From time to time I have seen posts that allude to the ability to wish-list a book before it is out.

Given my reading tastes, this is generally not something I'm interested in (I'm more likely to be interested in a novel that was written and published prior to Gordon Foster, the inventor of the ISBN, being born), but I am aware that a book will be coming out this next year that my Uncle will be interested in.

How does this happen, who starts the book entry and what information is needed to start it?

I just periodically check the author listing on PBS and list chronologically.  It'll pop up at the top, once it's added.

I believe that as soon as Amazon lists it, the ISBN will be picked up here shortly after. Amazon lists books before they're available for sale. I've gotten on a few WLs early because I just happened to be there at the right time.

Try and obtain the ISBN for it and as others have said, searching for it by ISBN will sometimes get it into the database...not always, but sometimes!

Thank you so much,

Now all I need is diligence to watch for the appropriate moment.

Are you aware that PBS has a Saved Searches feature?  I save mine under that tab and check weekly (or even daily).  I currently have books wishlisted that will be released 5/2012, 7/2012, and even into the fall with October & November 2012.

LOL,

Yes Denise I do know about the saved searches, thank you for listing the option. I have already made a wish list for it. This is actually the best way to keep a book that hasn't been published with an ISBN on your Wish List, which is how I came to know about it.

I laugh because my Saved Search was so large it became unweildy so I have a home-made web-page (on my hard drive) that I've saved the appropriate searches on to keep track of them (some I check every two days, some less than that).  I can even tell you that they have changed the nomenclature used in the saved search algorithms twice since I've been a member (and can also list most of the variable identities for the search algorithm).

If it does not, then you can add the book manually...

My memory may be faulty, but I think the PBS Team has asked us not to do that unless we have the book in hand. 

yuppers, PBS has some great features t-m!

I was thinking the same thing Patty. Do such 'created' entries eventually become the 'real' entry and acquire the picture & book information?  I'm reluctant to recommend members creating pre-publication entries...it's so often changed (or entered incorrectly, or even a short ISBN) and then other members wishlist the incorrect entry, not realizing it's a dead end.  Later the 'real' entry enters the PBS database and a new wishlist starts, but often dozens of members don't check back (erronously thinking they have already wishlisted the book).  I've seen these wishlists with over 100 wishers a year after the release date...always makes me sad b/c the real wishlist is moving but the mistaken wishers are merely frustrated.

And most annoying of all, are the members who add a 'short' ISBN (as a place-keeper, reminder, ?) before the real ISBN is available or in the system.  Many PBS members are unfamiliar with 'short' ISBN's and don't know to check for them when wishlisting books...especially pre-publication.