How to Get Your Book into Libraries Across the US
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ธ.ค. 2017
- This video has an updated version you can access right here: • How To Get Your Book I...
If you're self-publishing a book and hoping for library distribution you'll need to watch this video. Here’s a detailed description of how to get your book listed in the Library of Congress, and set yourself up to be in the librarians database.
Library distribution could be a dream come true for an author. There are more than 119,000 libraries across the United States ... so that is a lot of potential book sales if they buy your book.
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Video transcript:
Imagine your book in the biggest collection of work in the US if you want to see your book in libraries across the United States and in the Library of Congress stick around.
Maybe you've been focused on getting your book in bookstores or worrying about what its gonna look like on Amazon but you might not want to forget about all of the libraries there's over a hundred thousand libraries in the United States now if you want to get your book in libraries there's a few things that you can do but one of the most important is getting that Library of Congress listing.
You want to know how there's three criteria your book must fit in order to qualify for a Library of
Congress listing and that doesn't necessarily guarantee you'll get the listing but it's where you need to start the first thing is your book can't be published yet very important if it's already published and you haven't got your listing it's not gonna happen.
NUMBER TWO:
Book has to be published in the United States and on your copyright page you need to list the address of your office in the United States where they can send inquiries.
NUMBER THREE:
Your book must be available in print so ebook only not eligible so assuming you fit those three criteria here's what you need to do you're gonna head to this link let me show you you're applying for the PC in which is the pre-assigned Control Number program it's the only
option available to indie publishers now that link that you're heading to that's the link for the Library of Congress pre-assigned Control Number program.
When you get there click this to open an account make sure you qualify so give all this exciting text a read to make sure because there are some exclusions like mass market trade paperbacks text books and magazines and such assuming you qualify go ahead and complete the application to participate.
You'll have to enter information like the publishing house your ISBN number and the contact details of the person in charge by the way have all this information handy because you're gonna need it when you go to get accounts with create space or Ingram spark or other print-on-demand providers so just keep it by your desk for the next little while because you're
gonna be asked for this information a lot.
It doesn't guarantee a listing nor does it ensure libraries will carry your book but because you have to do it before you publish if you think you might want library distribution and this is what you need to do now you're done that part you may want to take a final step and invest a hundred dollars to get a PC IP data block created so what is all this well David wolken has a great book that will help you with all this riveting stuff from ISBN numbers to copyright to registration and it explains clearly what this PC IP block is now just because I didn't know what
it was at first either this is the PC IP block and basically if you get this you'll have to spend about a hundred dollars to have somebody who knows what they're doing craft that block of numbers and letters when you have that it puts your book on the online database for librarians to access and they'll know what it all means so if you haven't published your book yet and you're US based I highly recommend you at least do the free portion of this and if library distribution is really important to you and something you're going to pursue then go the extra step spend the
hundred dollars that it costs typically to get your PC IP and get your book listed in libraries so you can access that huge extra distribution market.
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Thank you for helping writers to the right direction of listing their books in the libraries and all your extra effort in other areas as well🙂
You're welcome!
Thanks, good information. I'm about to publish my book and think that I might want to take advantage of this option.
Another great video that is unbelievably helpful thank you.
Thanks Julie! I love your videos! Always helpful. You’re awesome!
You are so welcome! :)
Very helpful info I got my PCN immediately.The PCIP file format took longer of course because of the tags, but hope to finish tomorrow. Yhanks
This is the only source that breaks down how I need my LCCN and PCIN. Wish I would have seen this earlier. Still got er done a few days before publish date of Underprivileged Overachiever: A Crenshaw Story.
Good luck!
THANK YOU SO MUCH!! I am working on the final illustrations for my children's book and this really helped!! I want to see my book in libraries :) I am going to do readings, meet and greets with my furry inspirations ie my little dogs, create a video book with animations, Spanish version (have an interperator on it) and more. I submitted to several publishers however, I am going forward as if I am doing it alone as you can not wait for other people to make your dreams come true. :) Thank you again, I'll check out the other videos as well.
Thanks Paul! All the best of success for your book. Let me know when it's out. I have an avid little reader in my house.
Book Launchers awesome! Thank you so much. I certainly will :) I found book launchers on FB and liked the page. Are you on Instagram too? That's my main following @skylerandfriends. If you like cute dog pics you'll love my feed lol. I have 5 furry children and they like to be pampered and dressed up haha.
Go to the library and ask. This will give you the best chance of getting in the library. I have found that often times people are miss led by misconstuded facts.
