My favorite royalty check comes from the library. Four times a year, I send a newsletter to my readers reminding them that my books are available through libraries.
Libraries want to buy books that their patrons want to read. I’ve found it more effective to have readers go in and request my books. When a local patron goes and talks to the librarian, libraries often purchase copies.
The reader gets access to books for free.
The library serves its community.
The author gets paid.
Win. Win. Win.
To make this strategy work, I make sure all of my books are available through the OverDrive library catalog. As indie authors, you can access OverDrive through distributors like Kobo Writing Life or Draft2Digital.
Then I educate my readers.
I tell them about Libby. Hoopla. OverDrive. All the wonderful library apps that allow them to borrow ebooks and audiobooks without leaving home.
I’m a reader first. I currently have four library cards from three different states plus Washington, D.C. I have a voracious reading appetite, and multiple library cards allow me to access more catalogs, more hold queues, and more books. It’s how I feed my reading addiction while saving money. And the beautiful thing is that authors still get paid when library systems license and circulate our books.
Again: win, win, win.
The other reason I love this strategy is that it acknowledges reality. Sometimes readers are struggling financially. Sometimes they’re choosing between books and groceries. Sometimes they’re simply trying to stretch their entertainment budget.
I’d much rather have a reader discover my work through a library than not discover it at all. Which is why I regularly remind them that libraries exist. Below is a generic version of the email I send four times a year. Feel free to adapt it for your own readers.
SUBJECT: Your Library Has My Books
I know times are hard for a lot of people right now.
Groceries cost more.
Bills cost more.
It feels like everything costs more.
When life gets heavy, many of us turn to stories.
We watch movies.
We listen to music.
We read books.
Stories give us a place to rest for a little while.
If your budget is tight right now, I want to remind you that my books are available through your local library.
Many libraries offer ebooks and audiobooks through apps like Libby, Hoopla, and OverDrive. All you need is a library card.
And if my books aren’t available yet, most libraries have a simple form where you can request titles you’d like them to carry.
So if you’re looking for your next great read, don’t forget about your library.
Visit your library.
Get a library card.
Talk to a librarian.
Bring home a stack of stories.
Happy reading!
If you’ve never reminded your readers about libraries, consider adding it to your marketing calendar. It’s simple, reader-friendly, and one of the easiest ways I know to help more readers discover my books.
Want to support me during these trying times. Grab one of my craft books that can help you level up!
Australia pays authors through libraries too and my books are there. Thanks for the newsletter post Ines. I’m going to use that.
Such a great idea! The UK treasury pays authors resident in the UK royalties for library borrows. We need a federal law in the US to do that.