Marketing your book to libraries

To find out more, read the american library associations guide to marketing to libraries. Market segmentation from annette lamb on vimeo library users are varied. Some librarians say they are too busy to think about marketing but are they busy providing the customer service needed for a thriving library. Tips and tools that work serve as a primer, providing easy to follow professional guidelines that are based on established best practices. A highly recommended book for librarians who wish to be more engaged with their stakeholders. Find out who your book appeals to, get to know those people well, and be where they are, both online and off. If the book is only available directly from you, be sure to provide a phone number, address, and email address if you have one. A 7step plan for selling to libraries ibpa independentibpa. Start promoting your book before contacting libraries to get the word out and show that youre serious. How to get your selfpublished books into bookstores and. Childrens authors have been crying out for a resource like this and please share this post, those book links, and karens helpful. After you read selling your book to libraries, youll be able to tap into this valuable market with ease. How to check out library books on your kindle for free. Jul 18, 2017 if you are considering selfpublishing, that number should make you salivate.

Attract readers with a great book sales description. All those days spent researching and writing and fitting everything together perfectl. There are publishing companies that specialize in marketing to university libraries. Local businesses and libraries want to see authors from the area succeed.

Publishing expert amy collins explains why this might be a big mistake. The key to getting your book into bookstores as an indie author is to start locally. If youre considering leveraging social media to promote your library, here are some strategies ive found helpful. Wordofmouth advertising is the best way to sell your book. Marketing your librarys electronic resources, second edition. How to get your book into libraries and bookstores with mark.

Selfpublished authors have several options for getting their books into libraries. Aggerbeck 2012, 9 states that the best marketing may be doing your normal activities but doing them extraordinarily well. As a public library we select books whose content is written for the general reader rather than for the specialist or practitioner. In the us, the american library association and libraries across the country are sponsoring national library week from april 1420. Libraries keep books on the shelf much longer than stores. Amazon announced today that users can now check out e books from their local libraries for wireless downloading to their kindle devices. Therefore, content marketing makes a lot of sense for libraries that want to attract patrons. The basic aim of marketing is to know and understand our users in order that the library is able to satisfy those needs in an effective way. Dinesh gupta 2006 states that marketing for libraries is a number of different things. Especially in libraries case, having a marketing perspective, or more specifically a service mindset, is really effective as people need to know more about the librarys activity and they should learn. Before embarking on any marketing activities, you will first want to consider the culture of your organization and ensure you are not in violation of any organizational or departmental policies or procedures. The library marketing toolkit provides readers with everything needed to successfully market any library. You will soon find out when you ask for their help with this book marketing technique that works for even the most shy of authors. Click to tweet did this scheme for book marketing to libraries work.

Although ingram makes your book available to stores libraries, there is no guarantee that they will order your book, which is why we have several other blog posts with tips on how to sell your book to bookstores and how. Libraries are not only a huge market, they are frequently an untapped one for selfpublishers. Marketing is not only about promoting a business and it is definitely not about pushing a product or a service down to someones throat. Im very excited about the possibility of my book being in even more libraries across the country. Go publish yourself ingramspark selfpublishing podcast.

Libraries select materials in accordance with their collection development policy, a statement that defines what will be added to the collection to support local interests and needs. My book received over 400 clicks, which means that hundreds of librarians were interested in my book. Marketing your book by gabriel dica overdrive rakuten. For comparison, there are around 14,000 starbucks stores and just under 11,000 bookstores. Promote library events and timeofyear specials, such as audiobook month and summer reading programs.

Marketing your book for selfpublishers and indie authors. Author ned potter offers expert coverage of every element of library marketing and branding for all types of libraries, including archives and academic, public and special libraries, providing innovative and easy to implement techniques and. It provides a wealth of resources, and the action guide is worth its weight in gold. Libraries are a commonly neglected target in the marketing of selfpublished books. When to start marketing your book and how to balance your time. Whats the best way to allocate your staff and financial resources. On february 22, 2017, reedsy published an article which stated, 92% of librarians surveyed between may 2016 july 2016 by new shelves stated that they regularly buy books from selfpublished authors and small presses. Your title metadata will help your book show up in relevant searches, for your book in particular and for books like yours. Weve identified several questions indie publishers ask more than any others. The authors do not focus on a particular type of library, but opt to tackle marketing in general. To accomplish this goal, the first task is to understand and then to define. Marketing your librarys electronic resources, second. Sell more books through school and library author appearances barbara techel on.

While each library web page looks a little different and each library has a varying selections of books, the basic work flow is the same. The bottom line is to practice selling your books one by one. Some authors and industry people have spoken out against the selfe program. How selfpublished authors can distribute to libraries. How to sell your book to libraries star print brokers. In this free stepbystep guide, book buyer and book distribution expert amy collins shares the 8step process every selfpublished author must go through to get your books selling on the shelves of bookstores and libraries across the us and internationally. Although it would be desirable for everyone in the potential audience to use the library, not every segment is a viable market for a particular library type, product, or service. Birmingham public library marketing your book to the library. The first several chapters of marketing your library. You may consider approaching your local librarys, but also think of contacting libraries throughout the country, if your book is pertinent to the community, or of national or regional interest. Help keep your library relevant by drumming up business with these simple tips and tricks. How to market your books to libraries reveals to authors the secrets and strategies of how to successfully market their books to libraries.

