For authors published by 'mainstream" Big Publishing, the library market has traditionally been an important component of book distribution. Of course, libraries buy books; they also lend and display them, bringing them to the attention of readers who may go on to advertise them by word of mouth (or buy their own copies). And once even a few libraries (or sometimes even one of them) have a copy of a particular book, it becomes possible for readers served even by very far-away libraries to request it through interlibrary loan.
Self-publishing and small-press authors, though, are at a distinct disadvantage in reaching this market. Small presses, and the printing services that cater to self-publishing, typically don't offer the library discounts that today's cash-strapped libraries have come to rely on when they buy books. Moreover, it's very hard for authors of this sort to get reviews in the traditional, credentialed reviewing media that library book selectors have come to trust and respect. And without those reviews, they typically won't spend money on an unfamiliar, unknown author. So, what's an indie or small-press author to do?
One strategy is to promote your book through social media sites like Goodreads (as most of us are doing anyway!) in the hope of reaching any of the librarians who are savvy to, and active on, sites like this, and open to taking user reviews seriously. I've selected a few books for the Bluefield College library myself on this basis --though not many, since as a college library, we can't spare the money to buy much contemporary fiction. Public librarians, though, are much more apt to be interested in purchasing fiction. You can also encourage readers who like your book to recommend it to their local librarians, especially if they have good rapport with them to start with.
Another strategy, though, is targeted book donations. This will cost money, because libraries are typically looking for donated paper books, not e-books. You also want to be fairly sure the library will accept your donation, and not trash it because they don't trust indie authors or don't trust the imprint. Your local libraries, though, are usually a very good bet for getting your book onto the shelves. Public libraries typically like to collect the work of local authors; and they may even be interested in hosting you for an event.
The Bluefield College library has a Christian Fiction section (for ECPA/CBA-type fiction, and books with similar style), as well as sections for Leisure Reading, Mystery, and Science Fiction, and an active YA and children's collection. For all but the latter, we rely almost entirely on donations to build the collection; and I have no prejudice against indie and small press books as such. If you think you might be interested in reaching more readers by getting your book onto our library shelves, personal message me, and we can explore the possibility.
Self-publishing and small-press authors, though, are at a distinct disadvantage in reaching this market. Small presses, and the printing services that cater to self-publishing, typically don't offer the library discounts that today's cash-strapped libraries have come to rely on when they buy books. Moreover, it's very hard for authors of this sort to get reviews in the traditional, credentialed reviewing media that library book selectors have come to trust and respect. And without those reviews, they typically won't spend money on an unfamiliar, unknown author. So, what's an indie or small-press author to do?
One strategy is to promote your book through social media sites like Goodreads (as most of us are doing anyway!) in the hope of reaching any of the librarians who are savvy to, and active on, sites like this, and open to taking user reviews seriously. I've selected a few books for the Bluefield College library myself on this basis --though not many, since as a college library, we can't spare the money to buy much contemporary fiction. Public librarians, though, are much more apt to be interested in purchasing fiction. You can also encourage readers who like your book to recommend it to their local librarians, especially if they have good rapport with them to start with.
Another strategy, though, is targeted book donations. This will cost money, because libraries are typically looking for donated paper books, not e-books. You also want to be fairly sure the library will accept your donation, and not trash it because they don't trust indie authors or don't trust the imprint. Your local libraries, though, are usually a very good bet for getting your book onto the shelves. Public libraries typically like to collect the work of local authors; and they may even be interested in hosting you for an event.
The Bluefield College library has a Christian Fiction section (for ECPA/CBA-type fiction, and books with similar style), as well as sections for Leisure Reading, Mystery, and Science Fiction, and an active YA and children's collection. For all but the latter, we rely almost entirely on donations to build the collection; and I have no prejudice against indie and small press books as such. If you think you might be interested in reaching more readers by getting your book onto our library shelves, personal message me, and we can explore the possibility.