DISTRIBUTON ...

FRIDAY

I love distribution because it offers so many opportunities to get your message (book) out to the world. As we mentioned, in a previous post, there are any number of places to sell your book if it matches their audience needs. Understanding your audience is critical just like when writing, launching, publishing or marketing.

Your book might or MIGHT NOT be a viable option for the buyer. Don’t waste their time or yours. Do a little research and come back and review these posts when you are working on your distribution plan. That’s right you need a Distribution Plan just like you need a Writing Plan, a Launch Plan, a Publishing Plan and a Distribution Plan. These can be mini-plans or one big plan with tasks or activities, and costs under each area of the 5 Secrets to Publishing Success.

I am going to start at the top of our list and make my way down it each week. Today I will be sharing some strategies for approaching Public Libraries, Prek-12 Grade Public and Private Schools.

Public Libraries

Almost everyone’s book is going to be a viable purchase for a Public Librarian whether a Children’s Book, Fiction or Non-Fiction. Most Public Libraries have patrons of all ages from small children to older mature or senior adults. Larger Public Libraries will have Children’s Librarians and Adult Librarians, so if you go into the actual Library, call them or email them, you need to find out that information first.

Get or ask for the appropriate person. Be considerate of their time. Introduce yourself …

“Hi, I am Liz Lawless, a local author who writes children’s books about Black Cowboys, do you have a few minutes for me to share a little about my book(s)?”

If they say “Yes.”

Great … continue telling them a little about your story and eventually ask “Can I send you or your book buyer some additional information.”

If they say “No.”

Then ask, “Is there another time that would be better or can I email or mail you some information?”

Schedule another time or get their email or regular mail address and send the information … AND ALWAYS THANK THEM for their time or talking to you.

Even if they do not make the actual purchasing decision, they probably can recommend books they would like to see on the shelves. Introduce yourself, tell them a little about your background and a little about your book or why you wrote the story. Give them an honest reason to buy and recommend your book(s) to their patrons.

PreK-12 School Libraries (Public or Private)

If your book is a leadership book for corporate managers then the PreK-12 Public or Private School may not be the best use of your time.

However, if you have a story about animals, cars, healthy eating, growing up, girls or boys, from babies to elementary or into their teens, then this is YOUR Distribution audience.

Start with the School Librarian, find out their name, email and phone number. Many schools today have their own websites where you can find this information. Develop your own mailing list of schools near you. This might take a little time or you can pay a Virtual Assistant or use AI to do this task.

Once you have a list, start calling them. Use a similar scipt like th one I offered above just modify it to fit the person, title or situation. The best time to call is between the hours of 9-11 am or 1-3 pm (when they are not doing start of day, lunch or after school duty). If you are able to talk with someone, they will almost always ask you to send something. (In case they have to share it or get permission from a higher authority or committee).

Be sure you have a flyer you can print or pdf file you can email: with your photo, book cover, cost of book, where they can purchase the book (direct from you or a wholesaler) and a short description of the story and your background, any cost to speak to their children and staff, and a way to get in touch with you. This is something you can use over and over again with different distribution channels so spend a little time making it look good.

If the Librarian is not available work your way down the list: what about the Principal or Curriculum Director? If you get one of them again — good news — be courtesy then give your pitch. The Librarian, Principal and Curriculum Director (language arts, science, math and social studies) usually have discretionary funds (a small budget) they can spend how they want on special activities.

If none of them are available ask for the Parent Teacher Association President’s Name and Contact Information, explaining that you are an author and you know sometimes they (PTA) bring in speakers or plan special events for the kids to supplement learning.

Private Schools might be able to make a quicker decision about buying your book or having you do an author appearance or book reading to the children.

If you are not afraid of sales and want to go BIG then start at the District or ISD Headquarters Level and find the Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum Director, Library Director, Special Needs Director or Other Director that oversees the area that relates to your particular book or topic. Use a similar script like I shared above.

So here are a few of the first Distribution Channels where you can sell your book. Good luck.

Cheers to your distribution success, Liz