By Kathryn Haueisen

I’ve yet to meet the author who claims getting to market their books is the reason they write. Like most authors I love playing with words and editing them. The publication process is tedious, but predictable and manageable. But, oh my, how I dread the marketing required to sell books. I was raised by a librarian, so I’m partial to libraries. That’s why I turn to libraries to help me market my books. People who frequent libraries are hard core readers. I’ve identified eight benefits of looking to libraries for marketing help.

1. There’s no charge for a table and no need to cart one to the event. Library staffs provide a display table and chairs.
2. The library promotes the event. Of course, I also promote when and where I’ll be speaking.
3. Library events are usually inside, so no worries about weather predictions.
4. Library audiences consist of serious readers who came specifically to learn about the author and their books for up to an hour.
5. Libraries usually let authors sell books at events. Sometimes they’ve ordered them and have them there. Other times the authors bring their own copies to sell.
6. Libraries usually pay an honorarium from $50 to $100 or more, depending on the size of the library.
7. Libraries generally purchase books from Ingram or Baker and Taylor. If an author’s books aren’t sold through either of those, the library may accept a donated copy. Assuming the author is paid to speak, it’s still a good deal.
8. Authors can ask attendees to sign up for their e-mails, thus growing an author’s mailing list.

How to approach libraries

Most libraries do community outreach programs, so any author with an interesting program to present usually gets a warm reception.

1. Create a Compelling Program. Rather than a blunt “buy my book” approach, think about an informative and inspirational angle that relates to the book, but isn’t just a book report. Although, a very short reading of up to three to five minutes is usually welcome. Since my books are about the Mayflower voyage, I focus on life in Europe in the 16^th and 17^th centuries and the first encounters between Europeans and Indigenous peoples. My presentation includes photos taken while doing the research.
2. Prepare a Handout. I distribute a timeline about the English Monarchy of that era. Another historical fiction author wrote about one of the first female doctors. She provides a detailed bibliography of books about pioneer women in other fields.
3. Plan Far Ahead. How might your book tie in with themes such as Black, Women’s or Indigenous People’s history months, Earth Day, or national holidays? Let the librarian know how your presentation would connect with one of those. Larger libraries plan their calendars months in advance, so time your approach accordingly.
4. Be Flexible. Adjust your fees according to the size of the library’s budget. Be willing to speak when most convenient for the library calendar, which might be evenings or daytime on weekdays or weekends. I’ve spoken at several libraries via internet.
5. Be Prepared. Study library websites to become familiar with their programs and staff. If you can’t locate the name of the staff handling programs, call and ask for the right person, along with their contact information.  
6. E-mail and Call. Send a detailed e-mail about your presentation, including information about you, your presentation, and your book(s). Follow with a phone call, as e-mails are easily lost or buried.
7. Say “Thank You.” Librarians work hard to keep their circulation options current and relevant. Thanking them for their significant contributions to the community helps increase the chances of being invited to do another presentation at that library or another one.
   
   

Befriend librarians, prepare an interesting presentation and handout, and set aside time to approach libraries about doing a program for them. Doing so will increase awareness about the book you’ve worked so hard to write and publish.

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Bio: Kathryn Haueisen has published numerous books and over a hundred articles while serving congregations and non-profits as a pastor. Since retiring she’s focused on writing historical fiction accounts of the Mayflower voyage and first encounters with Native Americans. She speaks often at libraries and other venues about a variety of topics. Follow her at https://HowWiseThen.com or https://kathrynhaueisen.substack.com.