Library Contest Aimed at Changing E-Book Policies: The “Soon to be Famous Illinois Author” Project

From the Chicago Tribune:

The Soon to be Famous Illinois Author project will choose a self-published Illinois author’s work for a year of book talks, author events and other promotions in Illinois public libraries.
In addition to bringing acclaim to one writer laboring in obscurity, librarians hope to make the country’s top publishers take notice of their power to be literary tastemakers by connecting books with readers. It’s part of an effort to nudge top publishers to change prices and policies on selling e-books to libraries, practices that librarians say limit the ability to borrow.
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Local librarians think it is time for them to join together to show publishers their power and highlight the e-book pricing issues they face. The Soon to be Famous contest was inspired by David Vinjamuri, a brand expert and marketing professor at New York University who spoke at the library association’s annual conference in 2013.
“Publishers see them as competitors and not as a resource,” he said.
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The contest has about 20 to 30 submissions so far. Submissions will be accepted until Jan. 6 and the winner will be announced in April. More information is at soontobefamous.info.

Read the Complete Article (Includes Comments from Several Librarians)
Note: About a month ago, the Simon & Schuster pilot expanded into Canada with 2000 S&S titles becoming from the Edmonton Public Library.
See Also: Soon to be Famous Illinois Author Project FAQ
See Also: Marketing Pro Discusses Public Libraries in New Forbes Blog Post (January 16, 2013)
See Also: From the Project Web Site:

David [Vinjamuri] made the point again and again about how libraries are instrumental in promoting reading and literature. He issued a challenge to libraries to find an unknown talented Illinois author that will become a success based on librarians’ recommendations. So we are taking up the challenge! The purpose of this exciting project is twofold—give a talented author exposure and spotlight the importance of libraries to literature efforts,” Illinois Library Association Executive Director Robert Doyle.

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