I submitted my application. When will I hear back?
Please allow up to 4 weeks to process your application.
Do you accept ebooks or digital formats?
At this time, ebooks or other digital formats are not accepted.
What genres are accepted?
All genres are accepted.
I’m a teen or a young child. Can I submit my work?
Absolutely! Any book meeting the criteria is eligible.
Why is the library only accepting donated books, instead of purchasing them?
With limited resources for purchasing material for the collection, libraries must make difficult choices every day based on our Collection Development Policies. While the North Shore libraries recognize that not all local authors may be in a position to partner with us and donate copies of their books, by accepting donated materials, the North Shore Authors Collection is able to accept any and all books that meet basic eligibility requirements. The libraries will provide dedicated spaces to showcase content from local authors only as well as promote the collection. Authors interested in having material featured in the regular collection are encouraged to contact libraries directly to be considered for purchase.
I’m the illustrator, not the author. Can I still apply?
Yes. You may submit titles for books your artwork is featured in.
Can I submit on behalf of someone else?
You can submit an application only if you hold the legal rights to the work.
I wrote a local history book, but I’m not a resident. Can I still apply?
No. At the moment, we are only accepting books from authors residing in the District of West Vancouver, the District of North Vancouver, the City of North Vancouver, on Bowen Island, or in Lions Bay. Please contact your local library if you wish to submit material for consideration.
What does “professionally printed” mean?
Your work must be professionally printed and bound so that it is able to withstand the rigours of circulation. Participating libraries are not responsible for damaged materials; if a book is damaged in circulation, participating libraries will not replace material but the author may choose to submit a replacement copy at no cost.
Will you also consider my older books?
Any books published between 2013 and 2023 will be considered, provided the book has not been a part of the North Shore Authors Collection in the past.
How many books can I submit?
A maximum of 3 books can be submitted per year.
What if my book isn’t selected?
Your book will not get selected only if it does not fall under our eligibility criteria. You are invited to apply in the future with new material.
What happens to my book(s) after the year is complete?
After the year is complete and at the discretion of the participating libraries, the book(s) may be moved to the library’s regular collection. It will not be returned to the author.
I grew up in the eligible area but do not live there currently. Can I apply?
Yes. If you lived in the eligible area at the time of publication, you are encouraged to apply.
If I live in Lions Bay or on Bowen Island, am I eligible?
Yes! We accept books from authors residing in the District of West Vancouver, the District of North Vancouver, the City of North Vancouver, on Bowen Island, or in Lions Bay.
I work in the eligible area. Does this mean I can apply?
No, we only accept books from authors residing in the District of West Vancouver, the District of North Vancouver, the City of North Vancouver, on Bowen Island, or in Lions Bay.
I do not have an ISBN. What can I do?
Materials without ISBNs will be considered. If you would like to learn more about obtaining an ISBN, visit the Library and Archives Canada website.