Some libraries like you more than others

Forgive Ms. Obie Joe's near-obsession with libraries as a market; it's just that, for many small publishers, libraries are rich Uncles for granting visibility and sales for your book.

Even though an author or publisher can connect the Acquisitions Editor for an library system, one can also move copies by contacting the sole Acquisition Editor or Head Librarian for a particular branch. Ms. Obie Joe thinks each branch has its own flair, and some might match your book more than others.

This morning, Ms. Obie Joe escaped the home office for the library's quiet. Of great distraction, though were the shelves of the new books. Dozens of photo narrative books. Like candy for Ms. Obie Joe's other obsession. Apparently the orderer at this branch loves photo narratives.

Sure thing Ms. Obie Joe will ferret the name of this fellow fanatic the next time Obie Joe Media represents a photo narrative book.

(photo by Rebecca Lepkoff, from Life on the Lower East Side, Princeton Architectural Press)

Listening to librarians

For those authors and publishers waiting for national distribution and media, or big box orders, it is wise to cultivate the interest of libraries. Each library system can be worth an order of an average of 20 copies.

There are a few essentials in catching the interest of libraries:
• Make sure you garner a prepublication review in the Library Journal. Your review might not appear in the print edition, but an online review is still worthwhile.
• When you get media -- a review, a feature on you, or whatever -- make sure to send a copy of the clip, along with your book, and a request for a speaking engagement. Granted, the speaking engagement is a dim possibility (libraries have become even reticent than chain bookstores in setting up events), but you probably will get a book order.
• Read blogs by librarians to vibe their language and their zeitgeist. One of Ms. Obie Joe's current favs is the peeping from this former librarian. Gotta love the industry language: Copies of The "Condition have been received in most libraries; holds to copy ratios are ten to one in some libraries." Apparently how many holds are ordered display interest, but Mr. Obie Joe wagers how long the book circulates is the long-term view.
• Participate in a co-op mailer. This involves sending about 1,200 fliers to the major library systems, using the mailing list and distribution system of a small publisher. Sam's got one we've used, but make sure to take care with the design. Librarians received an onslaught of book marketing materials, and it can be tough to catch their attention.

But not impossible.

TIP: Call your library

One of the best ways to juice your Amazon ranking (beyond writing a good book?) is to solicit your friends, family, work colleagues, and perhaps neighbors to place an order the first week of a book's release. Or, soon after a huge media appearance.

Don't forget to solicit friends and families for placing orders that won't cost them a dime. When a library orders a book, they tend to order many copies. For a recent title in poetry promoted by Obie Joe, we hit the jackpot with each library order, usually averaging 20+ books.

Ask your friends and family to call their local library to place a hold on the book. If told the book is not in stock, ask to have the book ordered. It may take a few calls before the library orders the books, but eventually a library will.