Finding My Readership in Little Free Libraries

Writer: Jenn Bouchard

Summer 2021 was a strange time to launch a debut novel. Most places like bookstores were open, but many things–such as in-store book events–were rare. After a virtual launch of FIRST COURSE, I managed to piece together a few in-person events, mostly outside. I appeared on podcasts and in some print and online interviews. I collaborated with other authors in my debut Facebook group and in other spaces that organically emerged as we attempted to figure it all out. So much emphasis is placed on the debut, and what if I was doing it wrong?

There was no playbook for this kind of book launch. Like other debut authors, I paid close attention to what everyone else was doing and tried to determine what might work for me. Marketing beyond your own social media is expensive, and figuring out what is worth the investment takes some trial and error (which, of course, costs money!).

I listened to an interview in which author Ashleigh Renard (SWING) talked about sending out copies of her memoir to little free libraries; I think she sent out 1,000 books. I knew I couldn’t do that, but I could hit every state. So, I set out to do that, and then some.

I have friends all over the place. I was a military brat and moved eight times before I started college. I have thousands of former students, as I have taught high school social studies for twenty-three years. A few of my friends are super-connectors like me, and they activated their networks. I put out a call on Facebook and before I knew it, I had a team of ambassadors.

It cost them nothing to be a part of this effort, and they wanted to help. I sent each of them a copy of the book, and they placed it in a little free library close to their home or work, sending me a picture. I posted the photo to social media, being sure to tag the location and a local indie bookstore, so nearby residents could order the book if it was gone by the time they reached the little free library. The #FirstCourseLFLProject was born.

Did it work? Well, it depends on how you quantify that. I didn’t start the project with any illusions of huge sales numbers. My goal was to reach people all over the United States, 99.9% of whom would have no idea who the heck I was if they didn’t see my bright pink book in the cute little free library they happened to open that day. I wanted to build a readership who would look for my next book, and the book after that. And hopefully tell their friends.

Since I am measuring my outreach one reader at a time, it has been successful. I have heard from people who found the books and enjoyed them, often commenting on my social media, sending me pictures, and occasionally leaving reviews (Yes! Please leave reviews of books you like!). When my next book is released this summer, hopefully they’ll get a copy. Or at least search that same little free library for it again.

Yes, I plan to do the same thing with my next book. If nothing else, it’s a lot of fun.

About the Writer

Jenn Bouchard‘s debut novel FIRST COURSE was published by TouchPoint Press in 2021 and has been the recipient of fourteen awards, including two Eric Hoffer awards. Her second novel PALMS ON THE CAPE will be published by TouchPoint in 2023. She is currently working on a romcom. A high school social studies teacher of twenty-three years, she lives in the Boston suburbs with her husband and two teenage children. She is an avid cook, volunteer for good causes, and devoted Red Sox fan.

Writer’s website: jennbouchard.com