Organisations evaluate books against criteria individual readers rarely think about. Will it fit our programme? Can we buy it in quantity at a sensible price? Can the supplier invoice us properly? This article sets out those criteria as an assessment you can complete before making a single approach.

1. Subject relevance

The subject must connect directly to what the organisation teaches, practises or offers. Relevance should be obvious from the title, subtitle and description without needing explanation. If you find yourself arguing that the book is "relevant to everyone", it is probably not specific enough for an institutional buyer.

2. Audience alignment

Identify the precise reader within the organisation: first-year students, new managers, small-group leaders, volunteer mentors. Reading level, length and tone should suit that reader. A 400-page book may be ideal for a university seminar and unsuitable for a six-week church study.

3. Educational or practical value

Buyers ask how the book will be used. Chapters that map to sessions, discussion questions, exercises or a facilitator guide make that easier to picture. Add these only where they genuinely help; supplementary material cannot compensate for a weak fit.

4. Organisational use case

Write a one-paragraph use case for each target type: who would use the book, in what setting, over what period and to what end. This becomes the core of any proposal, and if you cannot write it convincingly, the buyer will not be able to justify the purchase either.

5. Bulk pricing and licensing

Prepare a simple price schedule for common quantity bands and be clear about how stock will be supplied and delivered. Confirm your rights for digital group access, copying worksheets and recorded sessions. Traditionally published authors should agree special sales terms with their publisher before quoting.

6. Procurement readiness

Larger organisations may require formal invoices, tax documentation, supplier registration, bank details on letterhead and confirmed delivery dates. Libraries and schools often buy through established wholesalers, so check whether your book is available in those catalogues.

Suitability assessment

Score each statement from 0 (not true) to 2 (clearly true). A total under 12 suggests strengthening the book's positioning or materials before approaching organisations.

  • The book addresses a specific need that a named type of organisation already has.
  • I can describe the intended reader inside that organisation precisely.
  • The structure or materials make group or programme use straightforward.
  • I have a written use case for at least one organisation type.
  • I have a quantity price schedule and know how bulk stock would be supplied.
  • I know which rights I hold for group, digital and copied use.
  • I can issue proper invoices and meet basic supplier requirements.
  • The book is available through the channels my target buyers normally use.

Conclusion

Suitability is a combination of fit and readiness. Fit is largely decided by the book itself; readiness is something you can build. Complete the assessment honestly, strengthen the weaker areas and then approach the organisations where your score is strongest.