Libraries need to catch up with self-publishing

From: Alison R Russell, Carr Lane, Scalby, Scarborough.

IN October, I published my first book. A self-development book, which focuses on emotional maturity and is relevant for life in 2014.

It includes insights about troubled children, immature adults, lack of boundary setting, a Yorkshire anti-grooming campaign and English sportsmen.

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The NSPCC has put it in their library listings under parenting. It has been professionally produced by an independent publisher and like all authors, I believe it has merit, but that’s really for the readers to decide.

I have published it to help people, not for personal profit or gratification.

On receiving positive feedback, I felt confident to offer free copies to libraries.

The York libraries accepted the copies and so did North Yorkshire libraries, because, “it has good reviews on Amazon and is selling well for an independently published book”.

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Then I offered 20 free copies to the Leeds libraries, sending a copy on request, though given the time in which the decision was made, I am doubtful it was read through in its entirety.

My offer has been turned down. The reason? “As a rule we don’t buy/accept any self-published books.”

Due to modern technology, the recent growth in self-published books is being acknowledged as huge.

Obviously, some publications may be of dubious quality, but is it not time for the Leeds libraries to catch up?

Meanwhile, I shall donate the books to community projects in the Leeds area, but it is a shame that the book is not available to all.