Beyond Amazon: How to Get Your Book Into Libraries and Bookstores
Image courtesy Brilliant Books
In today's digital-first publishing landscape, many independent authors focus exclusively on online retailers—particularly Amazon. While these platforms offer valuable opportunities, they represent only a fraction of the potential market for your books.
Ready to expand your reach beyond Amazon? Download the FREE complete PDF guide on how to get your book into libraries and bookstores!
The Untapped Potential of Physical Book Spaces
Did you know that American libraries serve nearly 1 billion in-person visits annually? Or that independent bookstores have experienced a renaissance, with sustained growth over the past decade—largely driven by Millennials and Gen Z who value authentic community spaces? Perhaps most surprisingly, physical book sales continue to outpace ebooks in many genres.
These physical spaces offer six powerful benefits that can transform your author career:
1. Wide Exposure
Libraries and bookstores put your work in front of vast audiences you can't reach through online marketing alone. These are readers who might never discover your book through algorithm-driven platforms.
2. Extended Visibility
Libraries keep books in circulation for years (unlike online platforms that give you a brief promotional boost when you publish your book), while bookstores provide crucial front-facing visibility that online retailers can't match.
3. Trusted Curation
Librarians and booksellers serve as influential recommenders whose suggestions carry more weight than algorithms and ads. When a librarian or bookseller recommends your book, it comes with built-in credibility.
4. Community Connection
Physical spaces connect your stories to local reading communities and events that build your regional presence. These face-to-face interactions create deeper relationships with readers than online marketing ever could.
5. Credibility Building
Seeing your book on actual shelves validates your work to readers in ways that digital-only publishing cannot. There's something about seeing your book on a shelf that just can't be replicated online.
6. Reader Loyalty
Physical book spaces cultivate dedicated readers who are more likely to explore an author's entire catalog once they discover your work. As a voracious reader myself, I get all my books from the library. Once I read a book I love, I put every single title by that author on my to-read shelf and start following that author to find new titles.
Yet many independent authors overlook these markets entirely, believing myths like "libraries only want traditionally published books" or "bookstores won't stock self-published titles." In this post, I’m going to shatter those myths and give you a very clear, actionable roadmap to get your book into these extremely valuable ecosystems.
Understanding Your Buyers
Before diving into strategies, it's crucial to understand how libraries and bookstores make their purchasing decisions, as they differ significantly from online retailers.
Library Acquisition: What Matters to Librarians
Image courtesy Harbor Springs Library
Acquisition librarians build collections for long-term value and community service. Their decisions prioritize:
Collection Development Policies - Libraries follow specific guidelines about what materials they acquire, based on community needs, budget constraints, and institutional mission.
Professional Reviews - Librarians rely heavily on reviews from trusted publications to evaluate books, especially from unknown authors. In today's climate of increased scrutiny, many libraries require 1-2 professional reviews in their purchase orders as documentation.
Wholesaler Availability - Libraries primarily purchase through established channels like Baker & Taylor, Ingram, and OverDrive for digital content. They rarely purchase directly from authors or through consumer platforms like Amazon.
Proper Metadata - Libraries need detailed cataloging information to properly integrate books into their systems. Think about it—their main job is connecting books with their patrons, and metadata is how they help find these books.
Patron Requests - Community demand plays a significant role in acquisition choices.
Bookstore Acquisition: What Matters to Booksellers
The author of this post, in my favorite section of the bookstore :)
Bookstore buyers focus on commercial viability and quick turnover. They require:
Standard Industry Discount (40-55%) - Bookstores need adequate margins to make stocking your book financially viable. Without these standard discounts, most stores simply can't afford to carry your title.
Returnability Through Distributors - The ability to return unsold copies is often non-negotiable for physical bookstores. This risk-mitigation practice is standard across the industry.
Cover Design and Quality - The visual appeal and professional presentation of your book matter tremendously in the bookstore environment. Quality design signals quality content to browsers.
Regional/Local Relevance - Books with connection to the store's community have better chances of being stocked. Local authors or regional content creates stronger selling points.
Author Promotional Support - Bookstores want to know you're committed to helping sell your book through events, social media, and other promotional efforts.
