How to Get A Self-Published Book Into Your Local Library

Make Friends With Your Local Librarian

A couple days ago I was talking with the Director of the Corry Public Library, in Corry, Pennsylvania and we discussed how I could get my books into the library system. She says that when the Corry Public Library published my books, she had to manually put them into the system. Once the books were in the library system, Once the books are in the system, other libraries can go and find the books and buy them as well. The problem is that the information could take six to twelve months to show up in the database. This means that as a self-published author,  I want my books in the libraries, I need to put legs to my dreams and introduce myself to librarians.

As I contact libraries, I first need to discover who the director of the library is and send my request to that person. Libraries are available in almost every town so getting books into libraries is not as difficult as you may think. Most libraries have websites and can be contacted via email. Many libraries now love working with local authors or regionally popular authors. Your goal with dealing with libraries, like dealing with bookstores is not in just getting the book into the library, but also in developing a synergistic relationship where both win from the relationship. Offer more to the library than just your books. Ask the library about programs that are held there that you might be able to participate in at some future date. I recently had a book signing at the Corry Public Library in Corry, Pennsylvania and the following night I participated in a book club there as well.

Keep your first contact with the library brief. Tell them a little about who you are and about your books. Send them to your website (or Amazon) to see your books. Include a wholesale price list of your books. Make the process as simple as possible for them to purchase. Ask what programs at the library are available that you might be able to assist. Libraries are looking for ways to stay relevant and developing relationships with authors is one way that they can do this.

When you hear back from the library, develop a relationship with that librarian. Discover what programs they have available and see where you might be able to help out. Not only does this help the library, but it also helps you gain exposure. For instance, librarians are always looking for someone to help with summer reading programs.

Consider Having Your Book Launch at Your Local Library

I have talking with the librarian we are discussing having the official launch of Sailing Under the Black Flag at the library in the near future.  This way, when I have a press release, not only will it benefit me, but will also benefit the library with publicity.

As Author Cygnet Brown, Donna Brown  has  published  several nonfiction books including Simply Vegetable Gardening: Simple Organic Gardening Tips for the Beginning Gardener, Using Diatomaceous Earth around the House and Yard, and Help from Kelp.

She is also the author of historical fiction series The Locket Saga. which includes When God Turned His Head and Soldiers Don’t Cry, the Locket Saga Continues, and, A Coward’s Solace, Book III of the Locket Saga,  Book IV of the Locket Saga: Sailing Under the Black Flag is also on sale now!

.For more information about Cygnet Brown and buy her books, check out her website at http://www.cygnetbrow.com .