Yesterday I went to my local library to pick up a couple of books, because I obviously don’t have enough on my bookcase or Kindle or on NetGalley waiting for me, I’m ordering them from my library as well! Anyway I pottered in with the simple intention of collecting what was waiting. I had the book club book, The Chalk Circle Man by Fred Vargas and a non-fiction book about murders in Nottinghamshire, waiting.
Anyway, while I was picking up my books, I had a brainwave. Mmmm, I’m not sure I’d actually call it a brainwave. An idea came to me and I approached the library assistant and asked if she stocked self-published books. She looked bemused and shouted across the library to her colleague to obtain the answer. It seemed they thought I was looking for a specific book.
No. I clarified that I was asking because I wanted to know if they would stock a self-published book as I had written and published one myself and was interested in having it stocked. – What had come over me?!
This was a different matter, they seemed interested and helpful. Though they still didn’t know the answer or how it would be done, they told me to come back on Thursday when the manager would be in and we could sort it out then…..
*Terrified face*
I posted this information on my social networks and it seems from other indie author’s experience, libraries do indeed stock self-published books and my county does stock self-published books.
So the moral of today’s Insecure Writers Support Group post is that you have to step out there, beyond your comfort zone. Even when you’re not expecting it. Just do it. You never know what might happen.. Stretch yourself. In any capacity. See if something surprises you.
Though Shallow Waters is not yet available in your library, it is currently available on Amazon UK, Amazon US and Kobo.
I have one of my self-published books in 2 stores and getting it there was one of the most terrifying, uncomfortable, gut-clenching experiences I’ve ever been through. But I did it. And I have to do it again soon; asking more stores and libraries if they will take a chance on me. It’s not fun – but you did it! Good for you!!!
Thank you, Holly. It’s scary but it has to be done! I’m so glad it worked out so positively for you!
Never be afraid to ask!
I wouldn’t even tell them you’d self-published. Just go in there with a couple copies and see if they will purchase and put on their shelves.
I went in, Alex and she couldn’t have been lovelier and they are going to stock! 🙂
Great thinking, Rebecca. I’d imagine a lot of libraries do stock self-published work, especially if it’s something that’s of local interest, but wouldn’t be of interest in other areas.
I posted the question on Facebook and the response I got was overwhelming. I didn’t realise libraries did stock self-published titles.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Rebecca. It is sometimes hard to ask, but you never know until you do. And it’s really useful to know that sometimes stores and libraries do stock self-published books.
It was something I didn’t know Margot. Librarians really are lovely people as well! 🙂
OK, here’s a little support from a non-writer, but ex-library assistant. Absolutely ask. And just remember – Lisa Genova originally self-published STILL ALICE. And that is one powerful book.
Thanks Kay. I asked and they were lovely and said yes! So, so lovely and supportive. 🙂
Good for you! I hope you get a “yes” from the manager tomorrow and your book will be there soon.
Thanks Julie. I went and they said yes. The manager was so lovely and supportive. I couldn’t believe it! Cloud nine.
Good on you! I don’t see any reason why this wouldn’t work. (Other than the PLR issues – they are always huffy about book donations because of that). Good luck!
They were absolutely lovely Marina. It gets registered in their system and if it’s borrowed enough and around the county, they will buy more copies! She was so supportive it was unbeliveable. I’ll do a full update on the coffee post on Saturday but I’ll just say, I came out of their walking on cloud nine. I thought I would be treated differently because it was self published but she held my book, read the blurb and wanted to read it 🙂
Great suggestion, Rebecca. I’ve been meaning to do that. You’ve inspired me.
I’m so glad to hear that. I look forward to any updates in what this inspiration unfolds in your life Jacqui! x
Good for you being up front and direct! I’m learning for asking for things is the best way to get them, even if it’s terrifying to do so.
It is so terrifying. The good thing was that this time it wasn’t even remotely planned and I think for me, that is the best way. Going in when it was planned yesterday was harder, but I needn’t have worried, she was so lovely and supportive. They said yes to stocking me! 🙂
You might be terrified, but you are braver than I’d be. Good luck. I hope they realize what kind of gift they’ll be getting 🙂
Anna from Shout with Emaginette
Thank you Anna. I think the good thing was that it was totally unplanned. I had no intention of asking. It hadn’t even crossed my mind. All I was doing was picking some books up. I was more nervous going up yesterday when it was planned, but I shouldn’t have been worried, they were so lovely! And they said yes 🙂
Yay!
Rebecca, I liked the title of your post. It tells me “What have I got to lose?”
Thank you Prashant. I think sometimes we just have to go for these things. The things we really want, that are important to us, even if we are afraid. We need to step over that fear and deal with it. It all works out 🙂
Definitely worth the ask. My local library holds copies of all three of my novels and late last year the two book clubs read Ashmore Grief. I was then the guest of honour at an author Q & A hosted by the library. It all started with a humble query, “Would you like to have a copy of my novel?”
That’s just it isn’t it, that humble query! I’m so glad you have your books stocked!
Reblogged this on graemecummingdotnet and commented:
Sometimes the blindingly obvious is staring you in the face. When I get around to arranging a print version of Ravens Gathering (or any other book I end up writing for that matter), this is a must.
Yes, you definitely should! And thank you for sharing this.