out there. Quit worrying about the podcast.

Reply
Andrew Fleming
2/17/2023 10:57:14 am

Thalia has the Cradle series in Germany but they are out of stock for some of the series ATM.

P.S: They appear to be only delivering the english Version, which suits me.

Reply
Timberonian
2/17/2023 12:58:00 pm

The books are even available in Germany!
https://www.hugendubel.de/de/buch_gebunden/will_wight-unsouled-45225390-produkt-details.html

Reply
Devin Silverwood
2/17/2023 10:59:49 pm

Can anyone confirm that the paperback books 1-11 that are sold at B&N are not the Amazon print to order? If they are from Amazon, I will wait.

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Path of the viking
2/18/2023 04:30:37 am

Also appears to be availeble for preorder on saxo, a danish online bookstore
https://www.saxo.com/dk/unsouled_bog_9781943363339

Reply
Jason
2/18/2023 05:08:37 am

Already getting them via the KS.. but happy to order the *next* set of three…

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John Magee
2/19/2023 05:53:56 am

Great. Bought the whole set to celebrate National Arabian Horse Day (Feb 19th) in a completely non connected way.

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Dennis
2/20/2023 06:12:52 pm

Awesome! I found it on a local bookstore’s site, so now I can support an awesome author and an awesome independent bookstore at the same time! https://www.oldtownbooks.com/item/mWw_I0wbsSiPIe0t5Q7UnA

Reply
Nick
2/21/2023 04:18:16 am

Thanks for the Waterstones UK link, first 3 books on way direct to Eccles library UK. Hope many others enjoy them as much as I have

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Michael
2/22/2023 08:23:36 am

Books & Books has them in SFL as well for anyone interested. Always prefer to buy local

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Tim
2/22/2023 03:15:24 pm

Physical books are exciting! Will there ever be physical runs of the collections (1-3, 4-6, etc) ? I love the character art covers.

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Helazoid
2/25/2023 11:55:58 am

Preordered the Hardcovers, plus the rest in paperback. PS, when's the next kickstarter? I'll definitely want a set of all 12 in the limited edition format :)

Reply
Daniel R
2/27/2023 07:28:05 am

I've been waiting for this, I have a list of people who should also feel the pain of book addiction who will be gifted in the relatively near future.

Reply
Dragonlord12
2/27/2023 03:06:49 pm

Who would win between Yerin and Akaza from demon slayer?

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Dumpling
3/2/2023 07:32:14 am

*Car keys, check
*Wallet, check
*Headphones, check
*Check Will's blog for updates on Waybound, check
*Feed the deerman his daily meal (so he doesn't feed on me instead)

alright I'm ready to head to work, guess I'll listen to Traveler's Gate on the way instead.

This is the longest January of my lifeeeeeee

Reply
Orve
3/2/2023 10:28:10 am

The Barnes and Noble link defaults to the print on demand version but if you click "View all available formats" you can get the new ones.

Question though: It won't let me pre-order it into the store. Is there a benefit to you if I go to the store in person to have them order it vs. pre-ordering from the web site to be delivered to me?

Reply
Trey
3/21/2023 10:29:59 pm

I was on audible earlier and it showed me some cradle books that I didn't own. (I've listened to every book 10+ times) turns out theres different versions of at least half of them, I stopped looking to confirm the extent

Just curious as to what that's all about?
Unsouled for instance has a version that's like 8 hours and 13 minutes while the other is 8 hours and 45 minutes

Reply
Jason
3/28/2023 06:17:57 am

Soo, when is the next kickstarter for the rest of the series so we can have more faux leatherbound books! I need to collect them all or I'll get hives.

Reply



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