I've heard many authors ask how they can work with libraries. As a member of the Horror Writers Association's Library Advisory Council, I do my best to share tips and insights from my time working in public libraries. So, when I heard about Cari Dubiel and her book, The Author's Guide to Libraries, and learned she's a fan of NoveList, I wanted to know more.
Cari Dubiel has 27 years of experience working in public libraries and is the assistant director of an Ohio public library. She's also an author of short stories and novels, with her novel How to Remember receiving the 2017 Hugh Holton Award. She also served as Sisters in Crime's Library Liaison for five years, working to connect authors and libraries. She is currently reading The Husbands by Holly Gramazio.
A quick and handy guide for authors
In April 2024, Cari published her book The Author's Guide to Libraries through her press, Duskbound Books. When asked what inspired her to write this guide, Cari explained that she has "received tons of questions from authors on how to reach libraries. And as an author myself, I felt like I had this unique insight on both sides. And there's a lot of things authors just don't know."
Cari aimed to make the guide user-friendly."It's a short book,” explains Cari. “It's about 30,000 words, but it's kind of like the little handy guide that you can carry around in your pocket when you're thinking about libraries and how to approach them as a writer."
While the book is quick and easy to read, Cari also made sure to cover all the key areas authors need to know. She shared that she starts with "a history of libraries, and then there's a little bit of the stigma around self-publishing" because "the book is for both indie and traditional authors, but I find that libraries are not always open to indie authors."
Traditionally, libraries have been hesitant or unable to add self-published or indie titles to their collections, so Cari wanted to share insight into the history of this difficulty and " the nitty gritty, about collection development, how a book gets into a library."
As a librarian, Cari understands the importance of readers' advisory, the act of suggesting titles to a reader, so she also included a section in her book that explains readers’ advisory to authors, who may not be familiar with the concept. There, she mentions NoveList Plus as a popular tool for library staff to help them match books to readers.
Cari herself uses NoveList Plus as a librarian and told me she loves how readers' advisory is "just completely baked into the software," allowing her to find books for the most interesting or challenging requests.
NoveList Plus: A useful tool for authors
Cari recommends NoveList Plus as a tool for authors trying to share their work. She has three specific tips.
- Use NoveList Plus to find comps (books that are similar to your work). Authors can search for what their book is about (story, theme, mood, subjects, etc.) and find a list of read-alikes.
- Use detailed book records to dig deeper. The book records in NoveList Plus help authors make sure the book is a good match for a library by sharing the book's story elements, description, read-alikes, and reviews. Once they have a list of comps, they can go to a library and pitch "If you liked X, then you'll like my book." Cari thinks that authors might even impress library staff by sharing "Hey, I used NoveList Plus to get this," since it shows that the author is engaged with library resources.
- Practice talking books. Authors can use NoveList Plus to get comfortable talking about their books. The database provides a vocabulary authors can use, especially if they're not quite sure how to boil it down to an elevator pitch.
One of my favorite features of NoveList Plus is our Story Elements, which include features of a book like genres, themes, and appeals of a book. They make it easier to understand what readers want by breaking down the unique constellation of attributes that come together to create a book. When an author understands how to describe their work, they'll find readers who can't wait to read it. Authors can use the vocabulary we've put together to capture the elements of a book that will draw in readers.
Build a connection with libraries
Building a relationship with your library is key to successfully working with libraries. Using and sharing how much you enjoy resources is one way to do that, but certainly not the only way. Cari says authors should avoid sending cold emails or immediately pitching their work to librarians. Instead, to "go into your local library" and get to know the staff.
Her other big tip for authors is to get "yourself into programs and then other events" to work with libraries. Lead writing groups, take part in local author events or webinars, or host book clubs to support the library. That can go a long way to helping an author get their work in libraries.
For librarians, Cari recommends implementing more local author programming and events, since patrons love book-focused programming. It may help them discover authors willing to contribute to other library programs.
Cari's final bit of advice is simple but vital: "Be nice." Above all else, your attitude when working with libraries is crucial. The library world is small, and having a reputation as someone great to work with makes all the difference.
To make sure librarians have the information they need to build these relationships, Cari is writing a guide for librarians about working with authors. The guide will be free for library staff, so I recommend keeping an eye out! Cari also has a new short story collection coming out in the fall of 2024 called I Loved the Mothman and Other Stories. Visit her website for more information about her work.
