Comments on: Should you sign up for SELF-e from Library Journal?

By: Sandra Beckwith

Sandra Beckwith — Sat, 12 May 2018 20:16:29 +0000

In reply to Katherine Mayfield. Thanks, Katherine. Are your books now available in libraries? Sandy

By: Katherine Mayfield

Katherine Mayfield — Sat, 12 May 2018 20:12:27 +0000

As an author with a number of self-published books, I think Self-E is a horrific misuse of the abundant literary talent in this country. In essence, Library Journal can sell our ebooks to libraries without compensating us at all — looking very much like another corporation finding a way to make money by stepping on the little guy.
I wonder how the CEOs would like it if someone took their work without paying them? Would librarians appreciate having that happen to them?
There would be no books at all if there weren’t any authors. I personally put a lot of time and energy into my books, and I expect financial return from them, just like everyone else who puts energy into their work.

By: Vol. 9 - Book Giveaways, Book Box Sets, and Library Journal’s SELF-e Program - The Literary EntrepreneurThe Literary Entrepreneur

Thu, 29 Dec 2016 20:42:35 +0000

[…] Should you sign up for Self-e from Library Journal? […]

By: Victoria Noe

Victoria Noe — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 20:12:30 +0000

In reply to Kate Rauner.

My books are part of the first national and the Illinois collections. It’s very new – just a couple months old. LJ announced the top ten most downloaded ebooks in their collections for September and one of mine was #6.

As far as sales…there is no way I can quantify if sales came from individuals who read the ebooks first at their library. I can only quantify sales from the libraries themselves. I’m actually at a library conference today and had great response: some libraries knew about it, some didn’t. Some bought my paperbacks on the spot because they were in the SELF-e collections. I guess that’s the kind of endorsement I was hoping my participation would earn.

By: Kayleen

Kayleen — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 17:45:46 +0000

There is so much to learn about self-publishing and getting books out there. I would add that putting photos of speaking events, esp from libraries that have allowed me to speak to patrons, might carry some weight with other librarians who have to decide whether to purchase my book. Would you agree?

By: 31 Great Articles for Indie Authors (Oct 2015) - DIY Author

31 Great Articles for Indie Authors (Oct 2015) - DIY Author — Sat, 10 Oct 2015 15:02:01 +0000

[…] #24) Should you sign up for SELF-e from Library Journal? […]

By: Sandra Beckwith

Sandra Beckwith — Sun, 27 Sep 2015 23:40:39 +0000

In reply to Amber Polo. Thanks for your perspective, Amber. Sandy

By: Amber Polo

Amber Polo — Sun, 27 Sep 2015 22:41:42 +0000

In reply to M.M. Justus.

As a former librarian who worked in selection, a couple of the Self-e points seem strange. I agree librarians will not push books just because they are in the database.
Also Self-E claims “Over 50 percent of all library users go on to purchase ebooks by an author they were introduced to in the library.” But certainly not EVERY author.
And the Hugh Howey quote – “Librarians can be a powerful marketing force for emerging authors, especially if they can promote the books without fear of success. The SELF-e approach will encourage books to be discovered and even go viral.” Few librarians fear success.
I’d like to see a blog post on Reedsy.

By: M.M. Justus

M.M. Justus — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 21:56:43 +0000

In reply to Sandra Beckwith. Bad phrasing on my part. I know it's a submission process. Sorry.

By: Kate Rauner

Kate Rauner — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 14:02:51 +0000

In reply to Victoria Noe. I am curious about the timing of your experience. How long have your books been with SELF-E? Does SELF-E tell you how many libraries have taken your books? You seem to imply there has been no change in your sales - did I understand that correctly?