Why, when they put a new book up for pre-order on Amazon, can I not pre-order the ebook version right away?

Why do I have to stick the hardcover version on my wishlist for a few months until the ebook shows up?

Is this because you want someone to buy it for you? Trying to understand the problem?
Is it cheaper when you pre-order?
Will you just forget?

Because the ebook is likely not completely done yet. At least not in final release state.

If you buy directly from publishers or even the authors themselves, you can often get what is called an eARC version. A beta version essentially called Advanced Reader Copy. You get it early with the understanding that there may be some changes. Small plot stuff and absolutely editing. You then get the "final" version whenever it is ready. I do this often.

Amazon caters to the masses. Ergo, it would crush the average American fragile and elementary mind trying to grasp the product they are buying is not the complete finished version and the screeching to customer service would be nonstop and review bombing would be insistent. Well, even more than normal at least.

ETA: Also, book piracy is still a thing as well.

Smeghead4761 said:

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Why, when they put a new book up for pre-order on Amazon, can I not pre-order the ebook version right away?

Why do I have to stick the hardcover version on my wishlist for a few months until the ebook shows up?

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Get yourself netgalley access and you can read the ebook a year before the book comes out.

nm