Want to see your books on the shelves of your local library? It's a goal that feels both exciting and daunting, but the good news is that it's absolutely possible, and it's more achievable than you might think. While it does require some effort, research, and persistence, thousands of indie authors have successfully placed their books in library systems across the country. With the right approach and a willingness to do some legwork, you can join their ranks and reach readers who trust their local library to introduce them to their next great read.
Why work to get your books in libraries?
Roughly two thirds of Americans hold library cards, according to American Libraries Magazine. Though library use has shrunk since the pandemic hit, libraries remain places people go either virtually or in person to check out and learn about new books. Libraries buy thousands of new books each year, and unlike bookstores, they don’t return them. As popular books wear out, librarians reorder copies. They also order ebooks. It makes business sense to have your book included in the bunch.
Steps to getting your book in library circulation.
The book acquisition process varies per library system, but here some general steps you can take to get your books placed in systems across the United States:
- Have books published through Ingram with your own ISBN. Libraries buy their books through set vendors, and they won't consider books that are published exclusively through Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing, without a dedicated ISBN. IngramSpark offers the option of producing your book in hardcover, an attractive option to libraries, where books go through many hands. It goes without saying that your book should be professionally edited and have a great cover.
- Find out which libraries carry your book. Your book may already be in circulation at some libraries.
- Research where you’d like your book placed. After finding out what libraries, if any, carry your book, make a list of libraries you want to target and go to their websites to find out their acquisition requirements. Many have them listed directly on their websites with instructions on
how you can get your books considered for circulation or list names of who you can email to request that your books be stocked. Log on to the American Library Association (ala.org) website to find the largest public libraries in the United States or libraries you have a connection to and might want to pitch your book to. - Get professional reviews/press. A positive, professional review from services such as Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, or The Midwest Book Review gives credibility to your work, making it more likely to be accepted by libraries.
- Have friends and family request the book. Libraries purchase books requested by patrons, so having your family and friends ask for your book at libraries where you want them in circulation is a good way to make it happen.
- Offer to speak at your library branch. Libraries are continually searching for quality programming. Doing a talk on self-publishing or reading your book at your local library’s story time shows that you're not just focused on your own self-interest but also invested in the branch’s success.
- Don’t give up. Pitching your book to be stocked in multiple library systems can be time-consuming, but increased sales and seeing library patrons checking out your book makes all the hard work worth it. If you run into obstacles, circle back to your librarian and see if they can suggest any additional steps you can take.
