DC Writers Project

DC Writers Project

DC Public Library wants to read your novel

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From April 1 to June 30, the library accepted submissions from local authors who would like to see their work added to the library’s online eBook collection. For this round of submissions the library accepted works of fiction for adults and teens.

Typewriter Here’s how it works:
  1. Publish your eBook on one of the following self-publishing sites* :
    1. Smashwords
    2. Draft2Digital
    3. Kobo Writing Life
  2. Fill out an online submission form telling us about your work. Library staff will review a sample chapter of each submission.
  3. Library staff will review and select titles that best match the library's criteria for the project. Titles will be added to the Library's OverDrive platform, visited by over 3,000 DC Public Library patrons every single day. 
Your work will be reviewed independently by library staff with a wide range of reading interests. The Library's goal is to identify entertaining, well-crafted works of fiction that will appeal to many DC readers. 
 

FAQ

  • Do I have to be a DC resident to submit? Submissions are open to anyone with a DC Library card. Anyone who resides, works, pays property taxes or attends school in the District of Columbia can get a card. Get a card today. 
  • I have previously published work, can I still submit? Yes.
  • What type of content can I submit? For this round of submissions we are accepting works of fiction intended for adults and young adults.
  • Can I submit more than one entry? No, submissions are limited to 1 entry per person.
  • My novel is not finished, can I submit my eBook at another time? No. DC Public Library does not currently have the capacity to review and accept eBooks throughout the year. Depending on the success of this pilot program we may consider holding another round of submissions.
  • If selected can I do an author talk? Yes, but sales will not be permitted.
  • I need help formatting my book! Each self-publishing platform has formatting rules to ensure that your eBook will display correctly on eReaders and mobile devices. 

Resources to get you started 

Are you interested in joining a writing group? The DC Public Library offers a variety of writing programs for patrons to gather, write and hone their skills. A selection of regularly occurring writing programs is below. Please note that schedules may change, so confirm with the library in advance of attending. Keep an eye on the calendar for additional one-off writing programs, events, classes and workshops.

*DC Public Library has no direct relationship with Smashwords, Draft2Digital, or Kobo Writing Life. The library is not party to any agreement between the author and these web sites. The library will buy the selected titles that are published on these sites through its eBook vendor, OverDrive.