5 steps that Canadian authors should follow if they want to get their self-published books into Canadian libraries!
The process for Canadian authors trying to get their books into libraries across Canada can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to. In the rush to self-publish your book, it’s easy to forget that there’s a whole building full of books in every city filled with readers just waiting to discover their next ‘favorite’ Canadian author.
Unless you’re a best-selling author with a big following, getting your book into Canadian libraries will involve a bit of hard work on your part. Still, by following the steps we list below, you can see your book on libraries in your province and across Canada.
In 5 steps for Canadian authors to get their books into libraries, we’ll cover:
- Do Your Research
- Smiles Secure Library Shelves
- Creating A Sell Sheet
- Wholesale Availability
- Author Events
If you’re a Canadian author selling copies of your book locally, and you’re looking for a wholesale Print-On-Demand company to support your efforts to put physical copies in local libraries, check out Complete Guide to IngramSpark Publishing for Canadian Authors, where we discuss everything you need to know about creating an IngramSpark Publishing account and much more.
1. Do Your Research
The first step in getting your book added to any library is visiting their website, calling them, or dropping in to find out what system they use for accepting self-published books.
Another option is to contact the head librarian in charge of your specific genre. For example, if you self-publish children’s books, reach out to the procurement librarian who’s in charge of children’s books.
Each province will have specific contact information, and it’ll be easier to start with your home province first and then expand to other provinces once you have the first province locked in.
List of Canadian Libraries Contact Information:
- Ontario Public Libraries Directory
- Alberta Public Library Directory
- British Columbia Public Library Directory
- Manitoba Public Library Directory
- New Brunswick Public Library Directory
- Newfoundland and Labrador Public Library Directory
- Prince Edward Island Public Library Directory
- Quebec Public Library Directory
- Saskatchewan Public Library Directory
2. Smiles Secure Library Shelves
It doesn’t matter if you’re doing an in-person visit, phone call, or email. The number one rule is to smile and always be polite and approachable. If you develop an email template or form email to send to the appropriate person, once you learn their name, make sure you address them personally. This way, they’ll know and appreciate that you took the time to do your homework and care enough to address them by name rather than to whom it may concern.
3. Creating A Sell Sheet
Create a sell sheet that includes the book cover, publisher, title, available formats (paperback, ebook, or hardcover), ISBNs, book description, reviews, editorial reviews, awards, and how it can be ordered. While it’s tempting to try and squeeze every piece of information into your sheet, keep it as short as possible while still being impactful and conveying the information it needs to.
You can incorporate your sell sheet into your email approach, print it out and bring it for in-person visits, or have it as a downloadable PDF.
4. Wholesale Availability
If you want libraries to stock your book, they need to be able to order it somewhere. When ordering books, the most popular wholesalers, book stockers, and libraries in Canada utilize Barker & Taylor (Canada and the US) and WhiteHots (Canada). Some libraries may also be able to order directly through IngramSpark Publishing. If your pitch is successful, the library can order your book immediately. The aim is to make the entire procedure as easy and hassle-free as possible.
5. Author Events
Libraries love authors who are willing to do in-person events. It could be as simple as an author question and answer, a new book reveal, an author reading, and book signings. It’s an hour or two of your time to potentially recruit new readers and ensure that when stocking your next book, the library is already on board and happy to help.
Don’t just rely on the library to promote your author’s events. Please spend some time promoting the event so that you show you can draw a crowd and that you’re invested in any author event they plan.
5 Steps for Canadian Authors to Get Their Books into Libraries | Conclusion
Getting your self-published book into local libraries and bookstores is crucial for Canadian authors focusing on in-person sales and building up a local following. Hopefully, by following the 5 steps we listed above, you’ll be able to successfully see your book listed in your province and across Canada in no time.
If you are writing a book and need any assistance with paperback or ebook formatting, cover design, professional editing, uploading to self-publishing sites such as Amazon KDP and IngramSpark, or Amazon KDP keyword and category research, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We also offer children’s book illustrations and formatting services.
For Canadian authors still considering whether or not Amazon KDP is the best self-publishing option for them, check out The Complete Guide to Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing for Canadian Authors, where we cover everything you’ll need to know about getting started on Amazon KDP for the first time.
If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below, and we’ll do our best to answer them or point you in the right direction.
