Get your book on Canadian library shelves and start earning passive income as an indie author or illustrator.
Whether you're self-published, hybrid, or just figuring out how to get your ISBNs in order, Shelved walks you through the real steps for getting your book into Canadian public libraries and registering for PLR (Public Lending Right) payments.
You'll learn how to:
Work with Canadian metadata systems like ISBN Canada
Make your books and eBooks visible to libraries through OverDrive, Hoopla, and more
Understand how PLR in Canada works and how to qualify for it every year
Navigate tools including book distribution platforms
Build sustainable library access into your author business
Shelved is written for creators working outside traditional publishing including authors, illustrators, small presses, and anyone managing their own book lifecycle.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make your books available in public libraries without begging a gatekeeper, this is the book..
Jacqueline Cooper is a Canadian author, illustrator, and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). She founded Little Goodbyes Press to support families through early transitions and to help fellow creators bring meaningful books to life. Shelved is her first nonfiction title for authors and illustrators, offering a clear, practical guide to getting self-published books into libraries and earning income through Canada's Public Lending Right (PLR) program.
Lauren Hoste is a Canadian writer, researcher, and editor. She brings a background in publishing, archives, and information access to her work, with a focus on supporting creators and connecting communities to underused systems and resources. Shelved is her first co-authored title, blending research and real-world insight to help Canadian authors navigate library programs and public funding opportunities.
