3 Steps to Get Your Self-Published Book into Libraries
/
“Get my book into my local library” is on many authors’ bucket lists — and for good reason! Not only is it rewarding to give back to a library that has, in many cases, enriched your life, but being part of a curated collection elevates your work beyond the traditional bookstore. With library use continuing to stay robust (even among younger generations), that added exposure is valuable.
Self-published authors may feel that they’re a longshot for inclusion in their local library, where there may be intense demand for the collections managers’ attention. But the truth is that promoting local authors is part of many libraries’ mandates. While you may not necessarily have the same brand power of the hot new title coming out of the traditional system, a little knowledge, determination, and personalization can make your book just as appealing.
With that: here are 3 simple steps for getting your self-published book into libraries.
1. Do Your Homework
The first stop on the path toward library inclusion is your local library’s website. In Google, search “name of library self-published book submission guidelines” — one of the top results is bound to inform you about exactly what’s required to get your book into your library’s esteemed stacks. You can expect to find submission criteria, unique restrictions, and how-to process information (including how long it will take to be accepted by them).
If these details aren’t publicly available on your local library’s website, connect by phone and politely ask them the best way of going about getting your book included. If appropriate, you can ask for the name of the head librarian or collections manager for the department in which your book belongs (for example: the principle point of contact for children’s books). This can help you add a personal touch when it’s time to actually submit your book.
2. Ensure Librarians Can Easily Purchase Your Book
As a self-published author, you’ll be the one doing all the legwork on submitting your book for your library’s consideration. But it’s highly unlikely that your library will buy the book from you directly. In fact, expecting your library to purchase from you instead of a wholesaler may negatively impact your chances of being included.
Instead, librarians often prefer to order books from a reputable wholesaler like Ingram or Baker & Taylor. This both eliminates the extra step of back and forth coordination with the author, but it also ensures that the buyer knows the book will be of a reliable and high printing quality. You want to make the process of acquiring your book as easy for the buyer as possible, so make sure your book is actively in distribution.
3. Prepare a Professional-Grade Sell Sheet
We’re huge proponents of the sell sheet here at FriesenPress — in fact, we assist our authors with the creation of sell sheets on the daily. In addition to being a must-have for pitching your book to bookstores, its utility in submitting your book to libraries is another reason why we’re such big fans.
An effective sell sheet will tell a book buyer (at a store or a library) everything they need to know about ordering your book and why they should do so. It should incorporate the following elements:
Available formats (paperback, hardcover, and/or eBook);
International Standard Book Numbers (or ISBNs);
Price and ordering information;
A brief description of your book and your audience
Significant blurbs, reviews, or awards;
Also include a note about why your book will appeal to library goers.
(A brief aside: positive reviews from unbiased sources are book marketing gold and one of the best ways to grab a buyer’s attention. A glowing pull-quote from your local paper or a trusted source can do wonders to influence the perception of your work. Positive Amazon and Goodreads ratings are slightly less appealing — unless the quantity of reviews is high. For example: if you’ve earned a 4.6 rating across 25 reviews on Goodreads, include that metric.)
Having done additional research as part of Step 1, all the required information can be sent in a nicely formatted email (if your library accepts online applications). Otherwise, we recommend designing a one-page sell sheet to provide to the librarian in person. Don’t include a physical copy of your book with your submission — as a general rule, this is frowned-upon. A robust sell sheet is your most formidable tool for being included in your library’s collection, so focus your efforts here.
Having followed these steps and hit “Send” on a great email, now what? Aside from letting the library’s review process take its course, here are a few options to consider:
If you haven’t heard back within the timeframe on their website, politely and professionally reach out to inquire on the status of your submission;
Inquire about running an event at the library. Events like readings or book signings show that you’re engaged and serious about giving back to the community. Not only do you gain extra exposure, you’re making it easier for the library to program content for the community.
Ask a few friends and family to call the library and ask if them if your book will be available soon;
Check to see if your library has a separate acquisition program for self-published eBooks. Unlike physical books, digital shelf space is infinite, which may make your path toward library inclusion easier.
When your book is included, celebrate! And keep the momentum rolling by applying to other libraries in your area. Be sure to note that you’ve been accepted by Library X in your subsequent sell sheets. Once you’ve been acquired by one library, others are more likely to follow.
If your book ultimately isn’t chosen, don’t take it personally. Some libraries are more challenging to break into than others, so take what you’ve learned and try again elsewhere. And also check to see if they accept book donations.
Your readers are out there, and any opportunity that allows someone to discover your book is worth pursuing. The more places your book is available, the more likely it is you’ll find your audience.
