What is your relationship with the library? Do you have memories of the long ago dark days when you couldn’t talk and if you did you were scowled at by the librarian behind the desk, or worse, shushed?
How things have changed. Libraries are spectacular. At lease in Melbourne they are. Not only do they house thousands of yummy books but there are copious amounts of resources that you can use for free. Fabulous programs and offerings to whet your appetite for learning and entertainment.
Many libraries have done away with that giant desk that separated you and the librarian and have become wonderful modern spaces with computer areas and places for sitting in quiet contemplation.
Books are my passion, so it’s no surprise that libraries (and bookshops) fit with this obsession, but why am I writing about them?
Libraries should be part of your marketing mix when you publish your book. Have you even thought about them in this way? Library programs are full of author talks, writing festivals and programming around a huge variety of topics from mental health, digital technology, gardening and crafts.
If you go and visit, or go to your local library website, you’ll be able to see what their programs are like and if there is anything that might fit your book. Many of them follow standard public events like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Children’s Week, School Holiday programs.
The best thing that you can do is start forming relationships with libraries (and bookshops) in your local area. Make friends with the library staff. They are not obligated to promote your book or to buy it (library suppliers do that) but if they see that an event can be created around your book and that their patrons would enjoy it, they will be happy to help you. There’s no cost to you and quite often the event will be listed in their program.
This isn’t a ‘build it and they will come’ scenario but it’s a way of creating relationships within your community and building a reputation for yourself and your book. Once you have something set up in a program, you can then go and spruik in on social media, on your website and even the local paper. Any chance that you can get to be in front of people to tell them about your book, the better. There’s nothing better than word of mouth.
Here’s another reason to love your library. The staff know books! They are a wealth of knowledge when it comes to people’s reading habits and what is new on the market. They will also be able to tell you what kind of events attract a bigger crowd. Use this resource to help you find ways to get your book into reader’s hands.
When was the last time you entered a library? I dare you to visit one today!
If you’re struggling with your book marketing, come along to our Publish for Profit group each month.
Blaise the book chick