Absolutely well done!
Thank you!
Great post!
Thank you, i am watching your vids since a while... overwhelming all these details to be taken into account when self-publishing, but you explain really terrificly.
I live in Belgium. I have spent over a year preparing the English edition (pro translation, proofreading, etc) of my late mother's memoir. She was a German who lived 30 years in the chaos of the Cuban revolution and became a celebrity there with own radio and TV programs on sex education and planned parenthood. I just learn from this vid that this memoir would not qualify to be listed by US Congress Library, because the (c) address, my address in Belgium, won't be an US address... that is a hard blow, since getting into libraries was my biggest hope. I want impact. I want this story, whis has been erased from the records by the Cuban regime, reach out. I foresee donating sales revenues (having in mind Planned Parenthood). But the closer I get to pushing the button (scheduled for March 2022), the less hope i have.
Have you watched this? th-cam.com/video/2YHgaaRMH5c/w-d-xo.html
Also - publish your e-book through Draft2Digital and your e-version of the book will be one step closer to library distribution too.
Thanks 😊
Good video. I did not know you needed to include your address in the copyright page to allow communications.
Thank you so much for saying hello!
If you liked this video, and you’re looking for guidance to write your book you will LOVE my book: Self-Publish and Succeed. You can grab it here: www.selfpublishandsucceed.com or if you have a non-fiction book written and you’re looking at launch or post-launch marketing support, this is the book to read for that: selfpromoteandsucceed.com/ And you can even get it free in audio format here: selfpromoteandsucceed.com/audio
Love your videos. I went to the library and checked out new books. None of the books contain a PCIP or block text listed in this video. And I know that our library also does the work to make the stickers for their Dewey Decimal and author stickers and bar codes for the book. Just an FYI.
I'm loving your videos and they are helping me a lot as I prepare to launch my first book (self-published). I'm interested in having a professionally prepared PCIP block. Where do I find someone who can do that for me? Can it be done online just as I have been doing with Library of Congress, Bowkers for ISBN etc. Keeping my eye out for advice here. Thanks in advance. Melinda
Great video! I do have a question. Once a manuscript is completed. I would inquiry about the library Congress first BEFORE pub and then get book in a print copy afterwards? So doing something like Ingram spark or create space would be a no go if I want to go the library route? I was a little confused on this.
I Thank GOD 😇 and I thank you 😉that was REALLY good information to know 😎😃😎
Glad you enjoyed it
Great info. I am a self-publisher and I got a LCCN. After I publish the book are we supposed to mail a copy to the library of congress? if so, do you the address to send it?
Hi July, you always have GREAT videos. I've found them extremely useful in my pursuit of authoring my first book. Questions for you, I'm Canadian and I'm interested in Canadian distribution..how can I get my book in the Canadian library system?
It needs to be set up with Ingram and then it's really about cold calling and or having people request it at their local branch. My books are in some libraries in Canada but not all ... sales and demand are what work to get the librarians attention. I did events at libraries locally and that worked too.
Great info. I want to self-publish. I have a written and completed manuscript. I have a book cover. What next? PCIP? LCCN? ISBN? I get the impression there is a specific sequence to this.
ISBN -> LCCN (if you get it ... if not ... it's ok) -> PCIP.
I love your enthusiasm and information.
There is a friend that wants me to upload his/her book to goodreads but when i try to look it up on goodreads the ISBN or title does not come up why may that be?
Hmmm well we sometimes have that issue prior to a book being available for sale via Ingram Spark but I am not sure what other causes of that there could ... except the fact that the search functionality on Goodreads isn't always very good. Try the title plus the authors name ...
So informative! Just ordered the book from Amazon. Thanks.
Hello Julie! What if your book is not published in the US but Printed and sold there can you still get a LCCN?
Great video as usual! Question. If I need to make changes or updates or have more editions to my book, do I need to update the information for the library of Congress also? Also, if I come out with another edition to my book that hasn't been released yet, is it possible to then get that new book into libraries if I've already published my initial edition?
These are really great questions and I am not sure about the other editions. I would think you do have to update but I haven't personally done that. You can get any book into libraries if it has an ISBN ... takes work but you can do it. Getting it into the Library of Congress though I am not sure.
@@BookLaunchers Thanks so much!! I'll look into it more or will call if I have to.
YOU are a true diamond 😉
Thank you!! :) There's a more recent one on getting into local libraries - did you see that one. This one is more about getting into the Library of Congress which is tough on the acceptance.
