Support for Indie Authors discussion

How do you approach libraries as an Indie writer?
Do you just show up and give them a book, give them a blurb, or some other way?

Thank you for asking, Fred. I've wondered that myself.

Libraries are of their communities and, if you, as a writer, are part of the community they serve, there's a good chance they will want to add your book (or movie, or music, etc.). If you live there, or study there, or work there, or if you grew-up there, etc., then that makes it likely they'll be able to accept your book. If you are outside of their community, but librarians can imagine finding an audience for your book (readership, viewership, etc.), then again they very likely will want to add your book/movie/music. If neither is true (no connection to the community, no readership), then it's a harder sell as shelf space, and processing staff are limited.

I've discovered the smaller the library, the more likely they are to take it. The don't get many books and like when things are free since their budgets are almost non-existent. I live near two small libraries and I take in my new books for them to loan out. It's a way of getting known in the area.

Hi B.A. So, I wondered like Fred did, do you just approach a librarian or is there someone else? I live on the border of 2 small towns with smaller libraries and toyed with the idea until covid, then gave up. I wasn't sure who to ask or what to do...bring a few paperbacks in to them? Thanks.

I brought my book with me and talked to the librarian. I explained I was a local writer and would like to donate the book the library. Both of them took them because they have next to no budget for books. Both had a section for local writers. Come of find out, there are 10 in my area.

Right now, unless they are open, you will need to wait until they open again. The main Library in Flagstaff is actually going to feature my books in a display when the library opens again. They like local writers.

I'm also going to make a trip the Prescott, the other big city near me, and see what I can do there when that library opens again.

Perfect. Thank you, B.A. I'm not sure if ours are open or not, but I'll check it out. Good luck to you, so great yours encourages local writers.

Has anyone had success with Book List?

Sharon wrote: "Has anyone had success with Book List?"

I looked at the list and in order to place a book on it, it looks as though you need to be recommended by a librarian who is a member. I think this would require a lot of research, and there is no guarantee the librarian you choose will recommend your book.

Thank you Gail! I appreciate your feedback. I'll let you know what happens after my ad run next month.

Hope you have a lovely Monday,
Sharon

Well, I just contacted two libraries in my town. I went to them, very humbly to be honest and not at all sure of what I was doing. I was very surprised (in a good way) how nice they were to my request. Being an indie, I was sure they would want something, a proof or else that I was selling well. But no. We discussed, they look at the book, told me how many they wanted and we made a contract. Does that mean it is the same for all libraries? I have no idea, those two are small, independant, libraries so maybe that's why it was so easy.

I tried in my home county in England and my request was passed around and then to the central buyers and then the virus kicked in and I have never heard from the librarians or the buyers again!

It seems we play by different rules here. The US libraries seem welcoming.

I'm putting it in my diary to try again once we are out of this Covid patch.

Emmanuelle wrote: "Well, I just contacted two libraries in my town. I went to them, very humbly to be honest and not at all sure of what I was doing. I was very surprised (in a good way) how nice they were to my requ..."

Congratulations! That's excellent! Good for you being bold and brave :)

Sharon wrote: "Emmanuelle wrote: "Well, I just contacted two libraries in my town. I went to them, very humbly to be honest and not at all sure of what I was doing. I was very surprised (in a good way) how nice t..."

Thank you! I felt as if I had wings right after that! It felt as if Christmas was already there and I had just open my present!

I've found most small libraries welcome new books especially donated ones. All you can do is ask. My county in Arizona is not so friendly. Here they request you fill out a 3 page form which is sent to the state library board. You will never hear from them again. I donate to their book shop. In Idaho they were very receptive.

Libraries almost always accept donations. If they can't have it in circulation they may sell it. Simply ask if they accept donations, show them your book and they'll either take it or not.

Here in England, I donated my trilogy to the mobile library but was told that it could not be put onto the shelves until permission was granted from On High. On High was contacted by me, On High passed me to Those Who Buy. Covid came and I've never heard another word.

Just going into another national lockdown until early December. Sigh.

I agree, Anna. Covid lockdown is not done yet....ugh.

Thanks for the information!

When I first approached my local library, the librarian gave me a form to apply to the committee that picks and purchases books. Before she sent my form along with my book for approval, she read it first.
I received a nice letter from the committee (which I framed) that they had approved my book. The librarian didn't ask to read my second book before approval.
The good thing is, after the central committee approves books, they are catalogued and entered into the library system of over 60 branches.

My library purchased a copy of my book The Wax Factory over the spring and it's now available to be checked out by people!

I used to donate four copies of each book to the County library but the last time I tried they said they only wanted one as I was an Indie.
They were all locally based so they did put copies in their archive. I haven't tried with the children's paperback as it is so small it would get lost on the shelf. It was OK when they had mobile libraries but they have gone.