Submission Process

A curated selection of the best new books delivered monthly by a trusted partner with 95 years of experience serving libraries. Targeted collection growth, professional reviews, time savings for librarians, and a monthly wave of excitement for K-12 readers, all in one single box. That is the goal for Junior Library Guild (JLG) Gold Standard Selections.

JLG provides school and public libraries with a completely customizable collection development service based on librarian preferences to support readers’ interests and library budgets. Our Selection Team reviews thousands of books annually, identifying those that exemplify literary merits and high-interest appeal to libraries across the country. Titles from 70+ JLG Gold Standard Selection categories are shipped every month. 

To be considered for inclusion in one of the 70+ Gold Standard Selection categories, publishers should submit manuscripts, review copies, or print-ready PDF files, with book club/book fair rights, 4–6 months in advance of the publication date. Our Selection Team evaluates submissions on a rolling basis and place orders early to align with publisher’s initial print runs. This ensures the timely delivery of new titles to our library partners all year long.

1. Sign Up/Register for the new VBR Portal  

1. • Single sign–in for MSI (JLG, SLJ, LJ, Horn Book). 

• • All users need to reregister 

1. 1. • Application must be confirmed by TMG. 

• • • An email confirmation will be sent to the user when accepted 

• • • This may take up to 2 business days 

2. Add PDFs to your personal Upload Folder 

1. • Do not create subfolders 

• • No need for duplicate submissions 

• • The folder will show submissions until MSI grabs the submission, after which the folder will appear empty!  

• • An email confirmation will be sent with submission details and errors 

1. • Folders are based on the “company” you enter when registering. Variations in the company name will result in multiple folders.   

3. Download Excel Template (Do not change header formatting) 

1. • All PDFs must be accompanied by an excel file 

• • View Instruction tab on the Excel document for more details  

4.  Fill out template 

1. • Requirements: 

• • • Minimum 3 months prior to pub date (We recommend submitting as early as possible, at least 4-6 months prior to pub date.  

• • • Format must be PDF  

• • Multiple PDFs can be included on one excel file  

• • Some fields are *required, however the more complete, the faster we can review a title. 

• • Library ISBN needed (when applicable)    

• • Contact email address in your spread sheet will be the primary contact for confirmations  

• • An email will be sent with any errors noted after the spreadsheet is submitted.  

• • PDFs marked as Manuscripts will NOT be reviewed until replaced by a file marked “review copy” or “print ready” HOWEVER, manuscripts may be marked for review prior to receiving a reviewable version.  

5. Upload template 

1. • All PDFs associated with an Excel file must be uploaded prior to submitting Excel template. 

6. Receipt confirmation 

1. • Error notifications included 

• • Submission does not guarantee a review 

• • All reviews are final. We will correct factual errors but not the editorial substance of reviews.   

Once Submitted