New England Library Association Conference October 19, 2014 Advice for Librarians Amid the Upsurge in Self-Publishing

Muddy Waters What the heck is a self published book anyway? In some cases, authors pay a service like XLibris, Createspace or Lulu to print their books. Some authors buy an ISBN and create their own publishing house label. Oftentimes, these books look as though they might come from a traditional small publishing house. Some are print on demand Most have no editor… and sometimes it shows Most of them are not reviewed

The Big Problems (The Dream Crushing Monster Speaks) Volume Time Quality Lack of interest “People are more interested in writing self- published books than in reading them.” ~Roger Sutton, Editor in Chief of Horn Book magazine

The Big Question As librarians, what do we do with these books, and how do we respond when authors want us to host author events to promote their books?

Answers Look to your Collection Development Policy. This policy is your best defense whether you want to add a self-published title that is later challenged by a patron, or deny the addition of the book to the collection. Ask if the author is local. Think about whether your community would be interested in this book. Inquire about any reviews, perhaps in local publications, or in Publisher’s Weekly’s periodic self published titles review column. Consider your phone or introduction to the author. Ask if the author is willing to donate a copy of the book. Consider your library’s reputation.

How to Support Self Published Authors in a Way that Works for You Too Offer a low key event with minimal library involvement Start a special collection of self-published books that highlights local authors. Give it a separate shelf and see how things circulate. Host a Self Published Authors Night Offer advice on how get a better response from libraries Provide self published authors with resources about local writers groups and other opportunities to promote their work.