Kindle Unlimited Books Can Now Be in Libraries—But Here’s What Authors Need to Know
If you're in KDP Select and have your ebooks enrolled in Kindle Unlimited (KU), you may have seen the big news: Amazon has now updated its terms to allow KU-exclusive ebooks to also be distributed to libraries.
This is a huge win for indie authors—but before you start emailing every librarian you know, let’s unpack what this change actually means, how libraries acquire books, and the best steps you can take to get your book into library systems the right way.
First, Let’s Break Down the Policy Change
Previously, KU exclusivity meant your ebook could only be sold through Amazon. If you wanted your book in libraries, you had to opt out of KDP Select entirely. Now, Amazon has updated its policy so that KU-exclusive authors can distribute their ebooks to libraries—without violating the exclusivity clause.
Sounds amazing, right? It is. But…
This doesn’t mean that your book will magically appear in public libraries across the country. In fact, getting your book into a library system still requires effort, strategy, and visibility.
So let’s talk about how to make that happen.
How Libraries Actually Get Books
Here’s something a lot of new authors don’t realize: libraries don’t just shop on Amazon. They order their books through specific distributors and catalogs—usually vetted vendors that supply both print and digital materials.
Some of the most common library vendors include:
OverDrive (used by Libby)
Hoopla
Baker & Taylor
Bibliotheca
Ingram
If your book isn’t listed with one of these distributors, most libraries can’t easily purchase it—even if they want to.
And even if your book is listed, a librarian still has to discover it, justify the cost, and choose to order it—just like a bookstore manager does when deciding whether to stock a self-published title.
So, How Do You Actually Get Your KU Book Into a Library?
There are a few steps you can take to give your book the best shot at being picked up by libraries:
1. Distribute Through a Library-Friendly Platform
Since you’re in KU, you can’t publish your ebook anywhere else for sale—but you can distribute to library-only platforms.
The easiest way to do this is through Draft2Digital. When you upload your manuscript, you can check the box to distribute to library vendors like:
OverDrive
Hoopla
Bibliotheca
Just make sure you only enable the library distribution options. Selling your ebook outside of Amazon will break KU’s exclusivity rules.
Pro Tip: Always double-check that your D2D distribution settings are “library-only” before confirming.
2. Leverage Your Local Library Connections
This is where things get more personal—and powerful.
Libraries are community-driven, which means that local interest and author engagement are important. In my case, I volunteered at my local library every day after school for years and later partnered with their staff to plan author events and catalog additions.
When I go in to talk about new books or programs now, I’m speaking to people who know me—and who care about making books from local authors available to the community.
You can build this type of relationship, too.
Start by:
Donating a signed print copy of your book
Attending or volunteering at library events
Asking for a meeting with the reference librarian to discuss your book
Offering to host a book talk, workshop, or signing
These are the kinds of grassroots strategies that can lead to your ebook being considered—even if you’re not a household name.
3. Understand That Library Distribution Isn’t “Set It and Forget It”
Even with the new KU policy and distribution through Draft2Digital, you still need to market your book to libraries.
This includes:
Creating a 1-page info sheet or “sell sheet” for librarians with your book details and ISBN
Writing a compelling pitch email
Highlighting any awards, reviews, or endorsements
Sharing how your book supports community programming, DEI goals, or local relevance
Libraries are under tight budgets. You’re not just selling your book—you’re showing them why this book deserves shelf space (digital or physical).
4. What About Nationwide or Global Distribution?
This is where it gets tricky.
Unlike traditional publishers or large distributors, most indie authors won’t be listed in the standard acquisition catalogs that libraries use to bulk-order books unless they’ve already gained traction (think: awards, buzz, high reviews, or visibility in genre lists).
That doesn’t mean it’s impossible.
You can:
Encourage your readers to request your book at their local library
Get reviewed by trusted outlets like Library Journal or Booklist (a longer-term goal)
Increase your visibility through consistent marketing and reader engagement
Keep showing up—and keep making your books available through platforms like D2D
Why This Change Still Matters
Even though the library acquisition process still involves hustle, Amazon’s new terms give indie authors more options.
You can now:
Stay enrolled in KU (and earn page reads)
Use D2D to distribute only to library platforms
Continue to grow your visibility and community connections—all while keeping your ebook exclusive
Before, it was one or the other. Now, you can do both—with a little intentionality.
Getting your ebook into libraries is possible—but visibility and distribution still require strategy.
Moving Forward: What I’m Doing Next
As someone who has worked for years in my local library and understands how these systems work from both sides, I’ll be visiting again soon to ask more specific questions about:
What makes a librarian want to order a self-published ebook
How library staff discover new indie titles in their acquisition dashboards
What barriers still exist, even with library-only distribution
Stay tuned—because I’ll be reporting back with even more insights for indie authors looking to expand their reach into libraries.
Your Book Deserves to Be on Library Shelves
You wrote a book worth reading. Let’s make it easier for people to find—whether they buy it on Amazon or borrow it from their local library.
With the right platform, a bit of relationship-building, and a whole lot of persistence, you can reach readers everywhere.
Because visibility doesn’t just mean social media, it means showing up wherever stories live—including your library’s digital shelves.
P.S. Letters From Story Flow is your bi-weekly resource for authors who are ready to grow their careers with clarity and ease—without relying on hustle-heavy strategies that don’t feel like you.
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