How libraries choose books

[Patti (baconater)]

Interesting article. What do you lot reckon? Do you want your books in libraries?


https://medium.com/book-excerpts/4ca8...

[Jim]

Well in the UK authors do get a small payment based on how many times the book goes out.

Interesting comments about Amazon reviews and the role or reviewers.

Also the classic Amazon line "“We do not require people to have experienced the product in order to review,” said an Amazon spokesman."

[B J]

Patti (baconater) wrote: "Interesting article. What do you lot reckon? Do you want your books in libraries?


https://medium.com/book-excerpts/4ca8..."

Yes! I love spotting my books in our local library. It never fails to give me a lift when I see one of mine alongside the likes of Burgess and Burroughs. I once found one on display as 'Book of the Week'. That was a year ago and I still feel good about it.

[Kath]

I'd hate to be marketed as 'Book of the Weak'!

[B J]

Having come to this fiction writing lark rather late in life, that was more the sort of label I was expecting!

[Kath]

Well, I published my first the week before my 65th birthday. Never say die! (or do I mean diet? - Yeah, never say that either!)

[Michael]

I'd be very happy to see my books in libraries but I would also be incredibly surprised if ever actually happened.

[Andrew]

I'd also be positively amazed if libraries picked up my work. Though I do know a few librarians, so I suppose you never know...

[Simon (Highwayman)]

Michael wrote: "I'd be very happy to see my books in libraries but I would also be incredibly surprised if ever actually happened."


I have an idea....

We could sneak books into libraries.....

[Simon (Highwayman)]

If we donated a pile of indie books to a library would they be pleased?

[Simon (Highwayman)]

I'm off to sneak my copy of the salmagundi into my local library.

[Kath]

Good luck with that Simon - it's only available for the kindle!

[Patti (baconater)]

Where's David?

He's a librarian. Betcha he could tell us if libraries like donations.

[Sam]

I asked in my local library and they told me I'd have to contact the central office. I e-mailed the office and they said they'd order a copy of The Cleansing. Just one, mind. There are around 7 or 8 libraries within a ten-mile radius of here.

As for donations, I've been informed (I'm not sure how reliably) that some libraries that accept them will sell donated books to raise funds rather than display them on their shelves.

[Shaun]

Sam wrote: "I asked in my local library and they told me I'd have to contact the central office. I e-mailed the office and they said they'd order a copy of The Cleansing. Just one, mind. There are around 7 or ..."

I've heard the same about donations. I guess it depends on the relationship you can build with your local library. If you can offer more than just a free book, readings or presentations etc I reckon they would be more likely to display your books. I'm going to give it a shot at some point and test the water.

[Jim]

Michael wrote: "I'd be very happy to see my books in libraries but I would also be incredibly surprised if ever actually happened."

Yes, I think I fall into this category as well

[Simon (Highwayman)]

It's a funny old world. Libraries have no money but you can't give them books.

[Shaun]

Simon (Highwayman) wrote: "It's a funny old world. Libraries have no money but you can't give them books."

Yeah something has gone wrong when that's the situation. I understand they won't want to accept just anything that is handed to them, but surely if it is quality and will add to the selection available that's a good thing?

[Jim]

Ah but it might be an Enid Blyton and that would never do