It's worth getting to know your local library and
librarians. They will often be willing to stock your book if it can be ordered
through the distributor Bertrams. All of ours can.
Can you offer your library something else? Can you give a
talk? You won't be paid for this but you may be able to sell a few books and
you can raise awareness about your writing.
My own local library network has been offering something
rather nice recently: early evening or Saturday "afternoon" tea with
an author reading. These have generally been authors published by the small
press, so we live in hope.
If you know your librarian well, you can often organise a
bigger event such as a half day workshop for which you can make a charge. Some
libraries have access to funds they can use to pay you a fee which will be
about the same as a day's supply teaching.
If you're planning to offer a bigger event, prepare some
detailed plans before you pitch to your librarian even if s/he has become a
good friend.
Your library will be able to help publicise your event. They
can have it on their website, put it in their newsletter, have leaflets in the
library and pass on details to other libraries. However you will also need to
do your bit.
Of course any reading groups may be willing to read your
book. They might even invite you to attend though that might be a little scary.
It's not a bad idea anyway to join your local library. It's
a great way of accessing free books and getting to know what is going on
locally.
This is an extract from So Now You're Published, What Next? If you are published by one of our imprints, this book is free of charge. Contact me if you have had a problem downloading it.
