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Information for Local Authors

The Library recognizes the creative efforts of current residents of Prince George's County and the surrounding communities by including their works in the collection when possible. These works must meet the Library's selection criteria and standards as detailed in the Selection Policy for Library Materials.

How Do I Submit A Work For Consideration?

Please send a copy of your finished work and a cover letter introducing yourself to:

Materials Management/ Local Author Submission
Administrative Offices
Prince George's County Memorial Library System
9601 Capital Lane
Largo, Maryland 20774

Please include:

  • Your mailing address and email address;
  • Any professional reviews or critiques of your work.

Branch staff are not authorized to evaluate the status of your submission. With that in mind, we do not recommend dropping it off at a branch location.

How Does The Selector Decide Whether To Accept My Work?

  • All new works are evaluated using the Selection Policy for Library Materials.
  • Professional reviews in journals such as Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, Library Journal, and Publishers Weekly are consulted in the selection process.
  • Some works, especially works of nonfiction, may not be considered without accompanying professional reviews.
  • Library staff will not discuss critical or editorial issues with authors.

How Long Does It Take To Hear Back From the Selector?

Please allow the selectors two months to consider the work and inform you via mail or email whether it has been accepted for the Library's collection.

What Happens If My Work Is Accepted?

  • If the Library decides to add your book, you may be asked to donate at least two copies for addition to the collection.
  • Please be advised that due to the technical limitations of the metadata associated with some self-published works and/or titles from smaller publishers, we cannot guarantee that the display of your title in our catalog will be as complete as others.

Will I Get My Work Back If It Is Not Accepted?

  • Submitted copies become the property of PGCMLS and will not be returned.
  • The Library cannot add self-published eBooks.

How do I host an author event at my local library?

PGCMLS hosts Local Author Expos once or twice each year at varying branches.  If you are interested in being considered, please respond thoroughly to the questions in the interest form.  Our team reviews proposals and will contact those who have been selected. Proposals are considered with respect to the needs of the library, its community, and staff capacity. Not all applicants will be contacted. 

Presenter Interest Form

Professional Review Sources

For best results, select review sources that target your specific market in terms of genre and intended audience. Market guides such as Writer's Digest and Writer's Market can assist with your research. Be certain to read and follow the specific guidelines for each source before submitting your work. Ask at your library branch's Information Desk for help finding these resources.

Selection librarians consult these review sources when considering purchases. When submitting your work for consideration, please include reviews from at least one of these sources whenever possible.

Additional Publications

These publications may help you publicize your work, but they are not considered sources of professional reviews. This is also true of consumer reviews posted on web sites such as amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.