How do I get my book into libraries?

Libraries are one of the most underused distribution channels in indie publishing, and I think it is because most authors do not understand how library acquisition works.

Libraries do not buy books the way readers do. They purchase through library distributors — primarily OverDrive (which powers the Libby app), Hoopla, and Baker & Taylor. As an indie author, you cannot walk into your local library with a box of books and expect them to stock your title. You need to be in the system.

The simplest path is through Draft2Digital. When you distribute through D2D, you can opt in to their library distribution, which feeds your ebook and audiobook into OverDrive (Libby), Hoopla, and BorrowBox. This is a checkbox during setup. It costs you nothing, and D2D takes their standard commission from any library purchases.

For print books, IngramSpark is the gateway. When your paperback or hardcover is listed on IngramSpark with the "returnable" option and a standard trade discount (typically 55%), libraries can order it through their normal acquisition channels. Most libraries use Ingram's catalog as their primary ordering system, so being on IngramSpark makes you discoverable to librarians nationwide.

Libraries matter beyond the obvious. Library readers are some of the most loyal readers in the world. They read constantly — often 50-100 books per year. When they find an author they love through a library borrow, they frequently become buyers of that author's future books, especially hardcovers and special editions. Libraries are a discovery engine, not a revenue drain.

The royalty structure is different from retail. Library ebook licenses are typically purchased as "one copy, one user" with either a metered license (expires after 26 borrows or two years) or a perpetual license. You get paid for each license purchased, often at a price close to the retail ebook price. It is not a lending library where you get pennies — the economics are surprisingly good.

A note on the "returnability" question. When you set up IngramSpark, they ask whether your book should be "returnable." The publishing industry expects books to be returnable — bookstores and libraries order on the assumption they can send unsold copies back. If you mark your book as non-returnable, most bookstores and many libraries will not order it. The risk is that returns eat into your profit if a store orders 20 copies and sends 15 back. In practice, returns are rare for indie books because orders are small. Turn returnability on. The access it gives you is worth the theoretical risk. The 55% discount: IngramSpark asks you to set a trade discount. The industry standard is 55% off the list price. That means if your book lists at $15.99, the retailer pays about $7.20. Seems steep, but this is how the entire bookstore and library system works. If you set a discount lower than 55%, most retailers simply will not stock your book. Swallow it and price your print edition high enough that you still earn a reasonable margin after the discount and print cost. Action steps: 1. Distribute through Draft2Digital with library distribution enabled 2. List your print book on IngramSpark with returnability turned on 3. Set a 55% trade discount on IngramSpark (this is what libraries and bookstores expect) 4. Email your local library's acquisitions department and request they stock your book — many libraries prioritize local authors 5. Check Libby periodically to confirm your ebook appears in the catalog — distribution can take 2-4 weeks The local library angle: Do not underestimate the power of being a "local author." Most public libraries have a dedicated acquisitions process for local writers. Some have a local author shelf or display section. Email your library's acquisitions librarian (not the front desk — find the right person on the library's website) and introduce yourself. Mention that your book is available through Ingram and OverDrive. Include your ISBN and a brief description. Many librarians will order the book on the spot if you make it easy for them. Some will even invite you to do an author talk or signing event, which is free publicity and direct access to the most voracious readers in your community.

One library order often triggers more. Libraries share catalogs and purchasing recommendations through regional consortiums. If one branch orders your book and it circulates well (gets checked out multiple times), other branches in the system will add it. That single email to your local librarian can cascade into statewide distribution.

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