Support for Indie Authors discussion
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Getting Your Book Into Libraries
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Essentially, it doesn't happen. Unless you wish to donate a Book to every library, it isn't likely to happen. I have searched long and hard. I'm not saying it's hopeless, but it seems that outside of our radius where we are hometown famous, if we're indie, we have to hope to get noticed in a big way, and then, if we're really, really lucky, a library might buy our books. This is because as independently published authors, we have a much harder time of convincing libraries to use state funding to buy our projects.
My first novel was reasonably successful. My county library system wouldn't even consider it. I offered every branch a free copy. Nope.
Jack wrote: "My first novel was reasonably successful. My county library system wouldn't even consider it. I offered every branch a free copy. Nope."That's crazy that they wouldn't even accept a free copy!!!
Kirsten wrote: "Several copies of my book has been purchased for my local library (and others in the same city). My question is, how do you actively get other libraries, outside of your home town, to purchase you..."
I agree with Iffix that I think it's very unlikely. My local library was perfectly happy to accept our book if we donated it, because we are local authors. But I suspect that was mainly because we are local.
My impression is that libraries haven't gotten around to purchasing indie work, unless maybe it's WOOL.
I went to my library and they always told me they can't do anything for my books because the books make money and the library runs as a non profit organization. The odd part is they never once offered to buy a copy or asked me to donate yet in a town over the administrator of their library wrote me a check and bought the book right there..Seems each place is different and it has been a few years since I've tried my library although I'm sure they'll give me the same ole song and dance.
I donated a copy of my first book to the local library. I knew the librarians there, and they were surprised and happy to know that I had written a book. They were all smiles, had me autograph it, and promised to find a place for it. I checked several times after that, surreptitiously, but haven't seen it since--and I'm afraid to ask what happened to it.
I've donated copies of my book to local libraries--once the first one creates a Worldcat entry, it becomes easier for others to catalog them.However, I didn't have any expectations of libraries actually buying my books. I talked to a few librarians and they basically said, "If it's not in Library Journal, we won't purchase it."
(Library Journal is the official journal of the American Library Association. They review and catalog books, but they're not particularly open to self-published books.)
I was pleasantly surprised that after I did a goodreads giveaway in Canada, that another Canadian reader told me that they had checked out my book at the public library at Grand Prairie, Alberta, Canada, and at the time, had 65 people waiting to read it. http://catalogue.tracpac.ab.ca/polari...
I can only assume it was donated by the person that won the giveaway contest. Giving them away is one way that libraries can get them.
Morris
I can only assume it was donated by the person that won the giveaway contest. Giving them away is one way that libraries can get them.
Morris
I emailed two local libraries with information about my new book (released today) explaining I would like to stop buy and drop off a free copy for their patrons. I asked if that would be okay. Neither of them answered my email. I tried to get a Library Journal Review, but indie reviews are difficult to get.Worldcat shows my previous book was picked up by ten libraries around the country last year. It may have something to do with Smashwords distribution, but I'm not sure. I consider it a miracle. That book was named to Kirkus Reviews' Best Books of 2014.
Thanks for the info about the Library Review Journal, and Worldcat. Both things I had never heard of before. Everything helps. Thanks everyone for chipping in!
I have a little experience on this subject, emphasis on little, but I’m happy to share what I found out. I did contact my local library through their web site with an offer to donate my book. I gave a very brief description of my book and asked for guidance on how/if I could make that happen. Short email reply was yes, you may donate one copy only because libraries have very limited shelf space. The key factor here was that I was a local author. You should be specific. I was “same county” local. When I dropped my book off at the library they informed me that many authors, who claim to be local, are in fact neighboring state local. That makes a difference. Shortly after that a blog reader emailed me that she asked her local library to purchase a copy. To my surprise they did. That library is on the opposite coast from me; I checked Worldcat and found my book there too. I think luck, receptive librarian, and shelf space plays a part. My book is non-fiction so I’m not sure if that made a difference.
Ken wrote: "I donated a copy of my first book to the local library. I knew the librarians there, and they were surprised and happy to know that I had written a book. They were all smiles, had me autograph it..."I had a similar experience. I donated my book to our local library - which they did say they accepted books by local authors - was told I would be contacted about the book, and never heard a peep. I asked them about it twice and still nothing, neither is it in their system.
