Independent & Self Published Authors

Public Programs

All proposals for public library programs should be submitted through the Program Proposal Form.

Submission to Local Authors collection

In order to support the literary creativity and expression of people in our community, the library maintains a circulating collection of donated self-published or independently published materials by local authors. These works will be evaluated by our professional librarians according to criteria in our Collection Development and Materials Selection Policy. The library does not purchase unsolicited materials, nor does it generally purchase self-published books if those books are not reviewed in established sources. These items will be shelved in a separate Local Authors collection.

The following guidelines apply to this collection:

• All donated books become the property of Lake Geneva Public Library.

• Items added to the Local Authors collection will be subject to the same retention standards as any other material and may be withdrawn and disposed of over the course of time. Items that are lost or withdrawn are not automatically replaced. Authors are welcome to resubmit a new copy of their titles for re-addition to the collection.

• The library is solely responsible for determining the disposition of donations. Addition of titles is not guaranteed. Submissions may be donated to the Friends of the Lake Geneva Public Library or recycled without notice to the donor. Titles not added and/or withdrawn from the collection will not be returned to the donor.

• The library is not responsible for reviewing, marketing, or publicizing a local author’s work, nor can library staff provide editorial service or advice.

• The library will not report title circulation to the donor. 
  

Authors wishing to make a submission should ensure their title adheres to the following criteria:

• The title is self-published, independently published, hybrid published, or retail/ “vanity” published.

• The title is donated by the author or publisher.

• The author resides in Walworth County, or the book is set in Walworth County.

• No more than three titles by an author will be considered each year.

• Only one copy of a title will be accepted.

• Donated books must have been published within the past three years and be in unused, new condition. Books must be professionally printed and bound in a format suitable for circulation. Items that are spiral-bound or stapled, and pamphlets and brochures, will not be accepted. We are unable to accept materials in any electronic format.

• Authors are encouraged to include professional reviews with all donations. Please note that customer reviews from retail booksellers or websites like Goodreads are not considered professional reviews.

To have your title considered for addition to this collection, please complete this form and include with the donation of your title.