Understanding these acquisition processes is the first step toward successfully breaking into these valuable markets. The path to these markets isn't as mysterious or closed off as many authors believe. With the right approach and preparation, you can navigate these channels successfully.
Setting Up the Right Distribution Channels
For libraries and bookstores to acquire your book, it must be available through the specific channels they use for purchasing. No matter how perfect your book might be for their collection, without proper distribution, it simply won't reach these markets.
Essential Distribution Platforms
Bowker: Owning Your ISBNs
When you purchase ISBNs through Bowker, you maintain complete distribution control over your book. Many authors make the mistake of using free ISBNs provided by Amazon or other platforms—but these severely limit your distribution options.
The Critical Facts:
Libraries and bookstores often can't order books with platform-specific ISBNs
Each format of your book (hardcover, paperback, ebook, audiobook) requires its own ISBN
Owning your ISBNs establishes you as the publisher of record in industry databases
Invest in your own ISBNs—ideally a pack of 10 since you'll need separate ones for each format of your book. This upfront investment opens doors to distribution channels that would otherwise remain closed to your work.
IngramSpark: Reaching Wholesalers
IngramSpark is the distribution backbone that connects your book to virtually all libraries and bookstores. Two settings are absolutely critical here:
Enable returnability - Bookstores simply won't order books they can't return
Set your trade discount between 40-55% - This makes your book commercially viable for retailers
Yes, these settings cut into your per-book profit, but they're necessary to access these markets. IngramSpark places your book into the databases and ordering systems that librarians and bookstore buyers use daily.
Draft2Digital: Accessing Library E-Markets
Draft2Digital connects you to digital library platforms where millions of readers discover new books (including the popular Libby app used by millions of readers). This distribution channel is becoming increasingly important as library e-lending continues to grow.
The Critical Facts:
Draft2Digital distributes to major library platforms including OverDrive, Hoopla, and Baker & Taylor
These platforms serve thousands of library systems nationwide with millions of patrons
Library e-lending creates discoverability and introduces your work to new readers who may purchase your other titles
Through Draft2Digital, you can tap into the growing library ebook and audiobook market without having to establish individual relationships with each platform.
Professional Reviews: Your Golden Ticket to Libraries
When it comes to getting your book into libraries, professional reviews are absolutely your golden ticket. They are, without question, the primary gateway to library acquisitions.
Two Paths to Professional Reviews
Image courtesy Foreword Reviews
1. Pre-Publication Reviews: The Gold Standard
The most valuable reviews come from established publications that libraries trust and reference during their acquisition process. These include Library Journal, Booklist, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, School Library Journal, and Foreword Reviews.
The Critical Facts:
Submit 4-5 months before your publication date to meet review timelines
These coveted pre-publication reviews are free but competitive, with editorial selection based on quality and market relevance
Reviews must be obtained before publication for maximum impact on library sales
Libraries rely heavily on these publications because they provide objective, third-party assessments from industry professionals. Many library systems now require 1-2 professional reviews in their purchase orders as documentation, making these reviews essential rather than optional.
2. Paid Review Options: A Valuable Alternative
Image courtesy Foreword Reviews
If your book is already published or wasn't selected for pre-publication review, several reputable services offer fee-based professional reviews: Kirkus Indie, Foreword Clarion, and BlueInk Review are respected services designed for indie authors.
The Critical Facts:
These reviews typically cost $300-$550 but provide essential library credibility
Reviews are distributed to major industry databases that librarians consult - Ingram, Bowker, and Cengage
A strong, positive review from a respected service can be the difference between your book being acquired by library systems nationwide or being passed over entirely
While these paid reviews don't carry quite the same weight as pre-publication reviews from the major outlets, they still provide the professional assessment that libraries require and can significantly increase your chances of library placement.
P.S. Get 15% off a Foreword Clarion Review as my thanks for reading this far! Use the coupon code INDIEAUTHOR15 to claim your discount when you checkout.
Metadata: The Discovery System for Your Book
Metadata is all the descriptive information about your book that helps libraries, bookstores, and readers discover it. Without complete and accurate metadata, even the most exceptional book becomes virtually invisible in library and bookstore ordering systems.
