How to Get Your Books Into Libraries Using Ingramspark with Lisa Rabey of Nerd Girl Industries

I’m excited to welcome back Lisa Rabey of Nerd Girl Industries, a book distribution expert and librarian, to tackle a topic she gets asked about constantly: how to get your self-published book into libraries. Lisa explains that while authors may worry about losing sales to free library checkouts, the real benefit is free marketing and promotion. Libraries promote books through end caps, displays, newsletters, and social media, and readers who discover you at the library often go on to buy your backlist, sign up for your newsletter, and follow you online. Lisa also explains that books get pulled from collections based on age, popularity, and circulation numbers, and you have no control over when that happens or what happens to the book afterward. Libraries may donate, sell, recycle, or discard weeded books, and they will not contact you to return them. She walks through the key tool for pitching: the sell sheet, which should be only one page. Crucially, only include reviews from professional sources like Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, BookPage, or local newspapers and magazines. Check the library's online catalog for your comp authors to see if the library's community matches your book's audience. If your book spans multiple genres or niches, create two sets of comps to cover both areas. Keep writing, keep dreaming, and keep creating. Your book is waiting to be born! Ready to write your authority-building book? Book a Path to Publishing Discovery Call and take the next step to moving one step closer to writing and publishing your book! Podcast Resources Looking for support to self-publish your book? Join me in my Skool Community filled with leaders who are adding “author” to their bio. Unsure how to turn your idea into your book? Download your Book Clarity Blueprint today! Get 20% off Lisa’s Shop when you use the code HILISA Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. The content shared by the host, guests, and any affiliates is not intended to substitute for professional legal or financial advice or any professional advice specific to your situation. Always seek the advice of a qualified professional with any questions you may have. The opinions expressed on the show by the host or guests are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Publishing Company. Unicorn Publishing Company, the host, guests, and affiliates are not responsible or liable for any decisions made by listeners or actions taken hereto based on the information discussed in this podcast. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree to release Unicorn Publishing Company, the host, affiliates, and guests from any liability.