How to Get Your Books Into Libraries
“Marketing is telling the world you’re a rock star. Content Marketing is showing the world you are one.” – Robert Rose
Congratulations on writing your book. And as many authors quickly discover, completing your manuscript is just the beginning of your journey.
Both new and experienced authors face a spectrum of challenges after writing a book. But unless you already have a marketing background, you may endure a lengthy trial-and-error process trying to find effective ways to market and promote their work. And as some authors will attest–this uncertain path doesn’t always lead to getting books into the hands of their ideal audiences, readers, and potential fans.
During a professional speakers conference in Los Angeles, I remember James Malinchak saying Always be marketing, because as many authors discover, marketing for authors and other professionals is a forever-tweaking endeavor that benefits all those readers that want your content, and one way to do this is with your books available to readers at their local libraries.
“If you make something good, then people should see it.” – Edgar Wright
For some, the post-publication journey can be overwhelming. And it’s a shared, if not-all-too common frustration by many writers who pour their creativity and energy into completing a manuscript only to realize they must now develop an entirely different skill set. Because The marketing and promotion aspects of authorship require business savvy that many creative writers haven’t yet developed.
Thankfully, you can achieve faster and fastest results when you’re open to learn, adopt and acquire the skills and knowledge that help you achieve success faster and fastest.
My Library Marketing Reality Check
When I wrote my first bestselling fiction novel, I didn’t know how to get my books into libraries either. Like many authors, I turned to a service that promised results—paying $300 for their book recommendation emails to librarians.
Unfortunately, they omitted my book’s most significant awards and included incorrect information about me as an author. When I requested corrections, I received an aggressive, non-supportive response. This experience taught me a valuable lesson about vetting promotional services carefully before investing.
While I won’t publicly disparage this organization, when other authors ask about similar services, I encourage them to thoroughly research their options before spending money, and when they ask about that service by name, I simply recommend they expand their research on other service providers before they select any one organization.
The library marketing path has its pitfalls, but there are effective strategies that actually work.
Without guidance, authors can spend years figuring out effective strategies through costly trial and error. What works for one book or genre might not work for another, making the learning curve even steeper.
“A book is a dream that you hold in your hand.” – Neil Gaiman
Sharing Success Strategies
When we share ways that other authors have successfully addressed common marketing challenges, we help motivate and inspire those who may be struggling. Even small wins, like getting books into local libraries, can build momentum and confidence for broader marketing efforts.
Seeing that others have successfully navigated these challenges helps authors recognize they’re not alone in their struggles. There are established pathways to connect with readers, and practical knowledge-sharing can truly make the difference between a book finding its audience or languishing unseen.
“Your network is your net worth.” – Porter Gale
The Library Reality: Straight from Librarians
Before diving into strategies, let’s understand the library landscape from those who know it best—the librarians themselves. I’ve gathered insights from several librarians that reveal crucial realities every author should know:
“Libraries have policies and specific vendors that they will only buy books from,” shares Christy Lynn, a librarian. “I know my library only buys from Baker & Taylor. We will only take the donation and put it on the shelves if you are a local author.”
This vendor restriction is your first hurdle. Most libraries have established relationships with specific distributors and rarely deviate from these channels.
Regarding events, Christy adds, “Most libraries will not let an independent author do an event unless the books have been reviewed and vetted. Libraries see so many self-published authors with books that are not well written or illustrated that they will not hold an event unless the book is traditionally published.”
Leighanna Voigt, a children’s librarian who manages board book and picture book collections, offers this perspective: “If your book doesn’t fall into their standards for purchasing, they won’t buy it. If the book won’t be checked out, they won’t buy it. Limited shelving, limited resources. Libraries will almost never buy a self-published book, because the quality is typically not on par with those standards.”
This might sound discouraging, but understanding these realities helps you approach libraries with appropriate expectations and strategies.
“Nothing ever becomes real till it is experienced.” – John Keats
The Review Factor
Sarah Ricker, a Youth Services Librarian, emphasizes the importance of professional reviews: “Self-published books are very tricky. There are no reviews from established book review magazines, like Kirkus. So you don’t know what you’re going to get.”
She elaborates, “Every book I purchase for my children’s room has a review. I’m using taxpayers’ dollars to purchase books… I know I’m good if I can show a good review from the SLJ, Kirkus, or BookList.”
This insight highlights why professional reviews are not just marketing tools—they’re essential credentials for library consideration.
From Writer to Marketer
Now that you’re a published author, you’ll need to switch from your writer’s hat to your marketer’s hat. Even traditionally published authors discover they need to actively promote their work.
