Library Distribution
hidden revenue stream!
Get your ebooks and audiobooks into libraries and schools worldwide through OverDrive.
What Gets Distributed
Through our OverDrive partnership, both your ebooks and audiobooks are available to libraries, K-12 schools, colleges, and special accounts (government and corporate). Readers access your content via download, streaming, or browser-based reading through the Libby app.
How Library Lending Works
- Libraries choose from several lending models to acquire access to your book
- Patrons borrow your ebook or audiobook through the Libby app
- After the lending period, the book automatically "returns"
- You earn royalties based on the lending model used
Lending Models
Libraries choose the lending model that fits their needs. All six models are available:
1. One-Copy/One-User (OCOU)
The traditional model. A library purchases one copy and lends it to one patron at a time. When the lending period expires, the next patron in the hold queue gets it. If demand is high, the library purchases additional copies.
2. Cost-Per-Circulation (CPC)
Instead of buying copies upfront, the library pays each time a patron checks out your book. Lower commitment for the library, and you earn a royalty on every single checkout.
3. Limited Concurrent Use / OverDrive Max (LCU)
Multiple patrons can access the same copy at the same time, up to a limit of 100 checkouts per copy. Great for popular titles where libraries want to reduce wait times.
4. Class Sets
Designed for K-12 schools and colleges. An entire class gets access to your book for a 90-day period. Ideal for assigned reading and curriculum use.
5. Single-Title/Simultaneous-User (STSU)
Multiple patrons can access the same title at the same time for a set period ranging from 30 days to 6 years. Good for high-demand titles where libraries want unlimited concurrent access for a fixed term.
6. Annual Subscription Plan (ASP)
Libraries subscribe to access a collection of titles for an annual period. Your book earns royalties as part of the subscription collection.
Royalties
- Ebooks: OverDrive pays 50% of the wholesale cost across all lending models
- Audiobooks: OverDrive pays 45% of the wholesale cost across all lending models
Benefits
- Additional revenue stream — Earn from readers who borrow rather than buy
- Discoverability — Reach readers who browse library apps and follow librarian recommendations
- Credibility — Being in libraries signals legitimacy to readers and industry
- Series sales — Readers borrow Book 1, then buy Books 2-4
- Broad reach — Available to public libraries, schools, colleges, and institutional accounts worldwide
Common Concerns
"Will libraries cannibalize retail sales?"
Evidence suggests no. Library users and retail buyers are often different audiences. Many library borrowers become retail customers. Wait lists for popular books drive purchases.
"My royalties will be tiny!"
Not necessarily. With six different lending models and libraries and schools worldwide purchasing your titles, library income can become a steady, reliable revenue stream.
Enabling Library Distribution
- In the Distribution tab, select OverDrive
- In the Pricing tab, set your Library Price (recommended 2x base)
- Save and publish (takes 7-14 days to go live in libraries)