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.
Interested in submitting a title for consideration? It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!
1. Register for the Virtual Book Room (VBR)
2. Upload your PDF title files
3. Upload your Excel metadata files
1. Register for the Virtual Book Room (VBR)
- All users need to register here to access to all Media Source Inc. (MSI) portal, which includes Junior Library Guild (JLG), School Library Jornal (SLJ), Library Journal (LJ), and The Horn Book.
- After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email from [email protected]. Follow the instructions to activate your account.
- Your personal Upload Folder (please bookmark this site) will be created based on the Company Name entered during registration. Be consistent, variations in Company Name will create multiple folders.
- Once confirmed, you will be able to securely upload PDF and Excel files to the VBR.
Note: It may take up to two (2) business days to receive your registration confirmation. - There is a quick-start guide and a more detailed set of instructions on how to use and navigate the virtual book room.
- We also offer a simple explanation of any errors you may encounter. If you do encounter a problem using the system, please reach out to us at [email protected].
2. Upload PDF Files
- Do not create subfolders or submit duplicate files.
- Upload manuscript, review copy, or print-ready PDFs to your Upload Folder.
- Manuscripts may be marked for future review consideration, but they will not be reviewed by SLJ, LJ, or The Horn Book until replaced with a “review copy” or “print-ready” PDF file.
- The Upload Folder will display PDF files until the Excel file is submitted. Once both are received, the system ingests the submission and clears the folder.
- You’ll receive an email confirmation including submission status and any errors sent to the email listed in the Excel metadata file.
3. Upload Excel Metadata File
- Do not modify the formatting of the Excel file.
- Use the Excel template provided in your registration confirmation email.
- The Excel sheet may include one or more titles. See the “Instructions” tab for field descriptions.
Submission Guidelines:
- Upload all PDF files before uploading the Excel file.
- Some metadata fields are required (*), but the more complete the data, the faster the review.
- Include the Library ISBN (when applicable).
- The contact email provided in the Excel file will receive all submission-related communications.
- A confirmation email will be sent once both the PDF and metadata are received.
Notes:
*Files must be submitted at least three (3) months before the publication date and before the initial print date (we recommend submitting 4–6 months in advance).
*Submission does not guarantee selection or review.
*Reviews are final; factual errors may be corrected, but editorial content will not be changed.
Publishers with titles under consideration will be contacted regarding pricing and shipping details before selection is finalized.
JLG Gold Standard Selection titles will also be professionally reviewed by one of our journals (SLJ, LJ, or The Horn Book) before the publication date.
We look forward to your submissions!
