Authors for Libraries

One of my favorite places in the world is a library because, for the most part, when I'm there I have the whole world at my fingertips. 

It's easy for me to get lost in a library. Once I step inside and start exploring, I lose track of time going from one thing to another. 

It's wise for me to have a "to-do" list so I can stay somewhat focused on my initial purpose for venturing down those hallowed shelves.

Of course, much of the excitement for me in going to the library is to have no purpose at all except to explore the books, music, magazines, newspapers, movies and anything else I stumble upon in my journey.

The other day I was in a hurry and returned books that were due that day. On my way out, I couldn't help but take a look at some of the books and media being offered at the used book store, operated by the Friends of the Library group. I ended up purchasing four books and three CDs.

I recently joined Authors for Libraries, which is part of United for Libraries, a division of the American Library Association.

Why did I join? Well, some of the reasons are mentioned above. I believe libraries are vital to communities by what they have to offer. And they're free (with support from tax dollars)for anyone to use.

And because I'm an author, I feel it's important to offer support for places that house my works as well as those of thousands of other writers. Furthermore, it's somewhat of paying back since I've done research for my books at libraries.

And the benefit will be mutual since it will connect me with libraries and vice versa for presentations, speaking engagements, and ways to promote writing and reading.

So my message to all those authors out there: Support your local library!

Behind the Scene

Self-publishing puts an author in the driver's seat. But that doesn't mean he/she is carrying the whole load.

Sure, the writer produces the words that make the book, but you have to consider some other parts such as who turns the manuscript into a book? Who delivers it to stores and/or websites? And who provides royalty payments?

While those folks are often unseen and unheard, they work behind the scenes to keep the proverbial ball rolling for the author.

As those who follow my blog already know, I self-published for the first time when "Laments" was released in August. I hired an editor, cover design, and formatter to get the manuscript in shape and ready for the market.  I probably could have done those things myself, and many authors do, but I wanted input from others, much like I get through a traditional publisher.

I've done some marketing and promotion for the book -- much like I've done for previous books -- but I still rely on companies such as CreateSpace, Smashwords, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble to serve it up to the public and provide me with royalties through their accounting departments.

I hope you can see, that while I've self-published, it's taken the assistance and support of others to make it all happen. 

Until the next time…

Support Your Local Author

There are several ways to show support for your favorite authors and you don’t even have to purchase their books.

Probably the easiest way is to word-of-mouth. If you like (or dislike) the book, tell other folks. Continue the dialogue by asking others what they're reading or what they'd recommend.

Another way to show support is to visit websites such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads and Shelfari and leave reviews of the books you’ve read. They don’t have to be elaborate and long. Simply a few sentences on why you like,  or didn’t like a book, and give it a rating.

If you don’t like to write (because you prefer to leave that up to writers), you can just leave a rating for a book. Or if you see a review you like, such as  those on Amazon, click to show that it was helpful or wasn’t helpful to you.

You also can join discussion groups that are provided at book-related websites. While you're expressing an opinion about a book, or author, you can also read opinions from others that can help guide you to new books and authors.

And another way to show support for authors is by checking out their books in the library. Librarians keep tab on circulation, and those books that gather dust on the shelves often end up in library book sales. You also can request a librarian to order a book for the their collection. Librarians like recommendations because they realize quite a few good books fall through the cracks.

Of course, if you want to spend a few dollars to support your local author, you can buy their books.  But I think you already know that.

Until the next time...