UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549


                                    FORM 8-K


                                 CURRENT REPORT



     Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

       Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): August 18, 2003


                        ADVANCED MARKETING SERVICES, INC.
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             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


                                    DELAWARE
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                 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)

               0-16002                                  95-3768341
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       (Commission File Number)             (IRS Employer Identification No.)


                 5880 OBERLIN DRIVE, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92121
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                    (Address of principal executive offices)


       Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (858) 457-2500


                                       NA
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          (Former name or former address, if changed since last report)




ITEM 9.  REGULATION FD DISCLOSURE

      On August 18, 2003, the registrant issued a press release announcing an
additional delay in the filing of its Form 10-Q for the first quarter ended June
28, 2003. The full text of the press release, which shall not be deemed filed
under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.


                                    SIGNATURE

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.


                                     ADVANCED MARKETING SERVICES, INC.
                                     (Registrant)


          August 18, 2003            By:  /S/ MICHAEL M. NICITA
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                Date                      Michael M. Nicita
                                          President and Chief Executive Officer