5 Reasons Why Selling to Libraries Needs to be a Top Priority

Libraries, often seen as quiet corners of communities, hold immense potential for authors seeking to expand their reach and build lasting careers. While some authors may overlook libraries in favor of direct sales, prioritizing library sales can unlock significant benefits, leading to increased exposure, loyal readership, and long-term success. Here are five compelling reasons why selling to libraries should be a top priority for authors:

Unparalleled Exposure to New Readers

Reach a Vast and Diverse Audience

Libraries serve as community hubs, attracting a wide range of patrons with diverse backgrounds and interests. By having your book on library shelves, you gain exposure to readers who might not otherwise discover your work through traditional marketing channels. This increased visibility can lead to new fans and wider recognition.

Libraries as Discovery Engines

Many readers rely on libraries to discover new authors and genres. Librarians often curate collections and create displays that highlight emerging talent and diverse voices. Getting your book featured in these displays can significantly boost its visibility and attract new readers.

Word-of-Mouth Marketing

When library patrons enjoy your book, they are likely to recommend it to friends, family, and colleagues. This word-of-mouth marketing can be incredibly powerful, leading to increased readership and sales. Positive reviews and recommendations from library patrons can also influence other readers to check out your book.

Building a Loyal Fanbase

Libraries as Launchpads for Authors

Libraries play a crucial role in helping authors build a loyal fanbase. By introducing your book to new readers, libraries can help you attract individuals who connect with your writing style and subject matter. These readers are more likely to become long-term fans who purchase your future books and support your career.

Creating SuperFans

When readers discover your book through a library, they have the opportunity to sample your work without making a financial commitment. If they enjoy your book, they are more likely to purchase their own copy, as well as other products and services you offer. These “superfans” can become dedicated followers who eagerly anticipate your new releases and actively promote your work.

Driving Book Sales

While some authors worry that library lending might cut into their sales figures, the opposite is often true. Libraries can actually drive book sales by introducing your work to a wider audience. Readers who borrow your book from the library and enjoy it may decide to purchase their own copy to keep, reread, or lend to others.

Enhanced Credibility and Recognition

Libraries as Gatekeepers of Quality

Libraries are selective in their acquisitions, carefully choosing books that meet certain standards of quality and relevance. Having your book selected for inclusion in a library collection can significantly enhance its credibility and signal to readers that your work is worth their time.

Librarians as Advocates

Librarians are passionate about books and dedicated to helping readers find the right titles. They often recommend books to patrons based on their interests and preferences. If a librarian champions your book, it can lead to increased readership and recognition.

Awards and Recognition

Many libraries offer awards and recognition programs for outstanding books. Winning a library award can boost your book’s visibility and credibility, attracting attention from readers, reviewers, and other industry professionals.

Opportunities for Speaking Engagements and Events

Libraries as Venues for Author Events

Libraries often host author events, providing opportunities for you to connect with readers, discuss your work, and sign books. These events can be a great way to build relationships with librarians and patrons, and generate excitement for your book.

Building a Speaking Career

The more people who read your book, the more opportunities you will have to speak at industry conferences, community events, and other gatherings. Speaking engagements can be a lucrative way to promote your book and build your author platform.

Selling Books at Events

Author events at libraries provide a prime opportunity to sell books directly to readers. You can often sell books at the cover price and generate revenue while connecting with your audience on a personal level.

Long-Term Career Growth

Libraries as a Foundation for Success

Prioritizing library sales can lay a strong foundation for long-term career growth as an author. By building a loyal fanbase, enhancing your credibility, and generating opportunities for speaking engagements and events, you can create a sustainable and rewarding career as a writer.

Building Relationships with Librarians

Developing relationships with librarians can be invaluable for your career. Librarians can provide feedback on your work, offer advice on marketing and promotion, and serve as advocates for your books.

Expanding Your Reach

As your career grows, you can expand your reach beyond libraries by targeting other markets, such as schools, bookstores, and online retailers. However, starting with libraries can provide a solid foundation for success and help you build a lasting career as an author.

FAQs

Why should I prioritize selling my book to libraries?

Prioritizing library sales provides unparalleled exposure to new readers, helps build a loyal fanbase, enhances your credibility and recognition, creates opportunities for speaking engagements and events, and contributes to long-term career growth as an author.

How can libraries help me reach new readers?

Libraries serve as community hubs, attracting a diverse range of patrons. Having your book on library shelves increases its visibility and introduces it to readers who might not discover your work through traditional marketing channels.

How do libraries contribute to building a loyal fanbase?

Libraries allow readers to sample your work without financial commitment. If they enjoy your book, they’re more likely to purchase copies, follow your career, and recommend your work to others, creating “superfans.”

Does selling to libraries hurt my book sales?

No, libraries often drive book sales. Readers who borrow your book from the library and enjoy it may purchase their own copy. Libraries also promote books, increasing awareness and driving sales.

How does being in a library enhance my credibility as an author?

Libraries are selective in their acquisitions, so having your book included in their collection signals quality and relevance to readers. Librarians also act as advocates, recommending books and boosting your recognition.

What opportunities do libraries offer for author events and speaking engagements?

Libraries frequently host author events, providing a venue to connect with readers, discuss your work, and sign books. These events help build relationships with librarians and patrons while generating excitement for your book.

How can I build relationships with librarians?

Attend library events, offer to do readings or workshops, and connect with librarians through professional organizations or online forums. Show interest in their work and the library’s mission.

How do I get my book into libraries?

Research library acquisition policies, submit your book for review in library journals, work with distributors that specialize in library sales, and network with librarians.

Can self-published authors sell to libraries?

Yes, self-published authors can sell to libraries. However, it may require extra effort to meet library standards and navigate the acquisition process.

How do I market my book to libraries?

Create marketing materials tailored to libraries, such as press releases, author bios, and reviews. Highlight the unique aspects of your book and its appeal to library patrons. Offer special discounts or incentives to libraries.

Conclusion

Selling to libraries offers a multitude of benefits for authors, including unparalleled exposure to new readers, building a loyal fanbase, enhanced credibility and recognition, opportunities for speaking engagements and events, and long-term career growth. By prioritizing library sales, authors can unlock these advantages and create a sustainable and rewarding career as a writer. Make libraries a key component of your marketing strategy and watch your readership—and your career—flourish.