How to Get a Self-Published Picture Book Into Libraries in Australia

Getting a self-published picture book onto Australian library shelves is very doable, but it rarely happens by accident. Public libraries in Australia are mostly run by local councils, each with its own collection budget and buying process, and most of their stock comes through library suppliers rather than straight from authors. This guide walks you through what librarians need from you, who to contact, and how to follow up without becoming a nuisance.

1. Get the basics right before you pitch

Librarians are busy and cautious with public money. Before you contact anyone, make sure your book looks like a book a library can buy and catalogue:

• An ISBN in your own name or imprint. In Australia, ISBNs are issued by Thorpe-Bowker. A book with its own ISBN is far easier to catalogue and order.
• A durable format. Picture books get heavy use in libraries. A hardback or a well-bound paperback with a sturdy cover is a much easier sell than a thin print-on-demand edition.
• Clear metadata. Title, author, illustrator, page count, age range, RRP in Australian dollars, format and publication date, all consistent everywhere they appear.
• Availability through the trade. If a library supplier or bookshop can order your book through normal channels, you remove the biggest barrier.

2. Deposit your book with the National and State libraries

Australian publishers, including self-publishers, have legal deposit obligations: copies of published works go to the National Library of Australia and, depending on where you live, your state or territory library. Check the National Library's current legal deposit guidance for how to submit (print and digital requirements differ). It won't sell books on its own, but it puts your title on the national record, and a book listed in the national catalogue looks more established when a librarian searches for it.

3. Register for Lending Rights

Australia's Public Lending Right (PLR) and Educational Lending Right (ELR) schemes, administered by the Australian Government, make annual payments to eligible creators and publishers for books held in public and educational libraries. Once you start placing copies, register your titles and check the current claim deadline each year. This turns every library placement into a small, recurring return as well as a discovery opportunity.

4. Find the right person at each library service

Don't email a general enquiries address and hope. Look for the collection development, acquisitions or children's and youth services librarian for the council library service. Many council websites have a "suggest a purchase" form; use it, but also find a named person where you can.

Start local. Your own council's library service is the most likely to say yes, because "local author" is a genuine selection reason. Then widen out to neighbouring councils, your regional library network and your state library's local or children's collections.

5. Send a short, useful pitch

A good library pitch is brief, factual and easy to forward. Include:

• One sentence on what the book is about and who it's for (age range and themes).
• Why it suits their community: a local setting, a local author, a topic that matches a programme they run.
• The full bibliographic details: ISBN, format, RRP, page count, publication date.
• How to order: which supplier or distributor carries it, or how to buy direct with an invoice.
• An offer of something extra, such as a free storytime or holiday programme session.

Attach a one-page sell sheet (sometimes called an Advance Information sheet) rather than the whole book. Librarians can scan it in thirty seconds and file it.

6. Offer a storytime or holiday programme

Libraries run regular storytimes and school holiday activities, and they're always looking for fresh, free or low-cost sessions. Offering a reading with a simple craft or drawing activity linked to your book gives a librarian a reason to buy copies and a reason to say yes to you. Keep the session plan to one page: length, age group, materials needed, and what children take away.

7. Follow up politely, then let it go

Follow up once, about two weeks after your first email, with a short note and the sell sheet attached again. If there's no reply, move on and try again in a few months, ideally with news: a review, an award shortlisting, a successful event at another library. Keep a simple record of who you contacted and when so you never double-email the same librarian.

8. Use library placements to sell more books

A library copy is the start, not the end. Mention library availability on your website and social media, tell local schools the book is in their council library, and ask libraries whether you can leave bookmarks or a flyer. Parents who borrow a book their child loves often buy their own copy as a gift.

Pitching across the Tasman as well? See our guide to getting a self-published picture book into libraries in New Zealand, or our guide for libraries in Ireland.

How the Picture Book Launch Kit helps

Everything above takes time to set up from scratch. The Picture Book Launch Kit gives you the pieces ready to fill in, so you can spend your time contacting libraries rather than drafting documents:

• The Advance Information Sheet template, laid out the way buyers and librarians expect, from the bookshops, libraries and special sales chapter.
• The Bookshop Pitch template, which adapts easily into a short pitch for a collection development librarian.
• The School Visit Pitch & Menu and Event Checklist to plan a storytime or holiday session and explain it on one page.
• The Outreach Tracker, so you always know who you've contacted and when to follow up.

It's a 47-page instant PDF with 18 templates across 10 chapters (UK & US edition), and the approach works just as well for Australian authors. See what's inside the Launch Kit.

Not ready yet? Start with the free Picture Book Launch Checklist and work through the essentials first.