Suffolk Libraries Suffolk Writes Initiative
I was quite excited to discover that Suffolk Libraries have launched their Suffolk Writes initiative which is a new way we can get our work published through Suffolk Libraries. We can submit our manuscript to them in ePub format, and, if approved, our book will be made available for library customers to borrow via the Overdrive Catalogue. This gives Suffolk Library customers the opportunity to read self-published books by local authors as well as giving the authors a chance to get their work out in to the big wide world.
It was pleasantly surprised to find that the Suffolk Writes organizers provide helpful, practical advice on how to convert a Microsoft Word document into the required ePub format using free software. They ask us to submit the resulting ePub zip file, together with a signed Permissions Form For Contributors which confirms that we are the copyright holder and give them permission to make our book available free of charge. Our work will then be assessed by volunteers to ensure it meets the Suffolk Library collection policy which includes checking the quality of presentation, spelling and grammar.
After their assessment Suffolk Libraries will contact us and let us know if they consider our book to be suitable to include on their digital Overdrive library. If it is suitable they will upload it. If it is not suitable they will delete our files from their system.
It is good to see that the Suffolk Writes program allows us to keep ownership of our copyright and that our work will be truly Self-Published with our names being shown as both the Author and Publisher of our book.
I am so excited by this opportunity I am going to submit one of my own books and will keep you in touch with what happens.