Oc public libraries actively seeks books that are written andor published locally. How to get your ebook into libraries the indie authors. Lets move on to bookstores because your book covers both, which i think is great because they are similar in many ways. Aug 12, 2016 how to get your books into bookstores and libraries amy collins ppp102. Once your marketing strategy is implemented, there are two ways to get your book into libraries.

Get your copy of my new book, marketing your book to libraries. When youve got all that sorted, its time to proceed. With an overdrive account, you can save your favorite libraries for ataglance information about availability. Jun 12, 2019 getting started marketing to libraries. Marketing strategies public library association pla. Includes tips on building mailing lists, running promotions and advertising. At the library you can learn a new language, get help with your income taxes, or use a 3d printer. You can start by marketing your book yourself, taking on speaking engagements and seminars that match your books topic.

The article goes on to say, once one library has your book and the checkout rates start showing up on reports, other librarians will start ordering your book. How to use marketing in a library and make the most. This post also comes with a free downloadable checklist to help you promote your book. This case is full of applicable lessons learned about the library market and strategic suggestions for marketing and promoting your books to libraries and schools.

Jul, 2018 once your marketing strategy is implemented, there are two ways to get your book into libraries. Authormaps marketing your book to libraries, an insider. Storytelling through content marketing and audience personas we work in a building full of stories, says hursh. The library marketing toolkit is packed full of useful, informative and above all practical information about the best ways of getting your message across, and it should be on the shelf of every librarian and information professional who needs to promote the idea of the library and its value in a modern day society. Your work will stay on the shelves longer than in a bookstore, and its more likely to be picked. If you are considering selfpublishing, that number should make you salivate. Terry kendrick is the guru of strategic marketing in libraries. Promote your collection of digital services to your patrons. Nov 28, 2018 why would you want libraries to buy and stock your book. An insiders guide for authors and get ready right now to sell your book to libraries, the biggest hidden book market in the us and possibly, the world. His book developing strategic marketing plans that really work is a mustread, and he writes, speaks, and runs workshops on marketing libraries all over the uk and in no fewer than 26 countries abroad. As a dedicated bookworm, i took for granted the effort of marketing the library does to reach people for whom visiting isnt second nature. Libraries will generally buy hardback and trade books and tend to shy away from mass market paperbacks. Its possible for indie authors to go beyond thinking of selling our books just at online retailers.

Marketing can be a daunting process for many librarians. Go see the manager and head librarian and give them a copy of your book. Smashwords founder mark coker gives indie authors five marketing tips to help get selfpublished ebooks into library collections. Libraries purchase books for adults, young adults, children, and special. If you can help libraries get more people in the door, youll have a better chance of having your book available there. What indie authors need to know getting indie authors into libraries. While my personal interest is bookcentric, libraries offer much more to the local community, of course. When selling your book, think in terms of feature benefit statements. Theyre the biggest book market in the us and the world. Aug 07, 2017 book marketing to libraries can be tricky, but heres a scheme we tried that worked for us. You need to have your books in at least one of the library approved buying portals. My own selfpublished book, publishing 101, is enrolled in the selfe program. As librarians we should be actively marketing and promoting our library services. Arba an incredibly helpful guide for all library and information science workers.

These guidelines touch on marketing, outreach, public relations, and project management principles. This is a vital step in the promotion and marketing of your book, andif done rightwill make the rest of the process infinitely easier. There is no agency that chooses and distributes books and other library resources to all libraries and that includes the american library association. Libraries are not only a huge market, they are frequently an untapped one for self publishers. Great book marketing ideas that will get people snapping up your novel or nonfiction masterpiece. He also brings a nonlibrary perspective to the table, lecturing in continue reading marketing your library.

Basics marketing to libraries libguides at american. Download bookmarks, posters, flyers, web banners, videos, and other resources. Your first book may be a masterpiece, but first books have a nasty way of getting ignored. Unlike books purchased through amazon, public library books are not delivered via your kindle 3g connection. Here is a simple book marketing scheme for libraries that worked for us. It is in your best interest to have your book available through these vendors so that libraries may easily buy copies for their collection. Libraries cannot acquire your e book unless its available for purchase through one of the library e. Dec 19, 2018 based on the allday program, marketing to libraries for the millennium, sponsored by the aapalcts joint committee, leading figures identify and respond to the challenges of maintaining a foot in both print and electronic worlds. We are especially interested in those about southern california.

