Get Your Books Into Libraries: Insider Secrets from a Librarian & Author

In this episode of the Authors’ Allies podcast, host Rebecca Paciorek welcomes the multi-talented Cari Dubiel — librarian, author, editor, and mindfulness advocate. Known for her award-winning mysteries and the quirky collection I Loved the Mothman and Other Stories, Cari brings a wealth of experience from both sides of the book world.Together, they discuss:✨ Cari’s many creative roles and how she balances them all 📚 What really happens behind the scenes at modern libraries 🧠 How mindfulness helps library workers manage public-facing stress 🔍 Current trends in what readers want (Hello BookTok and locked-room thrillers!) 📖 The story behind The Author’s Guide to Libraries — and why indie authors should stop dropping off books unannounced 🧛‍♂️ Cryptids as modern myth and how Mothman inspired a whole collection 🛠️ Cari’s hybrid publishing venture, Dustbound Books 🧩 Tips for writers juggling creativity with real life 📝 Her upcoming projects: Detective Mothman and The Author’s Guide to BookstoresPlus: the truth about audiobook formats, why children’s authors need better feedback, and Cari’s favorite writing beverage (spoiler: it’s not just coffee!).✨ Don’t miss this inspiring and practical deep dive into the literary world from the perspective of someone who truly does it all.05:10 - Balancing a Busy Life09:00 - Teaching Mindfulness to Library Workers13:20 - Stress and Reality of Working in Libraries17:10 - Current Reader Trends and BookTok Influence22:30 - Ebooks vs. Print: What's Popular Now26:00 - Playaway Devices and Streaming Changes30:20 - How Author’s Guide to Libraries Was Born35:00 - Children's Authors and Library Events38:40 - Editing and Hybrid Publishing with Dust Bound Books44:30 - Creating I Loved the Mothman and Other Stories49:40 - Upcoming Projects: Detective Mothman and Author’s Guide to Bookstores53:10 - Cari's Advice for Aspiring AuthorsWhere to find Cari DubielCari’s website: https://caridubielauthor.com/Cari’s Duskbound Books website: https://duskboundbooks.com/ and on Substack https://duskboundbooks.substack.com/Cari’s books: (Amazon affiliate links)I Loved the Mothman and Other Stories https://amzn.to/4bG9XfnThe Authors’ Guide to Libraries https://amzn.to/4hrQqACAll Cari’s books: https://amzn.to/41VkPCPOther Links & ResourcesAuthors’ Allies⁠ RoundTable⁠ can be found on our ⁠website.⁠ Ebook: Did you download your copy of 10 Steps to Your Ultimate Book Marketing Plan ebook yet? You can get that⁠ ⁠HERE.⁠⁠Email us: [e-mail]⁠⁠Follow us on the⁠⁠ social media platform of your choice for more tips and tricks. Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE.I often recommend products and services that I use or that have been recommended to me by people we trust. I only suggest items that I have personally used and love. In many cases an affiliate link accompanies these recommendations, (including Amazon -except for my products which are mine and not affiliate links) which provides me with a referral commission should you click through and make a purchase. This is always at no additional cost to you.