Caren Johnson Literary Agency

by Terri Clark

I’m blessed to have two jobs I love. One is, of course, writing. And the other is as a teen patron specialist at my library. In addition to the usual reference and circulation work, I also help with programming, book clubs, the teen summer reading program and our teen advisory board. It’s fun, gratifying work that lets me get to know my reading audience in a way most authors can’t. At the same time, I also get to look at the library and the opportunities it offers to authors from two different perspectives and what I’ve found is this: the library wants, no, needs YOU! And I’m not talking about your books on our shelves. We’re pretty good about getting those. What we need is authors who’re willing to give a little of their time.

I know in my district we’re always excited to hear from authors who’re interested in doing entertaining, interactive programs with our patrons. It gives you exposure, builds your readership and it’s usually a paid gig. I’ve also seen one booking at the library lead to other events for the author, which in turn led to even more. And yet very few authors contact us.

Another thing we’d LOVE to have is authors willing to donate their time to book clubs. Most libraries have several different book clubs running on a regular basis. Some may be library sponsored and some may be patron led clubs that are just hosted at the library. Either way, these are groups of avid readers who select a book, read it and then have a spirited conversation about their pick. There is nothing these groups like more than to have the author whose book they’ve just read sit in on their discussion. To them you’re a celebrity and having direct access to you is a special treat. Chances are you’ll be fawned over and asked a million questions, but when all is said and done you’ll get a one-on-one kind of feedback that even fan letters can’t beat. At the same time you’ll be reaching your readers on an intimate level and they’re going to create word-of-mouth buzz, talking you up to everyone they know.

In addition, your librarians get a chance to know you and not only will they recommend your books to readers; they’ll make sure to order your books.

So, ask not what your library can do for you, ask what you can do for your library. Contact the person in charge of programming and tell them you’d like to offer your services. Chances are they’ll be happy to hear from you. They get something special to offer their patrons and you, well, you get exposure, increased readership, networking, sales, feedback and more. Chicago Tribune literary editor Elizabeth Taylor once said, “ The public library is more than a repository of books. It’s a mysterious, wondrous place with the power to change lives.”

Maybe she was thinking about authors and the library.

www.terriclarkbooks.com