Awesome video You said you should use a business address.should I use a Po.box which can be very costly per month do you any suggestions.
Sometimes you are not allowed to use a PO box. Only you can assess the risks but I've always used either my residence or my business office address.
What do you recommend entering for Publishing House in the PCN form for the LCCN? Do I use my home address and my name as the Publishing House?
You need to use an address ... I personally created a fictitious business name for my business (also known as a DBA) so that I had a publishing company name and I used my business address. But yes if you don't have any of that your name is what you use.
What if I don't want my home address listed publicly in every book I print?
How do you get the ISBN# and where does it come from or what is it?
Hi, great video! does the libraries pay you for the copies they take or get?
Yes but only once. They buy the book, you get paid once no matter how many people borrow it. Through Hoopla your e-book will pay you per borrow though.
Nice
Hey Julie Need to update youtube. Preassigned Control Number Program has changed. Need to update. Can't find publisher Information Change Request page.
Great. 🙂
Thanks for the visit
Applying for mine right now! Question: as a self publisher, is the "City of Publication" field where I live, or wherever IngramSpark's printing center is located?
Hmmm I always put the major city nearest to me but I'll have to double check what we recommend to clients.
Book Launchers Okay! Thank you
Hi. The Library of Congress website has changed. You don't see the Create a New Account" anymore.
Yes this video is due for an update. I put it in the line up ...
If you are in the UK but you use more than one ISBN number and publish a UK edition and an American edition of your book, and you also have a relative with a US address, can you still apply to have it listed in the Library of Congress? Or do you have to be an actual US citizen? Does a US edition of your book (with a separate ISBN to the UK edition) count, especially if you list your relative's address for that section?
And if I have already published a UK edition and it is in print, but decide to publish a US edition and am still in the set up stage, then does that also count as already having been published (because of the UK version)? Thanks.
Hmmm this really sounds like it might be worth a conversation with a lawyer ... seems like you might be walking a lot of questionable lines so I am not sure. Good luck!!
Hello I just added my book to amazon, I am self publishing so should I take off amazon so I can get in library? I have lccn and copyright. I also have the block information. Not sure what else am missing
You don't have to take it off Amazon to be in the libraries - in fact Libraries buy books from Amazon all the time!
wow, I thought every book in print with an ISN was listed in the Library of Congress, I thought it was automatic.
I love your videos. :) I'm confused though. How can your book be available in print for the Library of Congress if it's not published yet?
It's not ... you just have to take these steps BEFORE it's published or it won't be eligible to be listed.
good question to ask. i love to know the answer to that as well.
ok it just has to be listed this way before its published...got it
This great is does this apply if your with a small indie publisher?
Probably :) You'd have to speak with them about what their process is currently.
What if you don't have a business address? can you list a personal one? What is the reason for having the address? Also, where do you get that label to put in your book? Also, is it important to list your copyright number in your book or is it okay to just say copyright and the year?
You can list a personal one - I think you pretty much have to list an address but you can always investigate further as things do change. This video on libraries: th-cam.com/video/V9SCuoIuT9c/w-d-xo.html and this video on copyright will help you: th-cam.com/video/CNWfiAiiKGM/w-d-xo.html
QUESTION -- I'm self- publishing. I can use my business address as the Publishing House (if I don't want to use my personal address) ?? I'm confused because isn't a Publishing House a location/business that publishes books? But my personal business has nothing to do with books, etc. ---- Thank you in advance!
The address doesn't really get used for much except mailing you checks but it is publicly available in some places so you may want to use your business address vs your home.
Hello Julie,
What is the difference if you only do the first step and don’t get that number you mentioned. Please provide some clarification. Thanks
I know this was a little confusing so I did shoot a new video: th-cam.com/video/2YHgaaRMH5c/w-d-xo.html
Hi, I am in the process of having my manuscript published through Amazon publishing. In my initial consultations, they never mentioned I would need an attorney to register with the library of congress. I pushed back on that, as I've sent material to the library of congress years prior. How do I get my ID numbers so I can fill out the form online and have you heard of this experience with Amazon via an attorney.
That's a bit odd actually - while attorneys are almost always valuable you don't need them for LOC.
Is the PCIP and the LCCN and the PCN the same thing?
No. This video should clear it up: th-cam.com/video/V9SCuoIuT9c/w-d-xo.html
My book is being published by a university press. This video tells you how to do the listing, but once they do the listing, how can I go one step further and actually make sure libraries order my book?
