Too many authors make the mistake of not going after the lucrative library market.
“Why should I sell my book to a library, where it can be read by hundreds of people, when I can sell hundreds of books to those same people?” an author asked me.
That author assumes that all library patrons will buy her book. They won’t. Even if they did, it could take several years to sell her book to those same people at bookstores or online.
Why, then, is getting your book into libraries so lucrative?
7 Reasons to Sell Books to Libraries
Here are seven reasons you should be selling to libraries:
- Librarians pay their invoices on time.
- They do not return books, unlike bookstores that can eat into your profit margin when you must pay for returns.
- Librarians will go out of their way to build the buzz for your book within their communities. They can feature your book prominently on the “new books” table.
- They can bring you in for an author event and let you sell books afterward.
- They are master marketers. They have local media contacts, know how to promote author events and will do most of the promotion for you if they’re hosting you at an event.
- Library patrons who check out your book might be exposed to you for the first time at their local libraries.
- If they like your book, they might be tempted to buy it for a friend or relative.
Fast, Easy Way to Reach 4,000 Librarians
In March and April, libraries all over the United States will have new money to spend on books. This is the time to get YOUR book in front of them.
Amy Collins of New Shelves has a relationship with more than 4,000 librarians who have asked to see books that her company recommends. Your book can be one of them. Here’s how this works.
New Shelves creates compelling sales copy for a small group of books and presents it to librarians, one at a time—via email—to entice them to order the books from Ingram Wholesaler or their other favorite wholesalers.
Amy will send a photo of your book cover and a short description to her entire list of 4,000 libraries that have ASKED to hear more about books that she recommends to them for purchase later this year.
“We will email each librarian with YOUR book at the top of the mailing so that your book does not get lost in a big list.” Amy says. “In addition, we will follow up with each library several times and send you a report showing how many libraries opened the email and clicked on the order buttons connected to the wholesaler where your book is listed.”
Here’s What You’ll Get
Here’s a summary of what you’ll get if you sign up now at a special rate:
- A full-color listing designed and laid out, showcasing your book.
- An email sent to over 4,000 librarians who have ASKED to hear about our book suggestions.
- Amy’s sales reps will contact the libraries within a few days to follow up on the mailing.
- A report showing the number of librarians who opened the email and how many clicked on your order button.
For more information, you can watch a short video I did with Amy a few weeks ago using this affiliate link. This offer is only good until Wednesday, March 21, and it’s limited to the first 24 authors. As soon as those two dozen slots are taken, the offer goes away. So sign up now.
On the fence, here’s a list of frequently asked questions that will help you decide if this is right for you and your book.
Note: This offer will not work for authors who have created journals or coloring books, two types of books that libraries don’t buy. Books in any other genre are perfect.
I am not ready yet for your offer concerning the 4,000 libraries. In three months, how can I obtain a list of libraries?
Eileen, if your book isn’t ready now, you can join the program before midnight Wednesday night and participate later in the year when your book is ready.
what is the cost of the library promotion?
$399 but this offer is good only until midnight Wednesday night and only for the first 24 authors. We have only a few slots remaining.
Can you detail everything you have to be ready to have your book pitched?
Does it need a non-free ISBN?
Does it need to be a specific trim size?
Does it have to have a minimum number of reviews?
How old can it be?
Anything else to prepare us?
Thanks.
The ISBN does not matter what matters is:
—Your book is only a few years old
—Available from a wholesaler (Ingram or Baker & Taylor)
—It would be nice if it has some reviews to show the librarians that your book has merit.
More questions:
Do they have to already be available on sites like Overdrive?
Do they need specific title page information within the book to make it ready for libraries?
Patricia, the ebook and/or audio book ebook must be available on Overdrive. Print books should be on Ingram or Baker & Taylor.
Hi Joan,
Can I send you a copy of my book, F.A.T.C.A.T., Feline Audio Telecommunicating Criminal Apprehension Team, for your consideration. If you think it is something you can work with in your Library program I’d be happy to pay the $400. fee.
My publisher, Life Rich Publishing did a wonderful job getting the book out, however other than some advertising on social media they haven’t done anything to get the book in front of buyers.
I’ve sold around 100 copies and received many positive remarks. I feel my book has a message that I would like to get out there.
Would you like a copy? Would it do me any good?
I’ve spent a considerable amount of money. Other than having a wonderful copy in my hands, it hasn’t done a lot of good. Can you help me.
David, please send your ISBN number to Info@NewShelves.com and Amy will take a look at your book and let you know.
Hi Joan,
I am trying to pay Amy Collins for this promotional event with libraries. The payment methods simply do not work and are sending me around in circles. Would you please give me her direct contact info? Thanks so much.
Glenna, I understand you’ve already been in touch with Amy and that this was a browser issue on your end. If this happens to other readers, try using a different browser. If that doesn’t work, reboot your computer. Rebooting solves the problem 9 out of 10 times.
I am a first-time author. My almost finished book is a book of photographs of birds that children might see in the own yards – text is minimal, mostly to ID the birds. My question – how do I get a photo of my book cover? I am a photographer but I am not a product photographer. Do you have any suggestions for me?
Patricia, excellent covers are a prerequisite to getting libraries to buy your book. There are many excellent cover designers. Email me at JStewart@PublicityHound.com and I’ll recommend one.
Will this be offered in 2019? Did I miss it? I’ve been waiting all year. 🙂
Krystal, she may offer this later in the year. I recommend you sign up for my free email tips, delivered every Tuesday. When Amy promotes this again, you’ll see it in my newsletter. Subscribe here: http://PublicityHound.com/tips/sample