Author & Publisher Guide

Submission Guidelines for Authors & Publishers

Authors and publishers may submit gifts, review copies, or promotional information for materials to be considered for purchase by The Milwaukee Public Library (MPL). MPL selects materials supporting its diverse community needs and mission. Resources will be considered based on the criteria in the Library's Collection Management Plan.

Submitting Gifts or Review Copies 

Submit to:

     Milwaukee Public Library
     Attn: Acquisitions - Author/Publisher Submission
     814 W Wisconsin Ave
     Milwaukee, WI 53233

MPL will not return materials or accept invoices. Submissions not added to the collection may be routed to the Friends of the Library Bookseller.

Please complete the form here prior to mailing your submission. *Submitting gift or review copies is optional and not required for consideration.

Format Considerations

Binding: Library materials are well used; MPL aims to purchase physical materials built to last.

Durability: MPL avoids purchasing workbooks, puzzle books, sticker books, coloring books or other “consumable” formats. 

ISBN: Submissions need a unique ISBN. ISBNs can be purchased here: 

     United States: http://www.isbn.org/ 
     International: https://www.isbn-international.org/content/what-isbn

For technical and/or legal reasons, MPL is unable to accept donated eBooks or purchase eBooks from any vendor other than OverDrive. 

Content Considerations

Collection Need: MPL reviews circulation data and community feedback to determine collection priorities. Use CountyCat to review current holdings. 

Audience Appeal: Submissions should be expertly tailored to the intended age range/audience. Sample similar items in MPL’s collection, best-sellers, award winners, and other well-known titles for guidance and inspiration. Publisher websites and professional reviews of these items will indicate age/audience.

Professional Review(s): MPL considers professional reviews such as Booklist, Library Journal, School Library Journal, Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, We Need Diverse Books, Brown Bookshelf, etc.

Copyright: The publisher/creator should indicate the right or permission to reproduce all material in the submission, including photographs and illustrations.

Ordering Considerations

MPL acquires material through established library vendors (e.g. Baker & Taylor, Ingram, Midwest Tape). Books not sold through traditional publishing houses, vendors, or sites like Amazon, are acquired via Boswell Book Company and Woodland Pattern Book Center. MPL does not purchase directly from authors.

Other Considerations

Due to volume, MPL does not notify individual authors or publishers of ordering decisions or give feedback.

Items selected for the collection can be viewed in CountyCat.