I am fortunate to live within 10-15 minutes walking distance of Upper Norwood’s Joint Library, the oldest and, I believe the only independent institution of it’s kind, (http://uppernorwoodlibrary.org/).
In search of ways to get my book, “Dalliance: A Collection of Poetry and Prose” into the hands of more readers I visited the library to ascertain whether they would add it to their shelves. To my delight a librarian confirmed the library would be pleased to accept my book. Its wonderful to know that “Dalliance” is available for the residents of Noorwood to enjoy.
The following article contains useful advice on getting a self published book into a library, (http://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Self-Published-Book-into-Libraries). The article mentions the importance of specifying that you wish your book to be added to the library’s stock rather than sold. This is good advice and I asked the librarian to add “Dalliance” to the library’s shelves rather than selling it.
My experience diverged from the advice contained in the article in the following manner. The article refers to many libraries requiring more than one copy of a book. I offered the Upper Norwood Joint Library 2 copies of “Dalliance”. However the librarian politely advised me that it is their policy to only accept 1 copy of a book.
On my next visit to the city of my birth, Liverpool I will make a point of popping into Liverpool’s central library and donating a copy of my work.
Kevin
K Morris - Poet 
Wonderful new, Kevin. I’ve heard it said, you should never go anywhere without at least a couple copies of your book. You never know how or when an opportunity might arise.
Thanks Tess. I usually carry a supply of business cards with my web address (newauthoronline.com) together with a contact email address. I give them out fairly infrequently, however when I have done so the result has been a few extra visitors to my website. I may start carrying a few books with me. Kevin
Much success, Kevin. 🙂
Thank you Tess. May success dog your footsteps also!
Thank you. You are sweet. 🙂
Reblogged this on T.M. Toombs and commented:
This is an excellent idea!
Thank you for the reblog. Best regards. Kevin
My pleasure, Kevin! Thank you for all the wonderful tips and information. I love your blog. 😀
Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog and commented:
A guideline by Author Kevin Morris 😀
Thank you for the reblog Chris. Best. Kevin
Welcome Kevin 😀
My local library actually has a section dedicated to local authors and allowed me to give 2 books to them for inclusion. I have a few extra proof copies as well, which I may donate for sale as well (I plan on writing a little message from the author inside, asking people to review them on Amazon and support their local author).
Congratulations on getting your local library to take 2 copies of your book. Your idea of putting a message in your book encouraging readers to support their local author is an excellent one. The very best of luck. Kevin
Should you cross the channel and be in Paris, you might carry a few copies to Shakespeare and Company. They took two copies of my first chapbook when I was there. Bonne chance!
Congratulations on getting Shakespeare and Company to take 2 copies of your book. I will certainly try to pop in there when I am next in Paris. Kevin
I wish you the best. I plan to take two of the one about to be printed next time I’m there. While it isn’t a library, it is the most amazing book store I’ve ever seen! Léa
Reblogged this on HELLO & WELCOME to Caz's #Devon Blog Diary ~ 'Tis Blogalicious! A Blog of Allsorts!.
Many thanks for reblogging. Best, Kevin
Congrats on finding another avenue for your work; the more I hear about others’ experiences with libraries, the more I consider the probability that I live in the most backwards-thinking backwater in the western world. Heh. Thanks for the link, as well!
Thank you for your comment. I gather from your comment that you are experiencing difficulties with getting your work into libraries. I’m sorry to hear that. Doesn’t your local library accept donations? Kevin
Eh; it happens, but thank you for your commiseration. XD Neither of our libraries accept donations (for sale or placement on the shelves) until and unless they have been approved by the curriculum directors. Said directors will not read or approve of an item unless it has been vetted in their official review journals or possesses in excess of 1,000 verified reviews on Amazon or a similar retailer.
*shrug* It is what it is; I suppose it says more about me that their reasoning sounded just logical enough that I figured it was a more universal reasoning rather than the incestuous, “we fear change” attitude that is endemic to my area. Moving is probably in order. Heh.
Reblogged this on theowlladyblog.
Reblogged this on Finding Myself Through Writing and commented:
Self-publishing limits your avenues of getting your book into the hands of library readers but heres an idea from newauthoronline that may help. I’ve done just that and it’s a lot simpler than you think. ~Elle
Many thanks for the reblog. I am pleased that you managed to get your self published book into a library. Regards. Kevin
Hi,
I may want to turn my blog posts into a book someday; it never occurred to me how to get it into a library, especially in this paper-free society we are becoming more and more.
I wanted to come by and thank you for your recent visits to my site!
Take care,
Janice, Reflections
Hi Janice.
Many thanks for your comment. Good luck with your blog and turning your blog posts into a book. I hope that, once your book is published the print version graces library shelves. All the best. Kevin
Reblogged this on kyrosmagica and commented:
Reblog of Excellent advice on How To Get Your Book into A Library from Newauthoronline.
Great tip, reblogging it as may need it in the future.
Many thanks for your comment and reblogging my post. Kind regards. Kevin
You’re welcome Kevin. 🙂