Tips for connecting with booksellers and librarians

Posted on | by Jackie Karneth

How do authors connect with booksellers and librarians?

Authors connect with booksellers and librarians by building genuine, personal relationships, usually starting with a short in-person meet and greet at their local store or library. Booksellers and librarians are trusted book industry influencers who recommend books to customers and patrons long after that first meeting, so a warm introduction can lead to events, staff picks, displays and even award nominations. The key is to show up respectfully, come prepared and treat it as the start of a long-term, two-way relationship rather than a one-time ask.

Why do booksellers and librarians matter for authors?

Booksellers and librarians are among the most influential champions a book can have. They hand-sell titles to readers, curate displays and staff recommendations, host author events and keep books in front of their communities for years. Because their support builds over time, earning it is one of the highest-value things an author can do, and it is exactly the kind of relationship-building Books Forward helps our authors plan for.

How do you get your book into bookstores and libraries?

Start local and personal. Call ahead to request a brief 10 to 15 minute meeting, bring a copy of your book and a one-sheet with your ISBN, and introduce yourself without taking up too much of their time. Ask whether they would consider stocking a few copies or hosting an event, stay flexible about dates and formats, and follow up by supporting them in return. For authors who want to reach stores and libraries beyond their own community, a thoughtful outreach plan can extend that same first impression much further, and it is something Books Forward can help coordinate.

If you value the booksellers and librarians in your community (and you should!) you’ve probably wondered how to earn their support. A meet and greet is an opportunity for you to make a positive personal connection with booksellers and librarians who have the ability to promote your book to customers and patrons long after you meet them. After connecting personally with these industry “tastemakers,” they will often consider your book for events, official staff recommendations, and special displays (like a local author’s table). They may even nominate your book for awards in the future! The first step for connecting with a bookseller or librarian is to call ahead. Be respectful of their time, and ask to arrange a brief 10-15 minute meeting.

What you should bring

  • a copy of your book
  • a printed copy of your press kit or one sheet (your ISBN should be displayed here for quick reference)
  • (optional) swag, bookmarks or treats to help you stand out

A meet and greet is all about creating a personal relationship with the bookseller or librarian. You can’t show up once and expect the world. As an author, you have to be willing to put in the time and effort, especially if you want their help in return!

Tips for your meeting

  • Emphasize that you just want to introduce yourself and not take up a lot of their time.
  • Thank the staff for all they do to support the literary community in your area.
  • Give them a copy of your book and press kit.
  • Share a quick summary of the book and explain why you wrote it (this is your elevator pitch!)
  • Mention that you hope they’ll consider ordering a few copies, or ask about the possibility of scheduling an event/stock signing.
  • If planning an event, be sure to mention what you expect to see in the way of attendance and/or book sales.
  • Be considerate and flexible. If you’d be open to a dual-author or panel event, let them know! Mention that you’re open to their ideas, and you want to collaborate with them to make sure their financial needs are being met.
  • Thank them for their time and for keeping your book in mind.
  • Show support and make a purchase while you’re there.
  • If they don’t decide to order copies on the spot, that’s okay. Continue supporting them by shopping locally and attending other author events. Show them you’re serious about mutual support in the industry.

If you want to reach booksellers and librarians outside of your local community, or if a meet and greet isn’t feasible, you can still make a good first impression.

Strategies for reaching booksellers and librarians

  • Attend an event or take out an ad with your regional bookseller association. Not sure what that is? Check out my article here for more information!
  • Take out an ad in an industry publication that reaches booksellers and librarians directly, such as Library Journal/School Library Journal, Kirkus, and Foreword.
  • Create a postcard that highlights all of your essential book information and positive blurbs and mail it to the libraries you want to reach.
  • Make phone calls asking if you can send a copy of your book to the store/library and set up mailings for those that are interested.

Reaching librarians and booksellers can be a lot of work, but once you’ve opened the door to a new relationship, they will be far more likely to support you in your next book release! Building these personal connections early on in your career is a powerful investment for any author. Remember that relationships are always a two-way street, so try not to ask too much of your new contacts, and support them as much as possible to ensure a healthy, lasting partnership!

Frequently asked questions

How do you approach a bookseller or librarian?

Call or visit ahead of time, and ask for a short 10 to 15 minute meeting rather than dropping in unannounced. Be respectful of the bookseller or librarian’s time, thank them for the work they do for the literary community and keep the focus on introducing yourself rather than making a hard sell. A warm, low-pressure first contact is what opens the door to everything else.

What should you bring to a bookstore or library meet and greet?

Bring a copy of your book, a printed press kit or one-sheet with your ISBN clearly displayed for easy ordering, and, if you like, a small piece of book-themed swag, bookmarks or treats for the staff to help you stand out. Come ready with a quick summary of your book and why you wrote it (your elevator pitch) so you can make a memorable impression in just a few minutes.

Can you reach booksellers and librarians outside your local area?

Yes. If an in-person meet and greet is not possible, or you want to reach stores and libraries beyond your community, you can still make a strong first impression through thoughtful, personalized outreach. We help authors identify the right contacts and craft an approach that travels well beyond their hometown.

Do booksellers and librarians really help sell books?

Yes. Their recommendations carry real weight, because readers trust them. A single staff pick, display or hosted event can drive sales well beyond a single visit, and those relationships often keep paying off for years as the bookseller or librarian continues to recommend your book to new readers.