editorial

Getting Books into Libraries: Do They Buy Self-Published or Small Press Books?

Irene Watson

The other day I got an email:

My understanding is that libraries do not buy small press and self published books EVER, except if it is a local writer who has been reviewed by a local newspaper...  what? I donated one of my books to the [removed] Library where I live and they sent it back because the [removed] had not reviewed it. I thought that was amongst the more bizarre business experiences... Do they or don't they buy and approx how many independent book stores are there? 

Ohhh...there are so many self-proclaimed experts that spread rumors saying libraries don't buy books that are self-published or published by a small press!  The rumors probably started because a book was rejected by a library he or she approached.  Yes, libraries do buy or accept self-published or small press books...

For example:

Origins by Joe Konrath (2009) CreateSpace is held in 10 different libraries.
My Blood Approves by Amanda Hocking (2010) CreateSpace is held in 54 different libraries.

You are probably saying "these are well known authors."  Yes, but don't forget Amanda Hocking only became known recently because of her super-duper marketing to her target audience.  And, according to many of the reviews it's not even a well written or edited book.

But, how about these books from self-publishing firms aka vanity/subsidy:

The Beads of Lapis Lazuli by Doris Kenney Marcotte (2010) Outskirts Press is held in 5 different libraries - MO, KY, UT, OH, and CA.
Dying to Live: Embracing the Journey by Joanne Harvey (2010) AuthorHouse is held in 4 different libraries.
Friends 2 Lovers by Jonathan Anthony Burkett (2010) Xlibris is held in 3 different libraries.
Still Standing: The Story of SSG John Kriesel by John Kriesel as told to Jim Kosmo (2010) Beavers Pond Press is held in 23 different libraries. Most people don't even know who John Kriesel is but his story is available in more libraries than that of known author Joe Konrath.

And then there are truly self-published books:

Creating a Healthy Life and Marriage by Judith Desjardins (2010) Spirit House Publishing is held in 12 different libraries.
The Book about Tony Chestnut by Laurie Monopoli (2010) Hug-A-Chug Books is held in 11 different libraries.

Then there are small presses:

Beyond Schizophrenia: Michael's Journey by Susan Frances Dunham (2011) Modern History Press is held in 6 libraries - IL, OH, DC, CA, MA and even New Zealand.

My own book The Sitting Swing: Wisdom to Know the Difference (2009) Loving Healing Press is held in 12 different libraries. I know for sure that all of these libraries purchased the books because I certainly didn't donate them and neither did my publisher.  I did donate to two local libraries and I know they are on the shelves but not cataloged into WorldCat.org.  Unfortunately not all libraries, due to shortage of staff, list on that site.  The exciting thing is I see that Superiorland Library in Marquette, MI is holding my book and cataloged it on WorldCat.org.  I was in Marquette in May as a key note speaker at a writers' conference and donated a book to the library.

So, for someone to tell you that libraries don't buy or accept donations from self-published or small press authors consider it as bunk.  It is absolutely not true.

Mind you, not all libraries buy or accept donations.  Each individual library or library system has their own set of guidelines they go by.  Some don't buy any books other than those published by large publishing firms or accept donations but some are even able to buy books through Amazon.com or any other source rather than just through a distributor.  You may want to listen to this interview with two librarians that I co-hosted on AuthorsAccess.com to hear first-hand from two librarians.

As well, if libraries didn't buy self-published or small press books why would over 20,000 public librarians sign up for our monthly eCatalog that lists available books?  And, why would we get daily signups to receive the publication?  Answer:  Because they DO buy self-published or small press books.

As for the question approx how many independent book stores are there? the answer is that I don't have a clue. All I know for sure is that just over 3300 signed up to receive the monthly eCatalog.

So...before listening to self-proclaimed experts and taking their word as gospel truth I encourage you to do your own research and find out the truth for your own self.  Do you have any experiences to share? I'd like to hear from you here.

PS - update on the Amazon vs. Reviewers:  Authors Lose saga - as of this writing we have over 2500 reviews reposted...only about 4500 to go.  We have re-posted all the Reader Views Kids reviews and are well on our way in the Reader Views section.

PSS - did you know you can read previous editorials?

featured this week

Nonfiction - Psychology, Self Help, Inspiration

Nine Insights For A Happy And Successful Life

Mitchell Earl Gibson, MD

Tybro Publications (2011)
ISBN 9781463538088
Reviewed by Joseph Yurt for Reader Views (7/11)

Synopsis

The greatest achievements in human history have been attained by those individuals who strive to elevate themselves above the everyday ebb and flow of life. This yearning to achieve is central to our search for happiness. We want to laugh, to sing, and to feel good at the end of the day as much as we might wish to do anything else. Happiness is an art. If you wish to practice this art, you must first decide that it is something that you want, above everything else. People that choose to be happy will at some point wake up to a day filled with smiles, joy, and laughter. If they are lucky, they will remember that day, focus on its high points, and strive to repeat it.