Have you watched this? th-cam.com/video/2YHgaaRMH5c/w-d-xo.html
Hey, thank you! But, something is not clear... Can I be in the library database without being in the library of Congress?
Yes!
HI there! Thank you for the info. I know I am not eligible to be listed in library of congress. I have just recently published my book on amazon kdp and did not know this would keep me from LOC. But I have paid $100 for a PCIP Block. I'm worried now that I paid for nothing since my book is already published. Any response will help. Thanks!
The PCIP will still benefit libraries that choose to list your book. Being in the Library of Congress (or not) doesn't mean your local library won't carry your book. Local libraries really focus on member requests so if local members are requesting your book they will carry it and you having a PCIP Block only makes your book more appealing to them!
@@BookLaunchers I soooooo appreciate your time in answering my question! Thank you!
Do libraries only want Children's books in Hard Cover form? Or can they be paperback. My picturebook is 48 pages long and right now we are just working on Paperback. Thanks
Kat -
I took out a bunch of paperback Children's books for my son last night ...
So, if I understand correctly, you can't do this if you live in Canada? Is there a Canadian equivalent?
You can't do this for US libraries if you're in Canada. You can get your book into libraries in Canada though. Mostly I found that that two things got the book into a library in Canada. One, someone would ask for it. Two, when I did events at local libraries they bought a copy or two for their library.
If you have an e-version of a book you can submit it here: selfe.librariescreate.com/self-e/org/torontopubliclibrary/
You should also submit your work for legal desposit: www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/services/legal-deposit/Pages/legal-deposit.aspx#required
Do I need a LCCN for IngramSpark wide distribution?
You only need an ISBN
How long are we talking about to get that block of information that goes on the back of the title page for library distribution?
Depends how you go about getting it created I assume. It really shouldn't be more than a few days.
Do you need to be in the library of Congress to get into any U.S. library?
I have my library of congress number. :)
How did you get it?
Hey, Julie (Book Launchers team),
I tried to access the website only to find out that the "Open account" option is not available.
What do I do to make sure I can get in?
Open account where?
@@BookLaunchers From what I understood, the purpose of the Preassigned Control Number Program was to have a stronger eligibility to get your upcoming book into libraries, so I went to the website you discussed (www.loc.gov/publish/pcn/) and was searching for the "open account" option you discussed in the video. It seems that I cannot find it and was wondering where else do I go to apply/what other options are there to get into the program? Thanks a bunch!
What if you self published can you do a new version? Still do this?
You can always launch revised editions.
What if my book is on Amazon Kindle but hasn't reached print, yet? Can I still sign up?
I'm not an expert in all things library of congress but published is published ... so my guess is no you can't. You can read up on it all right here: www.loc.gov/publish/cip/about/process.html
Do you know if they will accept a PO Box address? As a self-publisher, I do t want to use my home address, especially since I may be moving soon.
I have a feeling they don't but that is a good question to ask our Book Production Manager when we do our next live stream because she will likely know. Some PO boxes have regular addresses that can be associated with them - just FYI. That *may* get around the issue.
Book Launchers thanks! I’ll also take a look into it more and see what to do. :)
I just applied for a pcn. How long does it take to get an answer? I received an email that stated, publishing name was successfully transmitted to the Library of Congress.
I didn't receive a PCN number, though. How long does it take to get the number? When I get it, what should I do with the number?
Is it necessary to have the PCIP title page that you speak of? Where did you get your page done for $100?
Thanks in advance.
The PCN should only take a few weeks. We have an ex-librarian on our team that does the PCIP codes for our clients as part of our service. But I am sure you can find one easily through a writers group you may have locally or a writers Facebook group?
Do I have to wait to get my PCN number and PCIP code before I publish my book? It's ready for publishing but I'm waiting to make sure I qualify for the Library of Congress. I'm with CreateSpace but I paid for my ISBNs.
BTW: They emailed me and told me I qualify and gave me a temporary password to fill out another application.
Yes you'll need the PCIP code on the inside page of your book.
How do I list the publishing House on the website if I'm self-published... I don't have money to spend on a PCP number I just bought my ISBN for 50 bucks and spent $400 to edit the book 😔
You don't need to pay for a PCP. Libraries will carry you without it. I have a newer video on library listings.
;o) Julie, you are AWESOME, and thanks a million!!! I'll keep you abreast of my progress.
