For as long as I’ve worked in traditional publishing — more than fifteen years now — one thing that has remained constant: the publishing industry tends to celebrate what’s already visible.
Every week, new books appear on The New York Times or USA Today bestseller lists, and those titles immediately get a boost. Bookstores reorder them, media outlets review them, and yes — libraries buy them.
Bestseller lists can be useful, of course. They highlight reader interest and can guide purchases for high-demand titles. But when we rely on them as our primary curatorial tool, something important happens: entire groups of talented authors disappear from public view.
That includes debut writers, women authors, immigrant voices, and authors of color whose books may not have the same marketing budget, distribution reach, or media amplification — even when their work is deeply resonant and just plain good.
Libraries, more than any other institution, have the power to correct this imbalance.
The Problem With “Safe” Curation
When budgets are tight and staff time is limited, it’s tempting to rely on bestseller lists, “most borrowed” reports, and publisher catalogs. They’re easy shortcuts — proof that a book is already performing somewhere.
But this approach can quietly reinforce inequity in who gets read and who gets remembered.
Here’s what I saw inside publishing:
- Marketing budgets for most debut or midlist authors were modest at best.
- Books by underrepresented authors often had shorter publicity windows, fewer review placements, and less overall distribution
- Even when the writing, content and overall book package was exceptional, lack of exposure meant fewer sales, fewer reviews, and less “data” — the very metrics that drive library ordering decisions.
So when librarians base selections primarily on lists and numbers, they unintentionally replicate the industry’s blind spots.
The good news? Libraries can use their autonomy and mission-driven values to push back — and in doing so, become cultural leaders rather than cultural followers.
If your library wants to develop a stronger framework for inclusive curation and author partnerships, learn more about my consulting services for library teams by contacting me here.
How Libraries Can Reclaim Their Role as Cultural Curators
Libraries are more than warehouses of popular books. They’re curators of knowledge, memory, and community identity. And unlike most retailers, libraries don’t need a marketing budget to decide what matters.
Here are a few concrete ways libraries can expand beyond the bestseller list and bring underrepresented voices to the forefront.
1. Redefine Success: From Sales Data to Cultural Value
In publishing, success is measured by sales. But in libraries, success can — and should — be measured by impact.
Instead of asking, “Is this book selling?” start asking:
- “Does this story reflect our community?”
- “Will this author’s voice bring something new to our shelves?”
- “Could this book start meaningful conversations among our patrons?”
These questions lead to richer, more inclusive collections to your engaged patrons. Readers who feel seen in a library’s selection are more likely to return, participate, and advocate for its funding.
Practical Tip:
Consider building an internal “Discovery Shelf” policy: a percentage of your acquisitions budget dedicated to debut, independent, or underrepresented voices. Even 5–10% can dramatically shift circulation trends over time.
If you’d like guidance designing inclusive acquisition frameworks, I offer consulting sessions that help library teams balance curation, circulation, and community goals. Contact me here.
2. Look Beyond the Big Lists
The major bestseller lists tend to spotlight authors who already have visibility — often because of media appearances, celebrity endorsements, or publisher support.
To find fresh, diverse voices, try expanding your discovery sources:
- Indie Bestseller Lists (like those from the American Booksellers Association) often highlight regional titles.
- Small Press Distributors and University Presses frequently publish authors of color, immigrants, and debut writers with local or cultural relevance.
- Literary awards and shortlists (PEN America, Lambda, NAACP, National Book Foundation’s “5 Under 35”) are goldmines for high-quality books that may not be commercial bestsellers but still share differing views and perspectives.
- Social media communities — especially librarian-led accounts on TikTok or Instagram — can surface books that are resonating with real readers, not just algorithms.
When librarians diversify where they discover books, they diversify who gets discovered.
3. Build Direct Relationships With Underrepresented Authors
Many authors from marginalized backgrounds don’t have agents or large publicity teams — which means they often don’t know how to pitch libraries or request inclusion in collections.
Libraries can change that by opening direct lines of communication.
Consider:
- Hosting quarterly “Meet the Author” sessions (virtual or in-person) that focus on debut or underrepresented writers. You can start with authors that are local to your area!
- Adding a clear, accessible “Author Submission” form to your website with guidelines for how authors can reach you.
- Joining regional writing organizations and attending book festivals to connect with emerging authors before publication.
These small actions have outsized results. You’ll begin to form lasting relationships with voices who might otherwise remain unseen.
If your library wants a step-by-step framework for building author partnerships, Contact me here.
4. Use Displays and Programming to Amplify Hidden Voices
Curation doesn’t stop at acquisition — it continues through how you present books.
Libraries can make diverse voices visible through:
- Thematic displays that celebrate cultural moments beyond the mainstream calendar (e.g., AAPI Heritage Month, National Poetry Month, etc).
