These guidelines are for FCPL’s circulating collection. For Maryland Room guidelines, please contact the Maryland Room.
When possible, Frederick County Public Libraries appreciates the opportunity to support local authors, defined as current Frederick County residents. However, we are not able to add all works submitted to the collection. Submissions must meet FCPL’s general selection criteria outlined in the Materials Selection Policy, and Guidelines for Materials Consideration.
Local authors who wish to submit their work for consideration should complete the Local Author Form below and donate one copy either in person at their local branch, or via mail to:
- Library Collections, 110 E. Patrick Street, Frederick, MD 21701
- Please include your name, address, and email when you submit your work so we can match it with your form submission.
Authors are encouraged to provide links to any professional reviews of their work. Reader reviews on Amazon or other sites will not be considered as part of the review process. The library only accepts physical book formats, not digital, and materials must be bound in a way that enables circulation, ease of use, and durability.
Due to the volume of inquiries, the library cannot respond directly to these submissions or relay final decisions. If added to the collection, works by local authors are subject to the same guidelines for weeding and retention as all other circulating materials. As a result, FCPL cannot guarantee that an item will remain in the catalog indefinitely. Additionally, as part of the general collection, these items may not stay in one location as they are checked out and returned across the library system. If the item is not selected, it will be placed in the library book sale.