I’m going to purchase a book that is being released today. When should I pick it up? Soon as possible? Or, later on this evening? In other words what time of the day are newly released books are shelved? Is it possible to sell out the first day?
It’s possible for a book to sell out the first day, but barring a “Harry Potter” type situation, that almost never happens. It’s also possible that the book may be released but that the store doesn’t have it in stock yet. My suggestion is to call the bookstore and ask them if they have it, and if they do, if they could hold a copy for you.
Depends on the book. As Captain Amazing said, most books don’t outsell right away. If you have a bookstore nearby, just swing by when you get the chance and they’ll probably have it. I also find that if the author isn’t a ‘big name’ you might even find the books out up to a week before the official release date (depending if the store got them early or not). Doesn’t always happen, but I have seen it the odd time when I was on the lookout for a book by an author I like.
Books are always shipped before the official release date, usually a week before and sometimes earlier. (This is what makes it possible to find a few copies of a title before the date).
On the release date, store employees start hauling out the boxes that are in the back of the store and add the new titles to the shelves (or tables or whatever). There’s no telling when any individual book will appear - it’s going to depend on how many new books have come in, how many employees have been assigned to the shelves, and how busy the store otherwise is - but I’d assume they’d get them on the selves as early as possible. Why lose money if people like you stop by?
As others have said, it will be a rare book that ever sells out on the first day, but there are a few general exceptions. One is the super-mega-long awaited-blockbuster. Another is a book that gets sudden attention in the news that the store hadn’t anticipated when it puts in an order. Local books can sell out when all the author’s relatives stop by. And, most likely, a store puts in an order for a grand total of one copy and somebody buys it. (This does not always automatically trigger a reorder, either.)
If you really want a book, call and reserve a copy. That’s good advice.
If books are anything like CDs, they might take most of the day to appear on the shelf on release day. Going to my favorite indie music chain (Bull Moose) at lunchtime a while back, I had to wait for them to open the boxes to get the cds out for me since they hadn’t put the new releases out on the shelves yet. The more employees where you plan to pick up the book, the more likely it’ll be there early in the day, I imagine.
some books are date sensitive. they can not be sold before that date or a fine will be upon the store.
it depends on the store. a store in my area has an overnight shelving crew. books will be out of box and ready to sell at the moment of opening. other stores will de-box as they can during the day. i have bought books that they pulled out of box behind the counter because they haven’t gotten to it yet.