When acquisition librarians search for new titles, they use specific parameters like "middle-grade mystery" or "literary fiction addressing mental health." Your metadata determines whether your book appears in these crucial search results.
Essential Metadata Elements
BISAC Subject Codes - These subject categories tell buyers exactly where your book belongs. Be precise rather than general. For example, instead of just "FICTION / General," use "FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Historical" for a historical mystery.
Professional Book Description - Craft a compelling description that includes key subject terms and themes. Highlight elements and keywords that would appeal to library patrons or bookstore customers in your genre.
Age and Audience Information - Clearly specify target age ranges, reading levels, and audience categories. This is especially crucial for children's, middle grade, and young adult titles.
Keywords - Include specific terms related to themes, settings, and topics covered in your book. Think about what readers interested in your subject matter might search for.
Contributor Information - Complete author biography, credentials, book awards, and previous publications. For libraries especially, author expertise on the subject matter can influence acquisition decisions.
Metadata Best Practices
Use specific rather than general terms
Include geographical information when relevant
Be accurate and honest in all descriptions
Update metadata across all platforms when changes occur
Review competitor metadata in your genre for insights
Proper metadata implementation isn't just a technical requirement—it's a crucial marketing tool that ensures your book reaches its intended audience. Take the time to develop thorough, accurate metadata before submitting to any distribution channel.
My FREE PDF guide includes complete metadata optimization templates! Download now to get access to all my tools and worksheets.
Professional Sell Sheets: Your Book's Sales Flyer
Book sell sheets created by Foreword Reviews design services.
A professional sell sheet is a one-page document that showcases all the essential information about your book in a visually appealing format. Acquisition librarians and bookstore buyers review hundreds of titles monthly. A well-designed sell sheet immediately communicates your book's value and provides all the information needed to make a purchasing decision.
Key Elements of an Effective Sell Sheet
Book Information
Title and subtitle
Author name
ISBN
Publication date
Page count and binding information
Price
Publisher/imprint name
Distribution channels (Ingram, Baker & Taylor)
Specific ordering instructions
Marketing Elements
High-quality cover image
Compelling book description (100-200 words)
Brief author bio highlighting relevant credentials
Professional review quotes or endorsements
Awards or special recognition
Contact information (author website, email address)
Without this professional presentation, even exceptional books may be overlooked in the competitive publishing landscape.
Local Connections and Personal Touch
Despite all our digital advances, the book industry still thrives on relationships. Your local connections can be your most powerful pathway into libraries and bookstores.
Start by researching your regional library systems. Each system has different collection priorities and community focuses. Take time to understand their specific needs and acquisition processes.
Similarly, identify independent bookstores in your area. These stores often have more flexibility in their buying decisions than chains, and they value relationships with local authors.
If your book has any local or regional content or connections, make sure to highlight these prominently. Libraries are particularly invested in building collections that reflect their communities.
Networking is crucial here. Join local writer groups and organizations where you can connect with other authors who have successfully placed books in libraries and bookstores. Their introductions can be invaluable.
Don't miss opportunities at regional book festivals and library conferences. These events often allow you to meet acquisition librarians and bookstore buyers directly, creating connections that digital submissions simply can't match.
Start Your Journey Today
Breaking into libraries and bookstores isn't as mysterious or closed off as many authors believe. The key is understanding how these markets work and positioning your book properly to meet their specific needs.
By setting up the right distribution channels, securing professional reviews, creating complete metadata, and developing professional sell sheets, you can significantly increase your chances of seeing your book on physical shelves.
Remember: Professional reviews are a critical element in library acquisition decisions. Without proper distribution, metadata, AND reviews, even exceptional books often fail to meet library purchasing requirements and remain overlooked by acquisition librarians.
Ready to take action? Download my FREE comprehensive PDF guide for the complete roadmap to get your book into libraries and bookstores!
About the Author
Hi! I'm Josie, cofounder of Evergreen Authors and advertising executive at Foreword Reviews. My mission? Helping indie authors get their amazing books into libraries and bookstores and connecting great stories with the readers who need them.