What are some effective ways to collaborate with local publishers and authors?

Libraries are not only places to access books and information, but also hubs for community engagement and cultural diversity. One of the ways that libraries can foster these roles is by collaborating with local publishers and authors, who can offer valuable insights, resources, and connections for library patrons and staff. In this article, we will explore some effective ways to collaborate with local publishers and authors, and how they can benefit your library and your community.

1 Identify potential partners

The first step to collaborate with local publishers and authors is to identify who they are and what they do. You can use various sources to find them, such as local directories, websites, social media, newsletters, or word of mouth. You can also attend local events, such as book fairs, festivals, readings, or workshops, where you can meet them in person and learn more about their work. Once you have a list of potential partners, you can narrow it down by considering factors such as their relevance to your library's mission, vision, and goals, their availability and interest in collaborating, and their compatibility with your library's policies and procedures.

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Antía Suárez Vilas

Open Science, Communication & Marketing Library Manager at IE University | PhD student in Library Science
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Una forma de identificar socios potenciales es crear una sección Local en la Biblioteca, de esta forma les damos un espacio propio, donde se puedan sentir únicos y publicitarlo en distintos medios. Muchas bibliotecas ya cuentan con esta sección y son muchos los autores locales que se animan a depositar copias de sus libros o presentarlos en la Biblioteca.

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Beatriz Hernando Robledo

Librarian
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Creo que la mejor forma para colaborar con autores y editores locales es hacer presentaciones de sus libros de forma virtual y presencial; además de hacerles protagonistas en las ferias del libro. Se pueden crear festivales con temáticas según sean las novelas. Festival de novela romántica, de poesía, o literatura fantástica y que estos autores estén acompañados de otro autor de renombre que los apadrine. Por ejemplo, en el Ayuntamiento donde trabajo se ha creado un fondo de autores locales; se hacen presentaciones mensuales de las obras que publican y forman parte de las firmas y casetas de la feria del libro.

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2 Establish mutual goals and expectations

The next step to collaborate with local publishers and authors is to establish mutual goals and expectations for the partnership. You can do this by communicating clearly and respectfully with them, and by listening to their needs, preferences, and feedback. You can also create a written agreement or memorandum of understanding that outlines the roles, responsibilities, and benefits of each party, as well as the timeline, budget, and evaluation of the collaboration. By setting clear and realistic goals and expectations, you can avoid misunderstandings, conflicts, and disappointments, and ensure a smooth and successful collaboration.

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Marina Aris

Book Publishing Strategist & Founder of the Award-Winning Brooklyn Writers Press
(edited)
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In my experience, an author agreement is a simple and effective, written document to confirm expectations for both authors and publishers. An author agreement may include: - publisher deliverables - author deliverables - royalty split confirmation - guidelines for amending the agreement if needed - project cost - project timeline Agreements are less intimidating than contracts. And an agreement lends itself well to an author/publisher partnership model. In this way, authors can feel fully supported throughout the entire working relationship and production of their work.

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3 Plan and implement collaborative activities

The third step to collaborate with local publishers and authors is to plan and implement collaborative activities that align with your goals and expectations. There are many types of activities that you can choose from, depending on your resources, audience, and objectives. For example, you can invite local publishers and authors to participate in your library's programs and services, such as book clubs, reading series, author talks, workshops, or exhibitions. You can also support their work by promoting their books, hosting their launches, purchasing their titles, or featuring them in your library's collections, displays, or online platforms. You can also create new and innovative activities that showcase their talents and expertise, such as podcasts, blogs, newsletters, or contests.

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Beatriz Hernando Robledo

Librarian
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In my library authors present their books in our library. Also, we have book clubs. I think it will be interesting that this authors were sponsored by author by better-known writers.

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4 Evaluate and celebrate the outcomes

The final step to collaborate with local publishers and authors is to evaluate and celebrate the outcomes of the partnership. You can do this by collecting and analyzing data and feedback from both parties, as well as from your library patrons and staff. You can use various methods and tools to measure the impact and value of the collaboration, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, statistics, testimonials, or stories. You can also share the results and achievements of the collaboration with your stakeholders, such as your library board, funders, partners, or media. Finally, you can celebrate the success of the collaboration by acknowledging and thanking your partners, and by planning for future opportunities to work together.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are some effective ways to collaborate with local publishers and authors?

1

2

3

4

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1 Identify potential partners

2 Establish mutual goals and expectations

3 Plan and implement collaborative activities

4 Evaluate and celebrate the outcomes

5 Here’s what else to consider

Library Services

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What are some effective ways to collaborate with local publishers and authors?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Identify potential partners

2 Establish mutual goals and expectations

3 Plan and implement collaborative activities

4 Evaluate and celebrate the outcomes

5 Here’s what else to consider

Library Services

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