My Books Might Just Be In Your Library

For the month of February, I've invited various authors with current releases to share something about their writing. This week, I'd like you to meet David BurnsworthI met David in my writing critique group and love his writing!  His second book, Burning Heat, is now available and definitely worth your time. 


My name is David Burnsworth. I write the Brack Pelton mystery series set in Charleston, South Carolina. And chances are, if I introduced myself to you outside of a book store but within thirty miles of my home near Spartanburg, I let you know my books were in the library.

Some have asked why I mention the library along with Amazon or Barnes & Noble or the local indie bookstore.  “How does that benefit you?” they ask. “You don’t make any money that way.” And if I considered the person I was speaking to strictly as a potential “sale,” I would have to agree. I’m not against selling books. In fact, I’d like to sell a million of them. But I don’t think it is in my best interest to think of people in terms of those who have bought my book and those who potentially would buy my book.

Suggesting that my books are in the library does a few things. First, it goes a long way in taking the “sale” aspect out of the conversation. I am not so naïve as to think some of the people that I talk to aren’t buying my approach and still think I’m trying to sell something. You know what? I am trying to sell something. But I’m also trying to multiply my readership which is very important to me. I am a firm believer in the theory that as the number of people reading and enjoying my series increases, so will my sales. Even if a lot of them check my book out of the library. Readers talk to other readers. And my books are not in every library. See where I’m going?

Second, it might actually give someone who normally doesn’t visit the library a reason to go there. Near where I call home, the Spartanburg County Library system is incredible for local authors. All of the staff members at the downtown location and at my local Boiling Springs branch are very friendly and helpful. And they have a ton of books in multiple formats and a great system for reserving them. I’m not too proud to say I could not afford my reading habit if I had to buy every book I read.

If you checked my book out of your local library, God Bless You! You supported my work by letting the library know you were interested in my book. I’d like to think they base part of their decision on ordering the next book in a series by how often the previous book was checked out.

So please feel free to log on to your hometown library system and reserve a copy of my latest book, BURNING HEAT. If they don’t have it, websites like Worldcat have listings for inventories of many libraries. Or, and this is what I would really recommend, you could visit your local branch and take the time to talk to one of the librarians. Chances are they will be as helpful as those at my Boiling Springs location. Libraries across the country share with each other all the time. And you will be in awe of how many books you have at your fingertips. Happy reading!

Comments

Nancy J. Cohen said…
Libraries are very important. Many of my readers have found my books on a library shelf. It helps when a patron requests your book so the library can order it.
I love libraries! Growing up, I couldn't support my reading habit without the godsend of public libraries. Like you, I'm glad for the presence of libraries in the lives of so many, and that my mysteries are also in libraries.
Nancy, you are right. The library is an often forgotten source for new readers!
Maggie, my mother instilled in me the love of books and a huge appreciation for libraries. Some of my fondest memories are of the library.

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