Top 5 ways independent authors get their work in Libraries

As an independent author, I set out to find a direct route to getting my titles on library shelves. It is a great way to market your book and create awareness. Over the years, I have learned quite a few things to aid in the process. I too have discovered new authors that I love by browsing the shelves at the local library. Here are the top 5 ways independent authors can get their work in libraries:

Top 5 from Hardest to Easiest Ways

5 – If you write a New York Times Best Seller, you can rest assured that libraries across the country will purchase your book. I know that sounds like lightning in a bottle. It can and does happen to quite a few independent authors. A book that makes it on the New York Times bestseller list will sell itself to any libraries with little to no effort.

4 – Make sure that your book is available for sale on Ingram Sparks. It is one of the sources where libraries purchase inventory. It is also easy for independents to set up a book distribution account. Should your book be considered for purchase, you need to make it easily accessible. Independents frequently use Amazon as the primary distributor and a library will not purchase books from them.

3 – Set up an appointment with your local librarian. Be prepared with a copy of your book, a sales sheet, and your sparkling personality. The sales sheet contains all the pertinent information for your book to include, title, ISBN, synopsis, retail price, and a couple of comparison titles. Librarians are busy and will only extend you a little time. You want to be clear, concise and convincing. Remember, this is not a purchase on the spot opportunity, libraries do not operate in that fashion. The meeting is to have your book considered for their June inventory buys. Libraries spend their budget at the end of each spring.

2 – Donate your titles to the library. Ask your local library and ask if they have a local author section. If so, you can ask to donate a few copies of your title to be circulated. Make sure the book you have in mind is one where you own the ISBN because a book published with a free Amazon ISBN will not be accepted. Once they get into the library system, the chances of them purchasing titles in the future are greater. Provided your titles are borrowed with some frequency.

1 – Digital is vital. An electronic version of your book is a way for libraries to introduce you to their patrons. Overdrive is the source that libraries use to purchase e-books. It is one of the most inexpensive ways for them to test drive your published work. Libraries are more willing to take a chance on your titles in digital form and add your book to their inventory.

These are the 5 top ways authors can get their books into libraries. There is one other thing that I have come across that helps. It is how I grew my fan base for my series entitled The Adventures of John, James, and Jack.  In recent months, I have run into a few people who can’t afford to purchase books. A library is a lifeline when it comes to learning about new authors. The local library provides such a wide selection. I suggest if they would like to read one of my books, go to the library and ask if they have my book on their shelves, if they don’t and enough requests come in, the library will order a copy. Authors who get their books into libraries be it digital or print gives you exposure to readers that you might not otherwise be able to reach.