How to Get Your Book Into Libraries (and Why You Should)
Libraries aren't just places where books live rent-free—they’re powerful hubs for discoverability, fan-building, and long-term book sales.
If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing your book on a library shelf (or available to borrow digitally on apps like Libby or Hoopla), you’re in the right place. Whether you're an indie author, a traditionally published writer, or somewhere in between, getting your book into libraries is both possible and profitable.
And yes, we’ve got a shortcut to help you do it. 👇
📚 Why Libraries Matter for Authors
Let’s break the myth that libraries only matter for prestige. In reality, libraries:
- Buy books (often from Ingram or major wholesalers)
- Stock ebooks and audiobooks through digital platforms
- Support local authors and diverse voices
- Drive word-of-mouth and fan loyalty
- Can purchase entire series once they buy one book
One of the biggest benefits? Libraries often auto-buy the rest of your series if readers are checking out Book 1. That means more pre-orders and long-tail revenue—without you lifting a finger.
💡 How to Get a Library to Buy Your Book
Libraries tend to buy books through specific channels and are more likely to purchase if your book:
- Has an ISBN and professional formatting
- Is available through IngramSpark and/or Baker & Taylor
- Has positive editorial or trade reviews (think Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Kirkus)
- Is available in print and/or ebook through platforms like Ingram, OverDrive, Hoopla, or Bibliotheca
- Looks like a traditionally published book (aka: pro cover, pro description, polished formatting)
Want to shortcut your way in? We’ve got you.
📬 Use Our Library Email Marketing Service
Librarians are busy. Our Library Email Marketing Service makes it easy for them to discover (and order!) your book.
We’ll send a professionally formatted email blast featuring your book to thousands of acquisition librarians across the U.S. It includes:
- Book cover and metadata
- ISBN and ordering info
- A short pitch and reviews if available
- Links to your preferred vendor or publisher page
🛒 Check out the Library Email Marketing Service
"This is the easiest marketing decision I’ve ever made. Librarians actually responded—and ordered my book!"
🏛️ Where Do Libraries Get Their Books?
Here’s where libraries typically purchase their physical and digital titles:
- Ingram – The #1 wholesaler libraries use to order books.
- Baker & Taylor – Another major supplier of print books to public libraries.
- OverDrive / Libby – The most widely used library app for borrowing ebooks and audiobooks.
- Hoopla – Known for simultaneous-use borrowing—perfect for popular titles.
- Bibliotheca – A favorite for libraries seeking global and diverse content.
- Direct from Publishers – Especially for academic or indie presses with unique offerings.
Libraries rely on these vendors to ensure books are cataloged correctly and delivered efficiently through channels they trust.
🚀 Where Indie Authors Should Distribute to Reach Libraries
If you’re self-publishing and want to reach library readers, here’s where to upload:
- IngramSpark – Makes your print book available through Ingram’s global catalog, which libraries use to order books. As of August 2023, Ingram no longer charges a setup fee, though they may charge for changes made more than 60 days post-publication.
- INAudio (formerly Findaway Voices) – Distributes audiobooks to OverDrive, Hoopla, Bibliotheca, and other major library apps.
- PublishDrive – Distributes ebooks to OverDrive, Bibliotheca, and dozens of global library systems.
- StreetLib – Offers wide international distribution, including access to niche or regional library networks.
- Draft2Digital – Their ebook distribution includes library systems like OverDrive, Bibliotheca, and more.
Pro tip: Most of these platforms are free to upload to or have low upfront costs. Libraries typically prefer a 35–55% wholesale discount on print titles, so be sure your pricing accommodates that.
📱 What About Library Ebooks?
Libraries also buy and lend ebooks—and it’s a huge part of modern discoverability. You’ll want to make sure your ebook is:
- Available through OverDrive/Libby, Hoopla, and Bibliotheca
- Uploaded via Draft2Digital, PublishDrive, or StreetLib
- Priced reasonably for library purchase (typically $5.99–$14.99)
You’ll also want your ebook metadata to be flawless: professional title, description, categories, and keywords can make or break library discoverability.
🧠 Library Sales Work for Traditional Authors, Too
Think this is just an indie game? Nope.
Even traditionally published authors benefit from proactive library marketing. Many publishers don’t promote to libraries at scale—or only focus on frontlist titles. If you want to:
- Sell more copies of your backlist
- Boost series visibility
- Reach new readers without discounting your book
...then you (yes, even if you’re traditionally published) can benefit from our outreach service.
📈 Want Even More Reach?
Consider bundling your campaign. We offer:
- Library & Bookstore Email Blast Combo – Get your book in front of two high-impact audiences for one low price.
- Follow-Up Email Blast – Keep the momentum going with a second blast to reinforce your pitch.
- Multi-Blast Packages – 3 or 5 unique blasts for continued reach, especially great for authors with multiple books or series.
Explore all the Library Email Marketing options here
💬 Final Thoughts from Your Book Coach
Libraries are quiet—but they’re also powerful. They can turn one reader into a fan, one purchase into a series order, and one campaign into consistent passive income.
Your book deserves a spot on the shelf—and in someone’s hands.
Let’s get it there.
You’ve got this—and I’ve got you.
💖 Lisa
http://author.coach