I dread to think what happened to the donated copy of my poor book.
I donate a lot of books to my local library. Often, I find books in their for sale rack. That is probably what happens to Indie books they don't want to shelf.
Well, I was pleased tonight when I went looking for my book in the online catalog and discovered it had been checked out. So someone is reading my book! Of course, it's my hometown library, so I doubt I would be able to get anywhere with other libraries, as mentioned above. But who knows, my thought was to put it in a library where anyone in the region can get at it, and as it is requested and passed around other libraries might follow suit. Time will tell.
Morris wrote: "I was pleasantly surprised that after I did a goodreads giveaway in Canada, that another Canadian reader told me that they had checked out my book at the public library at Grand Prairie, Alberta, C..."All three of my novels were purchased by the library and added to their "London Contemporary Authors Section". I had initially heard that they never included self-published books in that section, but that turned out not to be true. For the first one, they requested an evaluation copy, then advised me about a week later they were interested in buying it. It was a bit of a process in getting the book cover to appear in their online system and I had to add it to Bowker to get it to appear. They said their library system had an interface to Bowker. For my next two novels, they purchased them through a Kitchener/Waterloo company called Library Bound.
Justin wrote: "My blog post on this discussionhttp://jbienvenue.webs.com/apps/blog/..."
A great read Justin, apart from one error, you can make money from having your books in libraries. I've only just learnt about it & it varies from country to country as to how they administer it and how much authors get paid, but you can make money from it.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Publi...
You need to register at the right time, and of course your books need to be in the library but it exists. And all authors who are successful in getting their books into libraries should register. Whether you get $2, $10 or $100, it's all worthwhile.
I'm in Australia and have two paperback books, self published via IngramSpark. I cold called on two libraries in my local area with my first book Small Fish Big Fish. I found it stressful and very embarrassing to be told they don't accept donations. Then I discovered ALS who are a supplier to libraries and who seemed quite keen to support indie authors. I sent in applications for both books. So far, I've received confirmation that my second novel, Avanaux: A Hickory Lace Adventure is now on their database. This morning, only two weeks later I received an order for 1 sale! Now I need to find out whether I add on the postage to the discounted price. If not, I'll be making a loss. Anyone have experience working with library suppliers?
Jacob wrote: "I'm in Australia and have two paperback books, self published via IngramSpark. I cold called on two libraries in my local area with my first book Small Fish Big Fish. I found it stressful and very ..."No experience at all I'm afraid, but I wait with interest to hear the feedback from others!
When I sold my books to the London (Canada) Library through a distributor called "Library Bound", they gave me a purchase order for the price of the book plus the shipping costs.
In my experience, every library system has their own rules they must abide by. My own hometown library is extremely receptive to donations by local authors, while the libraries in a neighboring county will not accept them. I've had my best luck donating to small town libraries and am more than happy to do so. They do not have large buying budgets, and are usually receptive to donations, especially by local area writers.
Jacob wrote: "I'm in Australia and have two paperback books, self published via IngramSpark. I cold called on two libraries in my local area with my first book Small Fish Big Fish. I found it stressful and very ..."Update: Just talked with ALS in Australia. They will pay postage within Australia. Good result, so keeping fingers crossed that there will be a demand for the book.
I had no problem getting my 3 books into the local library in North Carolina, but they had to keep them on a waiting list until I ultimately gave them more copies. Then one patron kept a couple and sold them on e-bay.In my hometown in Bucks County, PA, however, there is a huge network of libraries following very strict rules. The central office needs to decide which books to buy and then distribute to which branches for example. They will not shelve donations; they must buy their shelved books. And they will NOT buy self-published. Local authors have no more clout than anyone else.
Kirsten wrote: "Justin wrote: "My blog post on this discussionhttp://jbienvenue.webs.com/apps/blog/..."
A great read Justin, apart from one error, you can make money fr..."
Great tip, Kirsten. I had no idea this was available to indie authors.
I emailed my local library and they never responded. :( Thinking of going there in person to see what's up. They may have rules against that. I dunno.
J.A. Konrath has just created a new company called "ebooksareforever"...it is a company for Indie authors to enroll their eBooks in and then the eBooks are all offered to libraries all across the country. I just put all my self-published eBooks into it and I hope it thrives.Kathryn Meyer GriffithDinosaur Lake
I suspect you can't be on that AND Kindle Unlimited.