How to Get Your Books Into Libraries
Here are effective strategies that have worked for other authors:
1. Establish Professional Credibility
- Register your book with an ISBN through Bowker to make it officially catalogable
- Get editorial reviews from respected sources like Library Journal, Booklist, or Kirkus Reviews
“The best marketing doesn’t feel like marketing.” – Tom Fishburne
2. Ensure Library Accessibility
- Make your book available through major library distributors:
- Publish through Ingram Spark to access their catalog where libraries can order directly
- Ensure availability through Baker & Taylor or other library wholesalers
- Remember, if your book isn’t available through their established vendors, most libraries simply won’t order it
3. Create Professional Marketing Materials
- Develop a press kit with book details, reviews, and library relevance
- Format professional emails and pitch letters for library acquisitions staff
4. Build Direct Relationships
- Contact local libraries, especially if your book has regional relevance
- Offer to do author events or readings at libraries
- Consider donating copies to start (following their donation policies)
“People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.” – Simon Sinek
5. Leverage Library-Specific Platforms
- List your book on library-focused catalogs
- Consider eBook platforms like OverDrive or Hoopla
6. Network Strategically
- Join forums where teachers and librarians request book donations
- Connect with librarians who make purchasing decisions
- Join author organizations that facilitate library connections
“The most powerful element in advertising is the truth.” – William Bernbach
7. Harness the Power of Patron Requests
One librarian, Marian Scadden, shares this clever approach: “An author friend of mine went online to our small town’s library form to request a book. Lo and behold, he walked into the library and there was his book on the new book shelf.”
- Organize friends, family, and fans to request your book at their local libraries
- Many libraries prioritize patron requests when making acquisition decisions
- This grassroots approach can be more effective than direct pitching
8. Understand the Local Author Angle
As Christy Lynn notes, “We will only take the donation and put it on the shelves if you are a local author.”
- Focus first on libraries in your geographical area
- Identify libraries that have “Local Author” sections or programs
- Some libraries host annual Local Author Fairs—seek these opportunities out
9. Digital and Audio Options
- Don’t forget about digital collections through platforms like OverDrive, Hoopla, or Libby
- Audiobooks are a growing segment of library collections
- Having your book available in multiple formats increases chances of library adoption
“In the modern world of business, it is useless to be a creative, original thinker unless you can also sell what you create.” – David Ogilvy
The Benefits Beyond Books
Getting your book into libraries offers advantages beyond just expanded readership:
- Long-term visibility as libraries retain books for years
- Passive discovery by browsers
- Potential for Public Lending Right payments in countries with these programs
- Community recognition that can lead to speaking engagements and workshops
- Credibility enhancement for your author platform
Some of these approaches may involve costs, as not everything in publishing is free. Others just require research and time. The investment is worthwhile for long-term library placement and expanding your readership.
The Library Marketing Mindset
Remember that libraries aren’t just buildings with books—they’re community hubs with dedicated professionals who care deeply about connecting readers with great content. Approaching libraries with respect for their mission and understanding of their acquisition process will make your marketing efforts much more successful.
“Books are a uniquely portable magic.” – Stephen King
Here’s to successfully getting your books into libraries and into the hands of eager readers.
What library marketing strategies have worked for you? Share your experiences in the comments below. And below this blog post For quick reference, I’ve included a checklist below.
J.W. Zarek is a Wall Street Journal bestselling co-author of “Writer’s Success Secrets” and “The Happiness Code.” His latest works include the Golden Book Award Finalist “Bella Brown’s Messier Than Messy Room” and the 41-award winning novel “The Devil Pulls the Strings.”
Quick Reference: Getting Your Books Into Libraries
Summary
Libraries typically purchase books through established vendors and prioritize professionally reviewed books. While the path to library shelves can be challenging for self-published authors, strategic approaches focusing on professionalism, distribution channels, and relationship-building can significantly increase your chances of success.
Author’s Library Submission Checklist
Professional Credibility
- Register your book with an ISBN through Bowker
- Obtain at least one editorial review from a respected source (Kirkus, Library Journal, Booklist)
- Ensure your book meets professional formatting and editing standards
- Join relevant author organizations that provide credibility
Distribution Setup
- Make your book available through Ingram Spark
- Confirm availability through Baker & Taylor or other library wholesalers
- Create digital and/or audio versions for platforms like OverDrive or Hoopla
- Set appropriate wholesale discounts for library purchasing
Marketing Materials
- Develop a professional press kit with:
- Book details and specifications
- Author bio and credentials
- Professional reviews and endorsements
- Library relevance statement
- Prepare concise, professional pitch emails for library acquisitions staff
Relationship Building
- Research and contact local libraries, especially those with local author programs
- Offer to conduct author events, readings, or workshops
- Connect with librarians through social media and professional networks
- Join forums where teachers and librarians request book donations
Grassroots Approach
- Ask friends, family, and fans to request your book at their local libraries
- Follow up on library patron requests
- Consider strategic donations following library donation policies
- Always tweak and track which approaches yield best results and focus efforts accordingly
Remember: Persistence and professionalism are key. Library acquisitions can take time, so maintain a long-term perspective while continuously building your author platform and book credibility.
About the Author
J. W. Zarek is a Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author who has written or co-authored seventeen books, with nine published including seven #1 bestsellers. His picture books for children ages 4-8 focus on his “I am enough” mission.
With over 40 years of combined military and federal service, Zarek brings systematic analysis to complex problems. He’s developing the Authors for America nonprofit concept to connect schools that want author visits with qualified authors who want to visit schools, and fully fund those visits.
After retirement, he plans to do author visits full-time and pursue an MA in Folklore Studies at George Mason University with a concentration in Slavic mythology.
Learn more: www.jwzarek.com
© 2026 J.W. Zarek. All rights reserved.
