Getting Your Graphic Novel into Schools and Libraries

Schools and libraries are some of the best homes for graphic novel adaptations of classics. Teachers want ways into challenging books; librarians know graphic novels are among the most borrowed books for young readers. Here's how an independent publisher can reach them.

Make your book easy to order

Librarians and school buyers usually order through library wholesalers and distributors, not from Amazon. Make sure your print book is available through a distributor they use — see distribution beyond Amazon. Have your ISBN, price, age range, and page count ready to share.

Make your book easy to use in a classroom

Teachers have little time. Give them ready-made material:

• A reading guide with discussion questions, vocabulary, and activities. (Every one of our books has one — see the reading guide link on each book page, like Pride and Prejudice.)
• A "compare with the original" activity — a scene from the novel next to the same scene in panels. It's a natural fit for English classes.
• Clear age guidance, including any mature themes, so teachers can choose confidently.

Reach librarians

• Start local. Visit your public library and school libraries with a copy and a one-page sheet: cover, description, age range, ISBN, how to order.
• Offer a program. A talk or drawing workshop ("How a classic becomes a comic") gives a library a reason to stock your books.
• Be specific. "A full-color graphic novel of Little Women for ages 9–14" is easier to say yes to than "my books."

School visits

Author and illustrator visits are popular. Prepare a short, lively presentation — drawing a character live is always a hit — and coordinate with the school about pre-ordering books for students who want them.

Class sets

Teachers sometimes buy several copies for a class. If you can, offer a class-set price for direct orders, and say so on your website.

Be patient

School and library decisions often follow budget cycles. A friendly follow-up a few months later — with your reading guide attached — is perfectly normal.