Get Your Self-Published Book Into Libraries – 6 Must-Know Tips

Have you wished you could have your book in the library system? How thrilling would it be to have someone borrow your book from your local library?

For a long while this was only possible for traditionally published books. But that’s no longer the case.

I read a great article at Jane Friedman’s site about getting your self-published book into libraries. (1)

As I mentioned, at one point, this wasn’t the slightest of possibilities. Libraries were prejudice against self-published books.

It didn’t matter if your book was exceptionally written and had a slam-dunk storyline. You could not get it into the library system.

But times are changing and self-published authors have come a LONG WAY.

Since most of my clients self-publish, I thought this would be helpful information.

Six Tips on Getting into Libraries

You’ve got to do your research.

This step is key. You need to

You can do an online search for your local public library and see if they’re accepting self-published books.

For my book, I went to my library and asked to speak with the librarian in charge of the children’s section. I explained that I wanted to get it into the library.

Just keep in mind that library space is limited so don’t be disappointed if your book doesn’t get picked up.

The sell sheet.

According to an article over at Hubspot, the sell sheet “is a one-page document that concisely details how your product solves a specific problem.” (2)

In regard to your book, that information would include the basics:

The book’s cover
The title
The publisher and its website
The ISBNs
The formats the book is available in
The price
A brief description of the book
Your author website
Your social media channels
Target market
Where it can be ordered

This should all be on one-page as mentioned. And it needs to be neatly formatted and appealing.

If it all won’t fit on one page.

There’s a lot of information listed in number two above, so to have all the other information you’ll want to share with the librarian, create a page on your website with all the extra information, like your:

Awards
Review links
Social media links
Review links
Interior images if it’s a children’s book
Author events you’ve participated in
Anything else you think might be pertinent

4. Make it easy for people to get your book.

Be sure your book is available through major distributors like Baker & Taylor. This may be the difference between your book being accepted by the library of not.

Offer to do an event for the library.

I did this with my library. I offered to do workshops, author readings, and even book signings.

This shows the library that you are actively promoting your book. And, it’s great exposure for you and your book.

Keep in mind that you will need to promote your event because you wouldn’t want poor attendance. It wouldn’t reflect well on your or your book.

Always be professional.

Just as you would be with an agent or publisher, you need to be courteous and professional at all times with the librarians you’re dealing with.

Along with this, try to find out and use the individual’s name you’re dealing with. Address them personally – it helps create a connection.

References:

1) https://www.janefriedman.com/6-steps-to-get-into-libraries-self-pub/
(2) https://blog.hubspot.com/sales/sell-sheet

I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, rewriter, editor, and coach. I can help turn your story into a book you’ll be proud to be the author of, one that’s publishable and marketable.

OTHER HELP I OFFER:

HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN’S FICTION BOOK
A DIY book to help you write your own children’s book.

PICTURE BOOK AND CHAPTER BOOK COACHING
Four to ten-week coaching programs.

WRITERS ON THE MOVE PRESS.
Self-publishing help for children’s authors.

You can contact me at: kcioffiventrice@gmail.com. Or give me a call at 347—834—6700. (Please leave a message- I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.)

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