Libby App Explained: How It Works, Author Earnings, and Self-Publishing Opportunities
The Libby app has become one of the most popular digital reading platforms for library users around the world. Developed by OverDrive, Libby allows readers to borrow ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines for free using a valid library membership. Unlike commercial ebook stores, Libby is built on the public library system, which means its purpose is access and reading, not direct book sales. Because of this unique structure, many authors—especially self-published writers—have important questions about earnings, uploads, and compatibility with platforms like Kindle. This article explains everything in detail in a clear and practical way.
Libby works by connecting readers to their local library’s digital collection. Once logged in, users can borrow titles for a fixed lending period, read online or offline, and return books automatically without late fees. In some countries, borrowed ebooks can also be sent to Kindle devices, which makes Libby especially attractive for regular readers. However, from an author’s perspective, it is important to understand that Libby itself does not sell books directly to readers.
A very common question is whether authors earn money when their books are read on Libby. Authors do earn money, but not in the same way they do from Amazon Kindle or other retail platforms. Libby does not pay authors per read, per page, or per borrow. Instead, money is earned when libraries purchase or license a book for their digital collection. Libraries buy ebooks and audiobooks from distributors that work with OverDrive. When a library decides to add a title to its collection, that purchase generates revenue. The distributor then shares a portion of that revenue with the author according to the royalty terms of their publishing or distribution agreement.
In simple words, authors are paid because libraries buy access to their books, not because individual readers open or finish them. Some library licenses allow unlimited borrowing for a certain period, while others limit the number of lends or years. Once the license expires, the library may renew it, which can generate additional income for the author. This model means that popular books can continue earning over time as libraries renew licenses or buy additional copies to meet reader demand.
Another important question is whether self-published authors can upload their books directly to the Libby app. The answer is no. Libby does not offer a direct self-publishing dashboard or upload option for authors. Individual writers cannot sign in and upload ebooks or audiobooks themselves. However, this does not mean self-published authors are excluded from Libby. Indie authors can still reach Libby readers by publishing through approved distribution platforms that supply books to libraries. These distributors handle formatting, metadata, pricing, and submission to OverDrive’s library marketplace. Libraries then choose whether or not to purchase those titles.
This system actually benefits authors because libraries actively look for quality content, and once a book is accepted and purchased, it can reach thousands of readers who may not normally buy books online. For many authors, library exposure also increases long-term visibility, word-of-mouth promotion, and credibility.
Many authors also ask whether a book already published on Kindle can be made available on Libby. The answer depends on how the book is published on Amazon. If a book is simply sold on Kindle without enrolling in any exclusivity program, the author is free to distribute the same ebook to libraries through other channels. In that case, the book can appear both on Amazon Kindle for sale and on Libby for library borrowing at the same time.
However, if the author has enrolled the ebook in Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited or KDP Select program, the situation changes. These programs require digital exclusivity for the ebook during the enrollment period. While enrolled, the ebook cannot be distributed to other platforms, including library distribution services connected to Libby. Once the exclusivity period ends and the author opts out, the book can then be distributed to libraries again.
This distinction is extremely important for self-published authors. Kindle Unlimited may offer income through page reads, but it limits access to libraries. On the other hand, distributing to Libby through libraries may not pay per read, but it offers long-term discovery, stable institutional purchases, and a different kind of readership.
In conclusion, the Libby app is not a sales platform but a digital library lending system. Authors earn money when libraries purchase or license their books, not when individual readers borrow or read them. Self-published authors cannot upload books directly to Libby, but they can reach the platform through library-focused distribution services. Books published on Kindle can also be available on Libby as long as they are not locked into exclusivity programs like Kindle Unlimited. For authors who want wider reach, credibility, and long-term visibility, library distribution through Libby can be a valuable addition to their publishing strategy.