Some of you know that my publisher's business plan is primarily focused on the library markets. It's especially important that I build a presence in the library world. Which gives me an excuse to spend a lot of time in libraries, which I love to do anyway. But it's nice when I start to make inroads into new library markets. So I was pleased to see some promising library data yesterday.
Looking at the library catalogs in the 50 largest cities in the U.S. (that is, largest in terms of population), 20 currently own at least one copy of at least one of my titles. Which is not, in an absolute sense, a significant number of book sales, but it is huge in terms of reach. And I am still at a point in my life as a writer where building readership is more important than making sales. I've also begun to notice a handful of copies turning up in college and university libraries.
And international sales. Again, in absolute terms, it's an insignificant number, but I love the thought that you can find a book in a library in Queensland Australia or in Victoria. In Regina Saskatchewan or Hebbville Nova Scotia, or traveling the back roads in a book mobile in New Brunswick Canada. I especially like thinking about the book mobile.
As best I can tell, you can now find library copies of
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Murder in 38 states. And in more than a few cases, I can spot the handiwork of wonderful xangans who went to their libraries and asked them to order a copy. Thank you.
My goal is to get the book into libraries in all 50 states. So I have a favor to ask. If you happen to live in Alabama or Delaware, in Hawaii, Montana or Nevada, in North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, in South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia or Wyoming, it would really make my day if you asked your public library to order a copy of
It's Beginning to Look a Lot like Murder. If you happen to be a college student, or you work at a college, if you would ask your college library the same. Let me be honest here for a moment, I don't really care where you live, as long as there's a library nearby.
I may not have the most readers, but I have the best readers. Thank you.
Comments (20)
I suppose we could always buy a copy and donate it if a library can not procure a copy itself...
@The44thHour - That's incredibly nice, but not necessary. The truth is, libraries like to get book requests from their patrons. And some of them will order a copy. Thanks.
not in any of those states
How are you doing in Minnesota? I would be happy to talk to libraries here.
It's in the NYPL! Yay lol. I know I had put in a request for one of your books, it might have been that one or the previous one.
How about a book store?
good job...
i can only hope one day to really publish a book....
I'm assuming Jeff Markowitz is the author we should ask for.
@Da__Vinci - My wife just headed off to the library with the request in hand.
@Nance1 - As far as I can tell, the book is in three libraries in Hennepin County and also in Chanhassan and Rochester. But if you could put in a request at your local library, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks.
@squeakysoul - Yes. It's in the Mid-Manhattan branch and in Kips Bay. That's the power of a Kirkus Review. Thanks.
@JVRCisMe - Cool.
@Da__Vinci - Thanks.
@doahsdeer - No problem, glad to help.
:)
oooo, good idea.
You didn't mention TX, so I hope your book is in libraries in our major cities.
I bought your book online at Amazon.com with a gift card.
~~Cheers
i'm up for buying... as soon as it's available on my kindle ;)
I've never read your books, but I would like too. When I'm able to I'll go to my library and request them.
I'mma go look for your book!
Well, not right now since the library is closed.....