Are Libraries the Hidden Book Market? with Erin Cox of Words & Money

Are Libraries the Hidden Book Market? with Erin Cox of Words & Money

From New Books Network by New Books

April 28, 2026

About this episode

This episode explores how libraries can be a powerful marketing tool for authors and publishers.

What if the most powerful tool in your book marketing strategy isn't social media — it's your local library? In the debut episode of The Publishing Playbook, host Sarah Russo of Page One Media sits down with publishing veteran Erin Cox to unpack one of the industry's most overlooked opportunities: libraries. With a career spanning publicity at Scribner and HarperCollins, agenting, and her current role as publisher of Publishing Perspectives and co-founder of Words and Money, Erin brings rare, 360-degree expertise to the conversation. Together, Sarah and Erin break down how libraries actually buy books, why they're a powerful (and underutilized) marketing channel for authors, and the misconceptions that are costing publishers real money. Whether you're a debut author, a seasoned writer, or publishing-curious, this episode will change how you think about getting your book into readers' hands. Words & Money: https://www.wordsandmoney.com/ Publishing Perspectives: https://publishingperspectives.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

People in this episode

Host: Sarah Russo

Guest: Erin Cox

Topics covered

  • libraries
  • book marketing
  • publishing industry
  • author strategies
  • book sales

Keywords

  • libraries
  • book marketing
  • publishing
  • authors
  • book sales
  • Erin Cox
  • Sarah Russo

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Words & Money, Publishing Perspectives, Scribner, HarperCollins

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