I brought copies of my books to the local public library with a marketing packet and offered them to the library. They are in the stacks.
Kathryn wrote: "J.A. Konrath has just created a new company called "ebooksareforever"...it is a company for Indie authors to enroll their eBooks in and then the eBooks are all offered to libraries all across the c..."Thanks, just applied and awaiting approval!
Kirsten wrote: "Justin wrote: "My blog post on this discussionhttp://jbienvenue.webs.com/apps/blog/..."
A great read Justin, apart from one error, you can make money fr..."
Where can you register? and Do all libraries do this? I'd love to do this at my library but given every time I've gone in there they've said they cant help me. It sounds to me, according to the link that if I donated my book and registered the library would then have to legally pay me for however many times check outs got me royalties?
I'm just trying to make sense of it all so pardon me if i'm off, I'd really like to know how this works.
Hi Justin, each country has different application processes, but as long as your book is officially in the library system (regardless of whether they purchased it or it was donated), you can enrol. You have to enrol annually. Google 'Public Lending Right' for your country, & follow the official links. I know the NZ one opens early next year for applications. So in the meantime, get your book into all the libraries you can!I think going in in person is key.
Kirsten wrote: "Hi Justin, each country has different application processes, but as long as your book is officially in the library system (regardless of whether they purchased it or it was donated), you can enrol...."Thank you for getting back so quickly! This is very informative I will definitely look into it. I just hope my library is aware of this, I just checked out my libraries site and I saw no mention of Public Lending Right although if it exists which it does they have to honor it! I'd go in person but again if I got to my library, will anyone know what I'm talking about lol.
Nevermind...there is no PLR system in the United States...
I emailed my local library last week asking if they'd accept some donations of my novels. They were really pleased to have them and I'm hoping to see them on the shelves soon!
yay you got your books in your local library! congrats!I've been trying for years, but basically got if it's not in Library Journal or there aren't people (that's not my family and friends) requesting it, forget it -_-
K.P. wrote: "yay you got your books in your local library! congrats!I've been trying for years, but basically got if it's not in Library Journal or there aren't people (that's not my family and friends) reques..."
Thanks! I was so pleased they accepted! I'm sorry you haven't had any luck with it :(
I even have my works available on overdrive but no check-outs... Le sigh ...I just keep publishing. My works don't suck i just don't write mainstream (which I can't stand). Maybe I should start dialing it in... Here's to dramatica and Marshall plan with ARKOFF formula for good measure...
One recommendation is to use the Ingram Spark's POD, and not Amazon's. Libraries will buy books from Ingram's printer, but not Amazon's. I plan on giving them some free copies, and I will ask to read to kids or something. For free, they would probably take it, and if I can talk them into displaying one, cover out, where people might actually see it, the better.
I donated two copies to my local library about a month ago. I've checked a couple times with nothing but tonight they actually showed up in their online catalog and both copies have been checked out. Made me smile.
Sam wrote: "One recommendation is to use the Ingram Spark's POD, and not Amazon's. Libraries will buy books from Ingram's printer, but not Amazon's. I plan on giving them some free copies, and I will ask to r..."
Indeed - or if you do use Amazon, or Lulu, buy your own ISBNs from Bowker and register the titles and book descriptions yourself. It also helps if you put your book(s) on NetGalley, as this is where librarians go to look for potential new acquisitions - although unfortunately NetGalley costs.
In my limited experience in Canada and the US if you are published via createspace and you've taken the necessary steps to make your book available in libraries (expanded distribution with a BISAC category) then if someone requests your book from their local library the library will buy it. This may vary from region to region but has so far worked twice for me.
Virginia wrote: "In my limited experience in Canada and the US if you are published via createspace and you've taken the necessary steps to make your book available in libraries (expanded distribution with a BISAC ..."This worked twice for me, too, but I have also been rejected by a library because they only purchase books that have professional reviews. It's always worth a try, though.
Yes, the professional reviews thing! That seems to provide a big hurdle at times. Amazon or Goodreads reviews don't count (as I was told by a bookstore). They wanted a review by a known entity.
My question is, how do you actively get other libraries, outside of your home town, to purchase your book for their collections?
Does anyone have any experience here?
Any pearls of wisdom?
Thank you