Out of the blue came an email inviting me to participate in the third Thursday Self-e Twitter chat focused on international authors in indie and self-publishing.
Well, forget the Twitter chat, but I am interested in indie and self-publishing and who and what is SELF-e and how did they find me?
SELF-e is a discovery platform designed to expose self-published ebooks to more readers via the public library, locally or nationwide (that means the US).
Authors whose ebooks are selected by Library Journal for inclusion in our SELF-e modules can use a digital badge promoting their inclusion to potential readers who may choose to purchase a copy of the title and/or to purchase other books by that author via retail channels. Ebooks that are not selected by Library Journal will still be accessible to local library patrons via state-specific modules.
Okay, what’s the catch, as in how much are they going to charge?
But wait, there is no cost to participate, and distribution via the SELF-e platform is royalty-free.
What they do ask is if your book is selected you give them a non-exclusive license to make your ebook available to public library patrons via subscribing institutions in the public library market, including subscribing public libraries in your state.
My local library is currently carrying all six of my novels, which they actually purchased (a thousand thank you’s) but I would have gladly donated them.
I love libraries and my biggest thrill is to when I check and see they’ve all been borrowed and, better yet, there are actual holds – people requesting them.
To me it is more important to be read, to make a connection with a reader, than to be rich, have them actually buy my book.
Authors and their publishing service providers/future publishers are not restricted in any manner from promoting and selling their ebooks to any market (including the public library market via other vendors).
This information comes off their website which has yet to be updated to let authors know they are now also accepting international titles.
So why is Library Journal doing this?
Forgive me if I’m skeptical but there’s an entire industry of sycophants who’s sole purpose is to rip off vulnerable, delusional, hopeful and yes, stupid new authors. Is LJ the exception?
Apparently.
They claim their primary directive is connecting indie books, libraries and readers.
“Libraries are driving a new era of ebook discovery for indie authors and small presses. SELF-e helps develop robust local writing communities and keeps libraries at the center of the indie book movement.”
Visit their blog http://self-e.libraryjournal.com/blog/to see the latest SELF-e news and events.
Submit your books at self-e.libraryjournal.com
Stay Calm, Be Brave, Watch for the Signs
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Video book reviews of self-published authors now at
Not Your Family, Not Your Friend Video Book Reviews: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH45n8K4BVmT248LBTpfARQ
Cover Art of books by self-published authors at
https://www.pinterest.com/rod_raglin/rod-raglins-reviews-cover-art/
My novels, FOREST – Love, Loss, Legend, The BIG PICTURE – A Camera, A Young Woman, An Uncompromising Ethic and Abandoned Dreams are available on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003DS6LEU and as e-books at https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/raglin
The ECO-WARRIORS series:
Book 1, Saving Spirit Bear – What Price Success?
Book 2, Loving the Terrorist – Beyond Eagleridge Bluffs
Book 3, Not Wonder More – Mad Maggie and the Mystery of the Ancients
