From the Harford County Public Library:
The Harford County Public Library is pleased to begin offering SELF-e, an innovative digital self-publishing platform. It is the first library system in Maryland to make SELF-e available to its customers. Created by Library Journal in collaboration with BiblioBoard®, SELF-e offers indie authors the opportunity to upload their e-books, expand their readership, and broaden their fan base. It provides aspiring writers the chance to upload their manuscript as an e-book and be discovered by a wider statewide audience. To add to its appeal, content submitted on the SELF-e platform will be evaluated by Library Journal and, if selected, will appear in a curated collection of self-published e-books to be showcased at participating libraries nationwide which will include all kinds of topics, even Historical Novels About Business.
SELF-e employs BiblioBoard’s award-winning PatronsFirst™ platform, which allows Harford County Public Library to make local authors’ self-published e-books available to its customers and to all participating public libraries across the state. The e-books published on SELF-e do not have to be checked out or returned, like other library materials. “Harford County is home to dozens of authors, from established best-selling writers to those just beginning to be discovered,” said Library CEO Mary Hastler. “With SELF-e, the Library can provide them with an extraordinary resource to self-publish, promote, and gain a wider audience for their e-books. We look forward to seeing all of the talent the county and state has to offer!”
To kick-off the new service, the Abingdon Library will host an evening for writers on January 15, from 6:30-8pm, where they will learn about the service and how it can help them establish a readership and broaden their marketing efforts. Special guests include paranormal and fantasy romance author L. Penelope and New York Times best-selling mystery writer Debbi Mack, who will talk about how SELF-e has benefited their careers as writers. Attendees will be walked through the easy uploading process and get started building their fan base. The evening will conclude with refreshments and an opportunity to network and talk with Ms. Penelope and Ms. Mack. This event is free and open to the public.
For more information, visit the Library website at www.hcplonline.org/Self-e.php or contact Bethany Hacker, Community Relations Specialist at 410-273-5600 x2243.
This is great. More counties in Maryland should offer this opportunity.
Self-publishing is an incredibly rewarding project to undertake, and ebooks are a great way to ensure that your work will be seen by an even larger audience.