Several people who have read my books have taken an interest in, or asked why, they aren’t available in local libraries. I’ve had to explain that it’s largely because I’m self-published. I suspect that many of you, like myself, may not be particularly skilled at self-promotion. Not only do I find it a little embarrassing, but it also runs counter to the my sensibilities as a creative person.

However, yesterday I bravely ventured to my local library, as I promised potential readers I would. To my surprise, the satff seemed somewhat taken aback that a local author had written so many books, and that they had actually sold.

('Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown') 😊

There was a stony silence, and for a moment I felt as though I was instigating a bank robbery and I’m certain I saw one of the staff slightly raise their arms when I mentioned self-publishing. Another lady quickly took some tablets out of her bag and washed them down with a glass of water. I politely asked that she didn’t call security. The first one then looked under the desk, and I momentarily wondered if that was where they kept self-published books – worse than porn?

'It’s not what you think,’ I said. ‘There are many successful self-published authors who write excellent books.”

I felt like Nigel Farage giving a casual talk to a UK Socialist campaign group. I was desperately ruminating, wondering what I had done to offend them. They spent some time exchanging glances and were overtly disappointed when they turned back to see I was still there. I showed them my books online, and even introduced them to ASPA. After a very long pause, one of them said,

'We don’t really know.'

Still surprised I hadn’t left, they then told me that they bought all their books from one supplier (‘Peters’) and suggested I contact someone at an acquisition level. I should write to them and ask them to stock my books.

Although I will probably give it a go, I can already imagine the response. I’m not naïve; I understand that everything from working in a library to working for the government is tied up in procedures and gatekeeping. But it doesn’t help when people are asking for my books to be available in national libraries. It’s a legitimate concern, as some can’t afford to buy paperbacks, especially if that’s their preferred format. I get books from the library myself and even enjoy the experience. Sadly I may well have been banned form this one.

So, after all this rambling, you might wonder what point I’m making.

Firstly, I’d love to know if anyone else has tried to do something similar—and whether you’ve had any success.

Secondly, going forward, I think we need to collaborate on ideas about how to persuade traditionalists of the virtues of self-publishing and may host a webinar on it.

Has anyone had any success?