How to Get Your Self-Published Book into Libraries: A Step-by-Step Guide

by Penny Sansevieri | Oct 8, 2024 | Book Marketing Basics

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Walking into a library is like stepping into a treasure trove of stories. Shelves packed with books—some big-name bestsellers, others hidden gems—all waiting to be discovered. But here’s the thing: you don’t need to be a household name to get your self-published book into a library. Whether it’s a digital eBook, a physical copy, or even an audiobook, there’s a path for indie authors to get their work into libraries. And trust me, the benefits are worth it.

In this post, I’ll break down exactly how you can get your book onto local library shelves, into digital library systems, and even as part of their audiobook collection. Ready? Let’s dive in.

How to Get Your Print Book on Shelves

1. Connect with Your Local Library

Did you know that over 60% of Americans have library cards? Libraries are a massive, yet often untapped, market for indie authors. To get started, contact the acquisitions librarian at your local branch. This is the person who decides which books get added to the library’s collection.

When you reach out, ask about their policy on self-published books and see if your book aligns with the genres that are in high demand. Building this relationship is key.

2. Work with a Wholesaler

For libraries to purchase your book, it needs to be available through a wholesaler. A wholesaler supplies books to libraries and makes sure they’re “library-ready.” Some of the big names in the industry include Baker & Taylor, Ingram, and Publishers Group West.

Offering a generous discount—sometimes over 50%—can help you catch the attention of these wholesalers. Be sure to research their policies and apply to get your book into their catalogs.

3. Prepare a Killer Sell Sheet

Libraries will need a lot of information before they add your book to their shelves. A sell sheet is a great way to provide everything they need at a glance. This one-page document should include:

– Title

– Publisher

– Book cover

– Formats/ISBNs

– A brief description

– Any awards or notable reviews

– Why patrons will love it

– How it can be ordered

4. Show Off Your Reviews

Librarians tend to gravitate toward books with strong reviews, especially those with lots of 4- or 5-star ratings. If your book has already earned rave reviews, don’t hesitate to showcase them in your sell sheet.

If you can, host an author event at your local library. This is a great way to drum up excitement for your book and show the library that the community is interested.

How to Get Your eBook into Libraries

Having your eBook available in libraries is a fantastic way to grow your readership and, yes, earn some royalties along the way. Here’s how to make it happen.

1. Pick the Right Distribution Service

To get your eBook into libraries, you’ll need to partner with a service that distributes to library systems. Some of the best options include PublishDrive, IngramSpark, Smashwords, and Draft2Digital. These platforms not only help you distribute to big retailers like Amazon, but they also connect with library providers like OverDrive, which powers the popular Libby app. This app allows readers to borrow eBooks and audiobooks for free.

Even though your book is borrowed for free, you’ll still earn royalties from library checkouts. The payout will vary depending on the platform and the library provider, so be sure to check with your distributor for the specifics.

2. Create Demand

Getting your eBook into the system is just the first step. Now, you need to generate interest. Here’s the trick: request your own book from your local library, and get friends, family, and fans to do the same.

Libraries work with tight budgets, but multiple requests can make a big impact. It’s all about creating demand, which increases your chances of your book being stocked.

3. Leverage Your Library Presence

Once your eBook is available in libraries, you’ve just opened up a whole new reader base. While royalties from libraries might not be life-changing, they do introduce your work to readers who may seek out your other books. You might even want to strategically decide which books to offer—perhaps just the first book in a series, or maybe all of them. Experiment and see what works best.

How to Get Your Audiobook into Libraries

Audiobooks are exploding in popularity, and libraries are a great way to tap into this trend.

1. Choose a Distributor or Apply to OverDrive

Currently, there are limited options for getting audiobooks into libraries. You can apply directly to OverDrive, though they typically prefer authors with a large backlist of audiobooks. A more accessible route is through Findaway Voices, which distributes audiobooks to library services, including OverDrive.

2. Drive Requests

Once your audiobook is in library systems, get your readers to request it just like you did with your eBook. The more requests, the better your chances of it being available to listeners.

3. Keep an Eye on Royalties

While library listeners won’t pay directly, you’ll still earn royalties for every audiobook checked out. Findaway Voices takes 20% of the royalty, while the library service provider takes a larger share. The key is volume—get enough checkouts, and those royalties will add up.

Why Getting Your Book into Libraries Matters

Getting your book into libraries isn’t just about royalties (although they’re a nice perk!). It’s about credibility. Being stocked in libraries builds trust with readers and other libraries alike. Once you’re accepted into one library, it’s easier to get into others. Think of it as the “domino effect.”

Plus, libraries help expand your reader base in ways that online platforms can’t. Libraries are where people go to discover new authors. By having your book available there, you open the door to new fans who might just buy your next release.

So, while it can take effort to get your self-published book into libraries, the long-term rewards are well worth it.

Have you had success getting your book into libraries? We’d love to hear your stories! Please share your tips in the comments!