Most of all though, i strongly recommend that you purchase how to selfpublish and market a childrens book if you are a childrens author or considering writing something in that category it has great information for new and experienced writers alike. Open library is an open, editable library catalog, building towards a web page for every book ever published. Start by connecting with the libraries in your area and let the librarians know. Marketing is the ongoing process of creating a connection between the library and its users. Selling your book to libraries kindle edition by smith. Especially in libraries case, having a marketing perspective, or more specifically a service mindset, is really effective as people need to know more about the library s activity and they should learn more about it in a laidback way. An insiders guide for authors and get ready right now to sell your book to libraries, the biggest hidden book market.

Marketing doesnt need to involve costly advertising. How to get your books into bookstores and libraries. But marketing library collections and services is much more nuanced than letting people know about the great books and fun events at the library. Book marketing, metadata, pricing your book, discounting, isbns, and more. You are responsible for ensuring that no tactics used to promote your book manipulate the. With the advent of the ebook and ability for library patrons to borrow digital materials, is it worthwhile to market books to libraries. Unfortunately, libraries usually order books from their own distributors, which means approaching them directly to purchase your selfpublished book may be an uphill battle. There are now so many social media platforms available for libraries to participate in, but its sometimes difficult to get a handle on how these channels can best be used for marketing library services.

Instead of trying to sell your book to faceless thousands, find one person who needs and wants your book. Well, its a surprisingly lucrative source of income, but its also a marketing masterstroke. How to promote your selfpublished book to libraries. But if youre in the latter category, dont let this deter you. She worked as a book buyer for a large books and magazines publisher, selling to. Nov, 2012 terry kendrick is the guru of strategic marketing in libraries. Marketing your book to the las vegasclark county library. The savvy book marketers guide to selling your book to libraries is an invaluable tool for authors and independent publishers. Maybe you have some finaltouches left, but the hard part is over and youve completed your masterpiece.

Collection management coordinator birmingham public library 2100 park place birmingham, al 35203. Marketing your book by alison baverstock overdrive rakuten. Get answers to what inquiring selfpublishers want to know to inform your book publishing from the start, and if youre ready to publish today, visit. How to promote your selfpublished book to libraries author. Author and publisher michael wiese has been writing and marketing books successfully for over three decades. Another problem is that, if your book appeals to special audiences, your. How to get libraries to buy your book standout books. If they do carry it, store personnel may not know its on the shelf. Marketing your library american libraries magazine. Getting your selfpublished book into libraries the. To serve this growing audience, libraries with increasing hispanic populations are seeking information and guidance to create relevant collections and services. Mar 30, 2020 that those human stories are really what help ultimately connect a reader with your book through those people who do a lot of that curation for you. Below are websites to start the library cart rolling. Choose the right categories and keywords for your book.

A marketing plan is an essential tool which will enable us to focus our efforts. Libraries cannot acquire your e book unless its available for purchase through one of the library. According to the association of research libraries arl, marketing is the process of planning and executing such aspects of library services as the conception, pricing and promotion of ideas, goods and services to create interactions that will satisfy organizational objectives association of research libraries, 1999. Walk into your local library and ask them to order your book. Weve compiled a list of 89 book marketing ideas that will change your life, build your brand, and sell your book. Getting your books into libraries takes a great deal of time and effort. I thought it was a big win to get my book into my local library. Marketing your librarys electronic resources accomplishes exactly what its title forewarns. This guest post from porter anderson explains the terms of a new programa partnership between library journal and biblioboardto help distribute selfpublished ebooks into the library market. Jun 02, 2014 fresh out of ideas on how to help your writing take off. The most important 15 seconds in the life of your book your biggest book marketing or platform building roadblocks and how to overcome them 10 ways to test market your nonfiction book idea before you publish 9 steps to getting your selfpublished books into libraries 14 definitions you need to know when creating an author media kit.

And keep in mind, sturdy, better quality books are an important selling point to librarians who are interested in books lasting for more than a few borrowers. He tells all his fortyplus authors sell one book at a time. Just like wikipedia, you can contribute new information or corrections to the catalog. Are you an author wishing you could sell more copies of your book. Sell more books through school and library author appearances is the definitive guide to promoting your message and selling books to schools and libraries. Because invariably the library asks for the patrons library card number. How to get your books into bookstores and libraries amy.

Selling your books to libraries author u practical. Basics marketing to libraries libguides at american library. New technologies offer diverse avenues for promoting library services, and commercial marketing methods have become expected for libraries, too. To get started, youll need to get answers to two key questions. Theres a huge market just waiting for you out there if you put your book together the right. Here are the main steps selfpublished authors need to take to be taken seriously by librarians. How to let us know about your book if you have a book you would like birmingham public library to consider for its collection, please send your information to. Best practices features case studies written by marketing experts that provide practical tips for raising the library s profile through various marketing strategies. Getting your selfpublished book into libraries the writing. Youre welcome to promote your book through thirdparty websites and other services, but we encourage you to monitor the tactics they use to promote your books. An expert panel tackle these issues and address concerns.