diff --git a/main.py b/main.py
index 8fecc14..a2c1a95 100644
--- a/main.py
+++ b/main.py
@@ -19,6 +19,10 @@ schema = make_executable_schema(load_schema_from_path("inbox.graphql"), resolver
 
 
 async def start_up():
+    # load authors cache
+    authors = await get_all_authors()
+    print(f"[main] {len(authors)} authors precached")
+
     if MODE == "dev":
         if exists(DEV_SERVER_PID_FILE_NAME):
             await redis.connect()
@@ -29,9 +33,6 @@ async def start_up():
     else:
         await redis.connect()
 
-    # load authors cache
-    authors = await get_all_authors()
-    print(f"[main] {len(authors)} authors precached")
     # startup sentry monitoring services
     try:
         import sentry_sdk