My author is a deceased American Statesman, economist, scientist, and philosopher, as well as a several-time former US Presidential pre-candidate. He has written over a dozen books on these subjects that were published by Ben Franklin publishers. How do I get Mr. Lyndon LaRouche's books listed with the Library of Congress? He deserves to be in America's libraries.
He can be in the libraries without the Library of Congress listing. The listing helps but it's more important that there is demand for the book. I'm going to do a new video on library listings but the three best things that work are:
- uploading to Draft2Digital as it gets digital listings in the library catalogs
- do direct promotion to the libraries - especially when there is a tie in coming up that would be a fit
- have library members request the books.
Good luck, Julie
If I'm in Canada I can't get PCN number then?
Correct
If you are a self publishing do you use your personal address?
You may have to if you don't have another address you can use. In many cases a PO box is not ok but some mailbox companies can give you an actual address which can work if you are ok renting a box somewhere.
...so if I've already put my book on Amazon, it won't qualify?
Nope. It can't be published already.
Hey there, great video, the P.C.I.P. block, that can be done after publishing?
I think so although I haven't done it afterwards ... but if you have followed the steps in the video and just need the PCIP created I don't see why you couldn't do it post publish.
@@BookLaunchers Thank you!
I wish I would've seen this video before publishing my first book. So I'm assuming you can do this even before your book is completed. I'm in the process of writing my third book and I would love to attempt to get listed into the LOC. What if I do not have an ISBN yet?
The process has changed a bit so I would read up on the steps in the library of congress but yes, I recommend you do it before your book is done but you will need your ISBN
How do I buy my ispn
th-cam.com/video/LUkJfnYElKk/w-d-xo.html
Didn't quite understand the first one that led into the 2nd one
what about someone from outside the US?
As a Canadian I couldn't get my book into the libraries very easily ... only libraries in Canada. The best thing I can suggest is that your e-book can get there via www.booklaunchers.com/d2d
I thought the library of Congress does this for your book automatically once your book has been accepted free of charge?
If your book is accepted ... that is very uncommon. But I've updated this video. Look for the one I put out last month.
What if you're a kid, like me?
Same process applies :)
Just a little confused. Please help.
#1 Your book can't be published.
#2 Your book must be published in the United States.
Um...
How do I continue watching the video when it starts with you can't do X without Y but you can't do Y?
Hi Carl -
Your book can't already be published but when you do publish it, you must be publishing in the United States. Does that help?
How do you get paid through the library system
It's simply the money you'd get from the sale of each book ... it's not based on number of times borrowed or anything. But some libraries could order a bunch of copies of your book so you could get multiple sales for each library if your book is in a subject they know to be popular in their location.
How to get your book in libraries once book is published?
I assume you watched the video and you're now asking for the next step ... and you're in the US? This is a great detailed article: www.thebookdesigner.com/2016/03/amy-collins/
Can u help publish my book
Are you Canadian? You sound like Samantha bee. Love your voice :)
Thanks :) Good ear. I am indeed Canadian ... a Canadian that now calls Los Angeles home.
Book Launchers that's awesome :) welcome to the u.s :) . I just got my lccn yesterday! Thank you again. I am doing my children's book in English and bilingiual Spanish. I'm so excited! Onto getting my data block made.
Look forward to seeing your book when it's done.
Book Launchers thank you :)
Screech on every 3rd word! Why?
Why do you keep watching the videos?
Hey Julie, we always enjoy your sharings and your refreshing and sincere energy. Tell us please, how can we jump on the library train with our already on Amazon.com 5 books? Take a look under my boss's name, Abba DuMaine. Any aids will be highly appreciated
Thanks
Kat DiPaolo
Assistant to Dr DuMaine
Are you only on Amazon? That's a challenge if you are. The best first step is to put your e-book on Draft2Digital and then you can start to get e-book borrows from libraries.
Booklaunchers, you said your company can help me with marketing my book to libraries. I would like to find out more. How can I contact you by email? Phone?
Hello! The best thing to do is complete a form to schedule a call: www.booklaunchers.com/apply or you can email us at team@booklaunchers.com
Great video! I do have a question. Once a manuscript is completed. I would inquiry about the library Congress first BEFORE pub and then get book in a print copy afterwards? So doing something like Ingram spark or create space would be a no go if I want to go the library route? I was a little confused on this.
Great video! I do have a question. Once a manuscript is completed. I would inquiry about the library Congress first BEFORE pub and then get book in a print copy afterwards? So doing something like Ingram spark or create space would be a no go if I want to go the library route?
You could still use Ingram Spark and print your book - you just have to submit before you publish