[TCSimpson]

Speaking from a preorder point of view, the penalties for failing to publish or not publishing on time are harsh, at least for us DIYers/indies/selfpublishers, whatever you wish to call us. One of the first rules is that you have to submit a completed manuscript for Amazon's inspection to reassure them that the book will be published. And then there is:

"You can move-up a release date (you still have to deliver the final version 10 days prior to the new release date), or postpone it up to 30 days past the initial release date. You can do this one time only for each title.
“Delivering your book on schedule is required for you to retain access to pre-order. If you delay or cancel a pre-order book, you will be unable to list any book for pre-order for one year.”
The penalties escalate from there.