Before too long, another happy day will appear, seemingly out of the blue. People around them will wonder why they seem to be so different. The reason will not be found in surface changes. The Nine Insights For a Happy and Successful Life emerged from author Mitchell Earl Gibson's own life long desire to help thousands of people find happiness. Happiness is a gift that we bestow upon ourselves each time that we embrace the joy that breathes within. This book outlines two main themes that will guide you on the road to happiness.

Read review of The Nine Insights For a Happy and Successful Life
Listen to interview on Inside Scoop Live
Visit authors' website

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Fiction - Mystery, Thriller, Suspense

Stolen Secrets: A Dr. Cory Cohen Mystery

Sandra Levy Ceren

Modern History Press (2011)
ISBN 9781615990689
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (7/11)

Synopsis

A woman reveals her most intimate fantasy, a stolen secret which could lead to murder! A strait-laced patient in San Diego running for District Attorney is threatened by a midnight phone caller who knows her dirty secret--her fantasy of living as a prostitute--a secret she shared only with Dr. Cory Cohen. After confronting her therapist, she vanishes.

In Stolen Secrets, by Sandra Levy Ceren, Cory wrestles with her patient's disappearance, the security breach and the potential harmful effects on other patients. Further, Cory is stalked, and her quarters burgled, forcing her to escape an unseen enemy and sending her on a spiraling trail of deceit, betrayal, blackmail and murder.

Read review of Stolen Secrets
Listen to interview on Inside Scoop Live
Visit authors' website

Spotlight - reader views literary awards winner

First Place Winner in History/Science

Bedside: The Art of Medicine by Michael A. LaCombe

University of Maine Press (2010)
ISBN 9780891011187

 

Michael A. LaCombe, MD is a graduate of Harvard Medical School. For eighteen years he practiced general medicine in western Maine and for the past twelve years has practiced cardiology at Maine General Medical Center in Augusta, Maine. The first author to write fiction for medical journals, he has published over one hundred short stories and other literary pieces.

Dr. LaCombe has given public readings of these stories at universities and medical schools across the country and internationally, and together with Broadway performers Barbara Barry and Paul Hecht, he performed five of his stories at the Mayo Clinic, which performance has been taped and used for the teaching of ethics and humanism in various medical schools and residency programs. He has served as a visiting professor of medicine at over forty medical schools and university hospitals, including Yale, Harvard, and UCLA.

Synopsis: The collection of stories in Bedside: The Art of Medicine, though fiction, are a rich depiction of Maine people–doctors, nurses, patients, and families; and their stories ring true in every sense. In this volume is the story of the Biddeford-Saco general practitioner who used a secret code with his office and local pharmacist to help indigent patients. A Jewish atheist tells an ‘innocent tale’ to a dying young girl. While fly-fishing, two old doctors drink fine wine from jelly glasses and consume dropped-eggs on hash while grousing about the state of education today. An old country doctor, at Death’s door, tells a young colleague a love story, and shows him how to live.

Read review of Bedside: The Art of Medicine
Visit author's website

Enter Literary Awards Program
List of 2010 Literary Awards Winners

Spotlight - reader views literary awards winner

Second Place Winner in History/Science

Still Standing: The Story of SSG John Kriesel by John Kriesel as told to Jim Kosmo

Beaver’s Pond Press (2010)
ISBN 9781592983377

Capt. Jim Kosmo retired from his fulltime job as a U.S. Coast Guard licensed Mississippi riverboat pilot with the Padelford Riverboat Co. in St. Paul, MN in 2008 to spend more time writing and discovering summer activities off the river. Although still a partner in the riverboat company, he recently wrote Still Standing, the five time national award winning book about Minnesota National Guard soldier John Kriesel who was very seriously injured in Iraq. Kriesel survived, recovered and went on to serve on a new battlefield--the Minnesota House of Representatives.

Synopsis: When SSG John Kriesel lost his legs and two buddies in a roadside bomb explosion, no one expected him to survive. He died three times on theoperating table. Miracles, a lot of miracles, starting with a few grunts who refused to let him die in Iraq, ripped the young warrior from the grip of death and sent him on to four hospitals, thirty-five surgeries, and months of recovery and rehabilitation. Medical miracles put his body back together, but it was an incredible confluence of angels at every step along the way that breathed life into his shattered body.

Still Standing is not just another war story. This is the story of an ordinary young man who overcame extraordinary challenges with a lot of help from others, including many strangers, and he emerged stronger and more in love with his country, his wife, his children, and ultimately, his own life.

Read review of Still Standing
Visit author's website

Enter Literary Awards Program
List of 2010 Literary Awards Winners