Support for Indie Authors discussion

My experience with libraries in Georgia and Alabama: Leaving a sample, they went through their process of having it accepted by panel or committee. I don't know how many they will keep on a shelf. I only submitted one. In my case, everyone accepted after passing it through whatever board needs to approve it. I think I am in about 8 libraries. I need to do another round. Good luck!

TL wrote: "...maybe if I at least go into my local libraries armed with books they'll stock me? And I've read somewhere about ebooks going into libraries too, so will look that up properly later. "

I donated dozens of books over time to some libraries and after a year, I started finding my books in other libraries. Friends even contacted me and told me that there were displays with my books =)

(That was kinda cool to hear...)

...and then the City Council contacted me 2 years ago and asked me if I would do a book signing at the library.

What I learned from that was--if the library patrons requested my books (enough of them--but I never got a number) and the books were available through Amazon--the library would buy them.

Not sure how that works elsewhere, but that's how it works in Utah.

Hope that helps...

Jamie - that was interesting to learn. I guess Alabama and Georgia's City Councils stay out of the library's business here (although both government run) because it was the libraries themselves in Georgia and Alabama that approached me for book signings/talks. My fourth in 1 year coming up in November. Stay friends with and promote yourself to your libraries! They do all the promotions in publications - newspaper, newsletters, posters, etc. for you!

Wow, Lee--thanks for the info!

My life revolves around kids <-----dad of 12, so mixing with the 'gate keepers' happens on a pretty regular basis.

Oh, I forgot to share this with you all--for it worked like a CHARM!

If you can create some book marks with your book info on them, you can donate them to libraries and they hand them out hand over fist!

I had 4000 made up and then gave them to various libraries, listing 4 of my 10 books on them...and in about 2 weeks, I saw increased traffic and sales.

Just another tip with libraries.

I watch for printing discounts online and do bigger runs when they have seasonal deals of 70% or more off.

(look up "overnight prints") -- hey, I should post this tip somewhere in another thread, huh?

I am going to remember this. I collect emails addresses and then use that to give raffle prizes at intimate book signings, but when it comes to civic organizations, I do not. This would be a nice freebie to those kinds of groups. Thanks for sharing. I'll also ask libraries.