Library distribution means making your eBook or audiobook available for libraries to buy and lend through platforms such as OverDrive and its Libby app, Hoopla and other library services. Our library distribution services prepare your files, choose the right distributors and licensing models and plan how librarians and readers will find your book.
Libraries are a large, loyal audience. Readers who borrow often go on to buy the next book, and library lending can reach readers who would never pay for an unknown author. This service is part of our book distribution services and works with eBook distribution and audiobook distribution.
What our library distribution service includes
- Distributor selection. A plan for which aggregators and platforms can place your book with library services, based on your formats and goals.
- Library file preparation. A clean EPUB and cover, or audiobook files, that meet library platform standards.
- Library pricing and licensing. Advice on library list prices and licence types, so libraries see terms that make sense.
- Metadata for librarians. Descriptions, categories, series and subject headings written so librarians and readers can find your book.
- Discovery and outreach. A simple plan to ask local libraries and readers to request your book.
Who this service is for
- Authors with an eBook or audiobook who want library readers
- Authors in KDP Select who plan to go wide and add libraries
- Authors with a local, regional or niche audience that libraries serve
- Authors comparing library routes through different distributors
How this service works
- Review your book. We check your formats, rights and any exclusive agreements that could block library sales.
- Choose your route. We recommend the distributors that reach the library platforms you want.
- Prepare and submit. We prepare files, metadata and library pricing, then submit.
- Promote to libraries. We plan outreach and show you how to track requests and borrowing.
How do libraries buy books?
Libraries rarely buy direct from authors. They buy digital titles through platforms and wholesalers, such as OverDrive, which feeds the Libby app, and Hoopla, which has its own lending model. A library picks a title from a catalogue and buys a licence. For an author, that means your book needs to be in the right catalogues, with correct metadata and a sensible library price, before any librarian can choose it.
What licence models do libraries use?
Common models include a licence for one copy that one reader can borrow at a time, licences that expire after a period or a number of loans, and pay-per-use arrangements where the library pays each time a book is borrowed. Terms differ by platform and publisher, and they change. We explain the options in plain language and help you set library pricing that is fair to you and attractive to librarians.
How do I get my eBook or audiobook into library catalogues?
Self-published authors usually reach libraries through a distributor, because libraries do not take direct uploads from individual authors. Some aggregators include library services in their plans, and some audiobook distributors reach library platforms. Which route is best depends on your formats and exclusivity agreements. We check both, then set up the delivery in your own accounts. See also our audiobook distribution guidance.
Does exclusivity affect library sales?
Yes. If your eBook is enrolled in KDP Select, you cannot distribute it to library platforms during the enrolment term. Exclusive audiobook deals can also block libraries for a long time. Check the terms before you choose a route. Our KDP Select and Kindle Unlimited strategy helps you decide whether to stay exclusive or go wide and add libraries.
How do I help librarians find my book?
- Write a clear, honest description and choose accurate categories and subject terms
- Use a professional cover and a consistent series name
- Ask local readers to request your book at their library, since requests influence purchasing
- Tell librarians about your book through a simple, polite email or a visit
- Keep your reviews, awards and press in one place on your author website
How long does it take and what does it cost?
Delivery to library platforms can take a few weeks after your book is approved elsewhere, and libraries then choose when to buy. We do not publish a price list. Every project receives a free quote with a fixed price in writing before work starts, and any distributor’s own fees are shown separately.
How should I price an eBook for libraries?
Libraries usually pay more than readers do for a digital licence, because one licence can serve many borrowers over time. Many platforms let you set a separate library price, and the right level depends on your genre, length and licence model. A price that is too low undervalues your work, while one that is too high can stop a librarian from buying it. We look at similar titles, set a sensible library price and review it after the first few months of borrowing and purchases.
Questions about library distribution
Can libraries buy my book directly from me?
Usually not. Libraries buy through platforms and wholesalers, so your book needs to be in those catalogues.
Is OverDrive the same as Libby?
OverDrive is the platform libraries use to buy and manage digital titles, and Libby is the app readers use to borrow them.
What is Hoopla?
Hoopla is a separate library lending service with its own model. Availability depends on the distributor you use.
Will my book be in every library?
No. Each library chooses its own titles, and a book in a catalogue is not automatically bought. Requests from readers help.
Can I be in KDP Select and in libraries?
Not for the same eBook during the enrolment term, because KDP Select requires eBook exclusivity on Amazon.
Do I keep my rights?
Yes. You keep your rights and your royalties, and the distributor receives permission to deliver your book under its terms.
Do libraries need a special file?
They usually need a standard EPUB or audiobook files that meet platform rules. We prepare and check them.
Can print books go to libraries?
Yes. Print can be ordered through wholesale channels such as IngramSpark. See our IngramSpark consultancy.
Related services
- Book distribution services
- eBook distribution services
- Audiobook distribution services
- Draft2Digital consultancy
- KDP Select and Kindle Unlimited
Why authors work with us
- You keep your rights, your royalties and your accounts
- You receive a written scope and a fixed price before any work starts
- You approve every file before it moves to the next step
- One project manager keeps you informed at every stage