LAPL Writes
Welcome to LAPL Writes, our guide to the Los Angeles Public Library's many resources for our local author community. Take a look at what the library has to offer and find useful advice on everything from overcoming writer's block to getting your work published.
Resources and More
Online Resources
The Library provides 24/7 access to Online Classes, Databases, Suggested Weblinks, and More.
Pressbooks
Interested in getting your novel, memoir, poetry collection, children's book, and more in eBook and print-ready formats? Pressbooks Public is an easy-to-use online tool that allows you to create professional-quality versions of your book in ePUB, MOBI, PDF, and more.
LAPL Authors
This collection represents the best independently published titles submitted by local L.A. authors to the Indie Author Project.
Events
- ALOUD: Check out the Library Foundation of Los Angeles' fantastic ALOUD lecture series to hear great authors talk about their work. You can also download podcasts of past events.
- Author Programs: Complete calendar of upcoming author events at our libraries.
- National Novel Writing Month - November: Come write-in at the library during NaNoWriMo.
Writing Groups
- LA Writers Group: Resource for writers looking to enroll in workshops or hire writing coaches or editors.
- Deadline Junkies: A development lab for professional screenwriters that meets in Sherman Oaks. Check out their page for membership and meeting information.
- Organization of Black Screenwriters: Participants meet monthly to discuss their work and industry trends. Visit their website for membership information and meeting details.
Submission Policy
Have you written a book? See our instructions for submitting your title for the Library's consideration.
If you would like to suggest that the Library purchase your book for our collection, feel free to fill out our online Suggest A Purchase form. Please indicate on the form that you are the author. If you are suggesting your e-book for purchase please note that your title must be available through the OverDrive platform for the Library to consider.
If you prefer to submit a review copy of your book for consideration the procedure is to send a copy of the book, along with published reviews, to:
Acquisitions—Review Copy
Los Angeles Public Library
630 W. 5th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071
The book and reviews are then considered for inclusion by the appropriate subject specialist. Due to the large number of books we receive we are unable to return the book, give status updates on its progress, or provide feedback on why or why not it was selected. Books that are not selected for the collection may be sold at a Library support group booksale. If the book is selected for inclusion it will appear in the library catalog in about 3 months.