Forty years in the publishing trenches gives you perspective.

You see the shifting sands of trends. You see the old-school fall away and the digital revolution sweep in. You watch bookstores morph, authors evolve, and marketing redefine itself every other week. But through all the upheaval, one thing has remained constant: Libraries and schools are gold mines for exposure, credibility, and steady book sales.

If you are an author—especially a first-time author—getting your book into these institutions might feel like breaking into Fort Knox. But I am here to tell you: it is not impossible. In fact, with the right approach, you can absolutely get your book on those shelves… and in front of eager readers and curious students who will actually read it.

In a recent survey I conducted, aspiring authors kept coming back to this same question:
“How do I get my book into libraries and schools?”

This one is for you.

The Why: Why Libraries and Schools Matter

Let us set the stage.

Libraries and schools are not just passive repositories of books—they are discovery engines. They are where new readers are born. They are where word-of-mouth spreads organically. And they lend legitimacy to your work in a way few other placements can.

Libraries offer:

  • Long shelf life for your book (literally).
  • Access to readers who might never buy your book outright.
  • Opportunities for author events and readings.

Schools offer:

  • Curriculum tie-ins.
  • Book club opportunities.
  • Potential bulk sales.

It is not just about royalties. It is about visibility, prestige, and influence. Get into these channels, and you are no longer just another author. You are part of the conversation.

Step 1: Write the Right Book

I know, it sounds obvious. But let us be real: not every book is a fit for libraries or schools.

You must ask:

  • Is it educational?
  • Is it age-appropriate?
  • Is it relevant to a curriculum, current event, or social topic?
  • Does it promote literacy, empathy, critical thinking, or historical context?

Fiction? Great. Make it tie into an English or Social Studies theme.
Non-fiction? Even better—if it teaches, it sells (especially in bulk).

Pro tip: If you are writing for children or YA audiences, align with state educational standards or Common Core. Schools love that. Librarians respect it.

Step 2: Understand Library and School Decision-Makers

You are not pitching to a general consumer here. You are pitching to:

  • Library Acquisition Managers
  • Media Specialists
  • Curriculum Directors
  • School Librarians
  • Teachers with discretionary classroom budgets

These are professionals. They vet books thoroughly. They are thinking about content, reading level, thematic appropriateness, and value. They don’t want fluff. They want substance.

So how do you reach them? First, you need the right tools in your author toolkit.

Step 3: Make Your Book Library-Ready

If your book is not library-ready, do not bother. Here is what that means:

1. ISBN and Barcode

Every library book needs an ISBN and scannable barcode. That is your first step toward credibility.

2. Quality Production

Cheap paper, bad layout, typos? You are done. Libraries and schools demand professional formatting, editing, and design. Your book must look and feel like something that belongs on a shelf.

3. Library Binding or Hardcover Option

Libraries love hardcovers. They last longer and take a beating. If you are publishing independently, consider offering a library-grade hardcover edition via IngramSpark or a similar platform.

4. Dewey Classification and BISAC Codes

You need to help them catalog your book. A clear subject category is essential. List your BISAC codes and, if applicable, a Dewey Decimal suggestion in your metadata.

5. MARC Records

Library Acquisition staff use MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloging) records. These help integrate new books into their system. Services like The Donohue Group can create MARC records for indie titles.

Step 4: Get Reviewed (By the Right People)

One of the biggest gatekeepers for library and school adoption? Credible reviews.

That does not mean Amazon reviews. That means:

  • School Library Journal
  • Booklist
  • Kirkus Reviews
  • Foreword Reviews
  • Publishers Weekly

These are the five horsemen of approval. A starred or even a regular review from one of these sources opens doors.

Yes, you may have to pay for a review (Kirkus offers this for indie authors). Yes, it can take months. But it is an investment. And in this game, credibility is currency.

Step 5: Use IngramSpark or a Library-Friendly Distributor

Most libraries and schools do not order from Amazon.

