Becoming publishable
How to Get Your Book Accepted by Libraries
Many writers are afraid of library sales, thinking it will reduce their earning power. However, many of my readers tell me they first read the book in the library and then bought it. I’ve found library sales have been
very important to my earnings.
Keep libraries in mind while you're still writing the book. Make the books meaty--give them lots to read and learn. My readers say, “There was too much information and I knew I'd need it for years. I had to own the book so I could keep referring back to it.” A quick read gets read and returned. A dense, but valuable resource must be owned.
What Libraries Look For in Choosing Books
Find out if your publisher has a distributer who specializes in library placement. These distributers have contacts with library systems and know what books appeal to various markets. Also make sure your publisher will submit your books to the important reviewers: New York Times (if appropriate), Booklist, Publisher’s Weekly, and Library Journal. Libraries check these reviews to decide what is appropriate. The submissions must be made well before the book comes out, since reviews appear near the time of release.
Amazon reviews also help get your books into libraries, since many librarians check to see what other readers thought of the book. Don’t try to fake these. Amazon once had an embarrassing situation where the real identities of reviewers showed up on reviews, revealing how many were done by the author, his family, and his friends. Instead of putting up fake reviews, encourage your readers to write them. Encourage them to use a real name. Someone who signs his name and is willing to stand by his words, is more believable than a reviewer who signs his review, "A Reader." On your author website, put an explanation of how to submit reviews to online booksellers, and include links. I’m not famous and managed to get 11 real reader reviews from, as far as I know, total strangers, so it can be done. Don't wait until you're famous--get them now.
Using Personal Contacts to Get Your Book into Libraries
When you personally approach libraries, create a small portfolio containing your press kit and copies of these reviews. Be sure to include how to contact the library distributer.
Another way to get into libraries is to encourage everyone you know to request the book from their local library. Libraries often buy books based on requests from readers. Be sure to have them check the book out every now and then as well, to keep it in the library. This is a free way your friends and fans can help promote your book.
It can be very difficult to get a self-published book into libraries, just as it is hard to get them into bookstores. If your book is self-published, interview librarians in several systems to find out if it’s possible and how to go about it. You will probably need to be fairly creative and rely heavily on Amazon reviews and patron requests.