Goodreads Authors/Readers discussion

I started contacting my local libraries to see if they would be interested in adding my fantasy book. I've yet to hear from anyone so I'm curious...is this the norm for an indie author? Or another way of putting it is this: am I wasting time banging on a door that will never open?

Have you thought of approaching them to host a book launch or a reading?
I found that worked very well with the two libraries near me. I have been invited to hold my book launch on October 25th.
I found taking my book in person and handing it to the head librarian worked well.
What have you tried?

Great tips, Michele. To date simply an introductory email or a phone call (to voice mail.) I'll try the face-to-face approach next.

I think it depends on the library or area. I know when I approached mine I received a very cold shoulder. I was quite literally told 'don't call us, we'll call you'. I know that isn't always the case, so it doesn't hurt to ask. Just don't be surprised if that is the response you do receive.

Of course every library is different as is every librarian, but the personal touch often works.

I've donated copies to my local public library and to several local schools. Most libraries these days don't have enough money to buy the popular books from trad publishers, let alone from indies like us so I'm not surprised they weren't doing handsprings for you ; )

In the end, for me at least, it's about having my work read. Why write it if not to have it enjoyed? So I'm happy to make donations where I can.

I haven't had much luck with libraries the traditional way (hey, would you like to purchase my book), but like Alan said, I'm sure if you donated, that would be a good way to get your book into the library. My biggest goal is also to be read, and to have people enjoy the book.

I've donated all my self-published books to four libraries so far and four schools. When I approached the schools, I took the books with me and asked to speak to the headmistress first, then the librarian. Yes, schools can't afford to buy many books these days and are happy for donations. I just said I'll leave them with you and let me know. They were only happy to recieve them.

With the libraries, I asked for the manager and the same thing happened. I handed them over straight away and didn't ask if they would take them. I just gave them to them and they said they would get back to me. I didn't wait for them to get back to me. I asked a friend to call into the library and ask if those books were available. LOL. They soon appeared on the library shelves. :)Now children are reading them, which is what I wanted.

I'll be donating to more libraries when I can.

Oh, I also did the same thing with a large book shop in our town. They took them on assignment, but are now on their shelves with regular published children's books. LOL.

Try it, you may be surprised.

I've had some success with libraries in the UK stocking my young adult book OTOLI. I even got invited to do some author visits which ended up actually being quite quiet. I think it really shows how libraries are struggling to free up any funds and attract people to come and lend books. It's certainly not the same as I remember a couple of years ago. In any case it doesn't matter too much as long as your book is being seen. Also not sure how much things like the Kindle/e-readers will be having an effect, it must be though to some degree I'd have thought.

Bryony

I once bookmarked a page entitled: How to Sell Your Books to Libraries. This topic motivated me to look for the article, and it turns out to be an ad for an ebook. However, if you are interested in reading an ebook by someone who sold books to libraries for thirteen years, here is the link: http://bookmarketingmaven.typepad.com...