They use wholesalers and distributors like:

  • Ingram (and its library arm, Baker & Taylor)
  • Brodart
  • Follett
  • Mackin

If your book is available through these platforms—with appropriate metadata and discounts—it has a fighting chance of getting picked up.

IngramSpark is indie-friendly and links directly into the library ordering system. Use it. Do not rely solely on KDP Print unless you are okay missing out on the institutional market.

Step 6: Create a One-Sheet for Schools and Libraries

Decision-makers are busy. They do not want to sift through a website or your entire Amazon page.

Give them a clean, simple, single-page PDF with:

  • Cover image
  • Book summary (2-3 paragraphs max)
  • ISBN, binding options, price
  • BISAC and Dewey info
  • Endorsements or review snippets
  • Ordering info (Ingram, Follett, etc.)
  • Author contact and website

This is your calling card. Keep it handy. Send it out with every pitch.

Step 7: Pitch Like a Pro

Now comes the outreach. Personalized, respectful, strategic.

Libraries
Send a letter or email to the Acquisitions Librarian or Collection Development Manager of your local public libraries—and then branch out regionally or by theme. If your book is set in Colorado, target Colorado libraries.

Schools
Start local. Approach teachers, media specialists, or PTA reps in your area. Offer a free copy to preview. Volunteer for a reading day. If it fits the curriculum, suggest a classroom adoption and offer a discount on bulk orders.

Be persistent, but not pushy. You are helping them solve a problem: getting quality content into young hands. You are not selling snake oil.

Step 8: Offer to Present or Teach

Author visits are a secret weapon.

Libraries and schools love events. It promotes literacy, builds community, and gives them a reason to buy multiple copies.

Offer:

  • A free 30-minute talk (with book purchase)
  • A paid author visit (with workshop)
  • A virtual Q&A with students

If you are good in front of a room, use that. If not, team up with a speaker or facilitator. Either way, being present in the educational space amplifies your book’s value.

Step 9: Leverage Awards and Endorsements

Winning a reputable book award? Big bonus.

Some award programs that get library and school attention:

  • IPPY (Independent Publisher Book Awards)
  • Foreword INDIES
  • Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards
  • Nautilus Awards

Also, any endorsement from a teacher, librarian, or academic? Use it. Post it. Print it. Quote it on your marketing one-sheet.

People trust people in their profession.

Step 10: Think Long Game

Getting your book into libraries and schools is not a “launch day” activity. It is an ongoing campaign.

Keep track of who you have contacted. Follow up (gently) every 6–8 weeks. Offer new tie-ins—”This book supports World Book Day” or “Use this during Black History Month.”

Keep creating value, not just noise.

Bonus Tips for Indie Authors

Here are a few extras I have learned over the decades:

  • Library Events: Participate in Indie Author Day (every October). Many libraries showcase local authors then.
  • ALA Events: The American Library Association runs major conferences. Consider exhibiting or partnering with a group booth.
  • OverDrive & Hoopla: Want your ebook in libraries? Get it onto OverDrive via Draft2Digital, PublishDrive, or Smashwords.

Final Thought: You are Not Just Selling a Book. You are Starting a Relationship.

Remember: libraries and schools are not your one-time customers. They are your allies.

Treat them with respect. Speak their language. Offer value before you ask for sales.

With every author visit, every donated copy, every thoughtful email, you are building a network that will support your writing career long after the launch glow fades.

Because once your book is in the system—especially in a school or library system—it can stay there, circling, inspiring, and selling, for years.

Keep pushing. Keep connecting. Keep writing.

And never forget: even in this digital, fast-paced, algorithm-driven world… books still matter. And the gatekeepers of knowledge—our teachers and librarians—still hold the keys.

Let us get your book through the door.

—
Don Schmidt
The Book Kahuna
Book publishing professional, educator, and your go-to guide for navigating the wild world of getting published.

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