- Community-driven recommendations, where patrons or staff share their favorite underrepresented authors.
- Book clubs that highlight debut or BIPOC authors, paired with discussion guides and author Q&As.
- Social media features — short posts introducing authors, linking to their catalog records, or sharing quotes.
These actions don’t just fill shelves; they signal inclusivity and care.
Pro Tip:
Tag authors when you feature them online. Many will share your post — giving your library free exposure while strengthening the author-library relationship.
If you’re building digital campaigns that spotlight authors and need help, Contact me here.
5. Partner With Local Bookstores and Cultural Organizations
Independent bookstores, cultural centers, and arts nonprofits are natural allies for this work. They often already champion diverse authors and can share contacts, event ideas, and co-marketing opportunities.
- Partner with bookstores for joint events featuring underrepresented authors.
- Collaborate with local cultural centers to co-host readings, panels, or heritage celebrations.
- Share the workload of promotion — libraries provide the space and patron reach, while partners help attract new audiences.
These partnerships multiply visibility while building goodwill across your community.
6. Leverage Data for Advocacy and Impact
Librarians are often asked to justify programming or acquisitions with numbers. Fortunately, inclusive curation has measurable benefits.
Track metrics like:
- Circulation changes for featured authors or genres.
- Attendance and engagement at diversity-focused events.
- Social media reach from author spotlights or displays.
- Patron feedback about representation and discovery.
Over time, you’ll have tangible evidence that inclusion drives participation — and that’s a compelling story for boards, funders, and community partners.
The Industry Perspective: Why This Work Matters
From my years in publishing, I can tell you this: many underrepresented authors aren’t missing from bestseller lists because their books aren’t strong — they’re missing because the system rewards familiarity.
Books with large marketing budgets, celebrity blurbs, or brand-name recognition rise to the top. Meanwhile, powerful works by first-time authors or writers of color often remain invisible unless someone with influence chooses to amplify them.
That’s where libraries come in.
Libraries have the rare ability to create momentum from the ground up. When librarians recommend a book, stock it prominently, or invite the author to speak, that book gets circulation. Circulation leads to reorders. Reorders trigger distributor visibility. And visibility changes everything.
One library display can build visibility and awareness to the exact right reader.
Keep the Spotlight Going Year-Round
One common misconception is that diversity work belongs to certain months or themes — Black History Month, Asian Pacific Heritage Month, Pride Month. While those celebrations matter, representation should be woven through every part of the library’s year-round programming.
Instead of relegating diverse authors to themed displays once a year, integrate them into all your core categories: fiction, memoir, cookbooks, business, children’s literature, YA, and more.
For example:
- Feature a Latina romance author in your Valentine’s Day book display.
- Include immigrant memoirs in a summer travel or food series.
- Highlight LGBTQ+ authors in your “New Fiction” shelf every month, not just June.
True inclusion isn’t seasonal — it’s systemic.
Equip Staff With Tools and Confidence
Inclusivity isn’t just about acquisitions; it’s also about awareness and comfort. Librarians and staff may want to champion diverse authors but feel unsure where to start or how to talk about representation responsibly.
Host internal discussions or mini-trainings on:
- How publishing inequities shape access to books.
- Language and representation in book descriptions.
- How to evaluate sensitivity and authenticity.
When staff feel confident in their curatorial choices, they’re more likely to recommend those books passionately — and patrons respond to that authenticity.
The Larger Mission: Building an Inclusive Literary Future
Libraries have always been the most democratic institution in the literary ecosystem. They’re not selling books; they’re sharing access. That’s what makes them powerful — and that’s why their choices matter so deeply.
When a library features debut or underrepresented authors, it doesn’t just benefit that author. It benefits readers who get to see their own experiences reflected — and communities who feel seen and valued through story.
And it’s not only a moral imperative — it’s a strategy for long-term relevance. As the reading public becomes more diverse, libraries that reflect that diversity will thrive.
In short: libraries don’t just collect books. They shape culture.
Final Thoughts: The Work That Lasts
Bestseller lists will always exist. Marketing cycles will always ebb and flow. But libraries — with their credibility, reach, and community trust — can do something no algorithm ever could: they can equalize access to visibility.
Every time you feature a debut author, every time you purchase a small-press book, every time you host a conversation that centers new voices, you’re changing what gets remembered.
You’re redefining what success looks like in publishing — and reminding the industry that the stories worth telling don’t always come with a big marketing budget.
That’s legacy work.
If you’d like to learn more about building inclusive author programs, developing metrics for diversity impact, or partnering with emerging authors, subscribe to my Substack The FAQs, or Contact me about consulting services for libraries and author communities.”)