America’s 123,000 libraries purchase nearly $2 billion worth of books annually, according to statistics from the American Library Association and the Book Industry Study Group. Nonfiction books are especially well suited to library sales. To sell fiction to libraries, it’s helpful to have reviews in journals, book awards, or a strong local tie-in, such as a novel being set in the region.

Here are ten tips on how to sell to libraries:

1. Publish a library-friendly book. Library books take a lot of abuse, so libraries prefer books that are sturdy. However, given the choice between a hardcover and paperback edition, they may choose the paperback because it’s less expensive. Libraries generally will not purchase books with spiral or other nontraditional binding, and they don’t like books with “fill-in-the-blank” pages.  Nonfiction books should have a good index and preferably a bibliography. Librarians also prefer to purchase books that are cataloged using CIP (cataloging-in-publication) data.

2. Get your book reviewed in a library journal. Library purchasing decisions are based largely on reviews in the major journals. It’s impossible for librarians to keep up with the huge volume of books being published, and they value the screening process that the journals provide.  Eligibility and submission instructions vary by publication, so read the requirements carefully. Unfortunately, the journals can review only a small percentage of the books submitted to them. If you aren’t able to get reviewed in major journals, play up your other reviews in your marketing materials.

3. Make sure your book is available through major library wholesalers such as Baker & Taylor and Ingram. The majority of library book purchases are made through wholesalers, and some libraries won’t order directly from small publishers.

4. Apply to work with a library distributor such as Quality Books or Unique Books, if you have a nonfiction book.

5. Solicit testimonials from librarians to add to your marketing materials, and play up any awards the book has won.

6. Contact libraries in your area to inquire about programs for local authors, and contact libraries in towns you visit. Let the library know about your events or media coverage in the area, such as book signings, radio interviews, or newspaper feature stories.

7. Look into speaking opportunities at libraries, like lectures and readings. In some cases you can sell copies of your book at your event or even get paid a speaking fee. Sometimes these events are organized by the “friends of the library” or other similar volunteer groups.

8. Send direct mail to libraries, either on your own or through co-operative mailings. Address mail to the Collection Development Librarian for your subject area, and include a flyer with book details and a list of wholesalers and distributors that carry your book.

9. Consider donating a sample copy of your book to a few top library systems, to encourage purchases for branch libraries.

10. Exhibit at library tradeshows through co-operative exhibit programs such as those offered through the Independent Book Publishers Association, Combined Book Exhibit, and other organizations.

Excerpted from The Savvy Book Marketer’s Guide to Selling Your Book to Libraries by Dana Lynn Smith.  For book marketing tips, get a free copy of the Top Book Marketing Tips ebook on Dana’s book marketing blog and follow @BookMarketer on Twitter.

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In what looks like a scene from an old science fiction movie, many people appear to have stopped dead in their tracks when it comes to moving their business forward, paralyzed by fear and unable to take action. There are still others who have lost jobs in industries undergoing dramatic shifts yet they continue to pursue similar opportunities within the same industries, only to find out repeatedly that those once familiar opportunities just aren’t there anymore.

Yet on the flip side, there are an equal number of people who appear to be thriving in this new economy, seemingly unaffected by the doom and gloom being reported. Why is this so?

The rules are changing for entrepreneurs and small business owners and those who are embracing the new models and taking action are thriving. Here are some of the basic strategies:

• Pursue your passion. It’s not just about making money anymore, it’s about doing something you love. Customers want authenticity and know that you have their best interest at heart at all times. This happens naturally when you’re being true to yourself. Additionally, coming from this place of high service leads to prosperity in business.

•Build a support team. The “Lone Ranger” syndrome is not sexy anymore and could be a formula for disaster. Learn to ask for and RECEIVE support from those that have taken a similar journey. Allow Mentors to show you the ropes, open doors for you, inspire you and help you be accountable to yourself.

•Create Multiple Revenue Streams. This is a time to stop trading time for dollars and start packaging your skills and talents to create products and services with varying price points. Maintain your premium price points and begin adding lower price point items or begin bundling services to provide additional value. Even Starbucks recently announced new price points and product combinations yet still maintains a high level of service and brand integrity.

•Build a subscriber base. People are more likely to buy from those they have an existing relationship with. That’s difficult to do unless you have the opportunity to regularly communicate with a potential customer. It’s important that businesses take the time to collect basic contact information from everyone who crosses their path and use the latest technology tools that allow for regular follow up via phone, email or snail mail.

•Collaborate with others for promotional purposes. The “dog-eat-dog” model of doing business has fallen by the wayside. Those who are succeeding are creating win-win opportunities for cross promotion and bundling of products and services. It’s crucial that we support each other by formulating ways to build value for our customers, endorse our colleagues, and tap into each other’s markets.

•Incorporate Web 2.0 and Social Media strategies. If you haven’t tapped into this new paradigm or plan to, you’re absolutely missing the boat.  The power of this medium was evidenced during the last presidential campaign as Obama stunned McCain’s camp with his ability to quickly raise large sums of money, mobilize millions of volunteers and regularly get his message across to the masses. Social Networks such as Facebook and Twitter, in addition to some of the other Social Media tools, have made it virtually effortless to connect to potential customers, employers, as well as movers and shakers in your industry.  Large corporations have even tapped into this resource to track market changes and quickly survey customers so they are constantly staying ahead of the game. The barriers have come down and the playing field is more “even” online so what used to be considered an afterthought should now be at the forefront in any marketing plan.

•Provide solutions to problems. It’s not just about selling more stuff. It’s important to regularly communicate with your market to truly understand what their immediate needs are and to then craft products and services that are true solutions to those needs. The more in alignment your business is with this philosophy, the more in demand you’ll be.

•Automate your marketing platforms. There are a variety of methods you can employ to reach your market but whatever methods you employ, you want to systematize and automate your processes to allow you to reach the masses with increased frequency. More often than not, customers respond by making a purchase only after multiple encounters.

•Celebritize yourself. Become an authority figure, the media “go-to” person and the face of your company. People connect with people, especially those who can quickly establish their credibility. There are a plethora of media opportunities for those who have a story to tell or an expertise to share.

One of the most important things you can do as an entrepreneur is to give yourself permission to do your dream and realize that success is possible for anyone who allows it. Challenges are usually related to your own limiting beliefs that get in your way. Learn to break free of them by planning to succeed!

About Maria Simone
Maria Simone is an entrepreneur, speaker, author, conscious business “architect” and marketing expert who has been featured in the media for her expertise. She has helped thousands with the exact “next steps” they need to take to package their ideas, attract investors, develop a steady stream of customers and create revenue. Her book “Passion 2 Prosperity: Instant Ways To Profit From Your Skills and Talents”, with bonus gift offerings, is a how-to of setting this type of system up for yourself and can be found at www.passion2prosperitybook.com

Hear the recent SYNERGY ENERGY SHOW where Maria Simone was a guest

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