Publishing
Prepare before approaching a bookshop
A bookseller needs enough information to assess the book and understand how to obtain it. Prepare that information before making a short, relevant enquiry.
Find the right route
A library may publish a process for suggesting titles, submitting local-interest material or proposing events. Check that process first. The person at a public service desk may be able to direct you, but may not be the person who selects stock for the whole service.
Identify why the book is relevant to that library’s readers or collection. A local history might document a place the service covers; a specialist guide might meet an identified subject need. Give enough detail to assess that connection without suggesting that a library is obliged to acquire the book.
Acquisition decisions and donation policies vary. Do not assume that sending a free copy guarantees a catalogue entry or shelf space. Ask what material is useful for consideration and how unsolicited copies are handled before posting anything.
Supply a clear bibliographic record
Prepare the title, author, publisher or imprint, publication date, format and identifier where applicable. Include a concise description, intended readership, price and the available ordering route. Check that these facts agree across the book, website and supplier listing.
For a revised or local-interest publication, explain what makes this edition distinct. If there are reviews, contents information or a sample available, provide the relevant links rather than attaching a large collection of unrelated promotional files.
An ebook may have a different library supply route from a consumer download. Confirm the actual availability for the library context instead of assuming that a retail link answers the question. Ask the service which information it needs to assess the format you are offering.
Keep an event proposal distinct
A talk, workshop or reading requires a different decision from acquiring a title. If you want to propose an event, describe its audience, subject, length and what would be needed to deliver it. Follow the library’s event process and discuss terms separately.
Record the enquiry date, recipient or department, material supplied and any stated follow-up arrangements. This prevents several versions of the same request reaching different branches without context.
If the library declines, respect the decision. It may reflect collection priorities, budgets, demand or supply constraints rather than a judgement on the book’s worth. A well-prepared enquiry gives the service something it can assess and leaves a clear record of the outcome.
