Resources
Self-Publishing Resources
Self-Publishing Resources and information for ISBN – Bar Code – U.S. Copyright Office – Library of Congress – Cataloging in Publication (CIP).
Self-publishing resources for publishers and indie authors.
These self-publishing resources are essential. We believe that the authors we work with are the only publishers of their books. That is self-publishing. Protect book titles under the author’s name or their own publishing company. If John Doe is an author, he may have a company by the name of John Doe Publishing. He would choose to buy ISBNs, bar code, and copyright under either his name or his business name. That is the self-publishers’ choice! Here is our helpful list of self-publishing resources for USA self-publishers:
ISBNs are a must.
Self publishing resources and the ISBN. All books selling through retail channels need an ISBN (International Standard Book Number). If you are a publisher or an independent (indie) self-publishing author, you will need an ISBN number for each title.
Steps
- Contact the ISBN agency in your country. See Bowker in the USA. You can also log into Bowker and get an ISBN instantly.
- Complete the application.
- Submit the application and application fee. Agencies outside of the USA may take about two weeks to provide the ISBN(s) to you.
Need to Know
ISBNs are frequently purchased in blocks of 10, but you can buy them one at a time.
Do not buy the numbers from a source other than the authorized agency, unless you want them to be the publisher of your book. A publisher is not supposed to share or sell their block of ISBNs.
Self publishers need a separate ISBN for each title to publish.
Self publishers need a separate ISBN for each format to publish. If you have a hardcover book, a soft cover book, and an ebook, three ISBNs are needed.
Using a shared ISBN, or an ISBN that you buy from another author or publisher means that you will not be the publisher in industry databases. If the publisher is someone else, you will only receive royalties.
EAN Bookland bar codes.
Books need a bar code to be able to scan in bookstores. These are self-publishing resources that you cannot do without for a printed book. Ebooks do not need a barcode, but they do need a different ISBN from the print book of the same title and content.
Steps
- Contact the authorized agency in your country.
- Create an account, providing your business name and contact information so bookstores and libraries can contact you.
- Buy the bar code. To complete the transaction, you will need to provide an ISBN Number and Retail or List Price Information.
Need to Know
- While you can use $0 for the cost, many bookstores require a price to be listed on the barcode, and will not accept the title without a price.
- Buy a single ISBN from Star Print Brokers, a barcode, or a single ISBN and barcode together. Star Print Brokers is an authorized ISBN agent. We can sell authors and publishers a single ISBN and bar code. It will list you or your company as the publisher.
- Barcode sizing – 92 percent is standard, but can be as small as 80 percent of the original size.
Copyright your book.
It’s one of the most important self-publishing resources. US Copyright Office. Protecting your work. Read all about the basics at the United States Copyright Office. You can also find the forms and fees at the United States Copyright Office website.
- Always add “Copyright © (YEAR) and (Your Name or Entity)” under which you will file the copyright. It is placed on the copyright page of your title. The copyright page is most often the second page after the title page.
- Consult your attorney for questions or clarification.
Library of Congress – Cataloging in Publication program (CIP).
Self-publishers or those who publish on-demand are usually out of the scope of the CIP program. If the author has published previously, they might be able to apply for the Cataloging in Publication (CIP) program. See the Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication program. Also see this link for Authors and Self-publishers to open an account.
Self-published books and on-demand books usually don’t qualify, but if the author or publisher was publishing before, it bears investigation. See CIP FAQs:
To apply, the final title is necessary, along with the ISBN, and a complete set of proofs. Authors or publishers can print out final book, or send a set of physical Star Print Brokers digitally output proofs. You can read more here: About the CIP program.
Don’t forget resolution if using a QR code
There are many places to get QR codes. Some are free. High-resolution usually costs more. Here are a few things to remember:
- The QR code needs to be high resolution for printing books on press. They should be 300 pixels per inch, and at the size they will appear when in the book.
- JPG, or transparency is a must a PNG.
- Black and white. No RGB or CMYK.
- Forward it to us or the book designer.
- Don’t make the changes.
- Always test the QR code before printing.
We hope you enjoyed our helpful list of self publishing resources. To consult with us, call (844) 603-1777 toll-free, or (425) 603-1777 in the Seattle area.
Use these self publishing resources, FAQs, and request a quote today!