How to get your LCCN Before You Publish Your Book

Get Your Library of Congress Control Number The LCCN BEFORE You Publish Your Book

Note: If you know anyone who is writing a book or on the verge of publishing, this is the blog you need to share with them now.

The #1 question that most authors don’t know to ask is, How do I get an LCCN?

What’s an LCCN? Good question—it’s the Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN) that shows that you exist, and the one that any library that you are pitching your book to wants to know you have. Think of it as your book’s social security #.

The good news is that these are free … although going through the two steps to get them can sometimes be a pain in the tush. It usually is sent to you via email within two days.

You must have your ISBN to get it.
You must obtain your LCCN (via the PCN) before you publicly sell your book/publish.

The LCCN does not copyright your book. For that, you want to register the final work here: https://www.copyright.gov/registration/literary-works/

Two Options:

1. Complete instructions are on my website’s Home page—submit for a detailed download with step-by-steps and graphics to show the flow via my website: https://TheBookShepherd.com

You start with obtaining your PCN—pre-assigned control number program. Once you publish, it automatically converts to the LCCN. https://www.loc.gov/publish/pcn/

Beware: The websites are occasionally updated—changed—so these instructions may also require a little tweaking.

If you have a goal to have your books carried in libraries, the LCCN is a door that attracts them.

Dr. Judith Briles is a book publishing expert and coach. Often, she must roll up her writing sleeves and become a Book Doctor, juicing up storylines and author words. She empowers authors and works directly with authors who want to be seriously successful and has been writing about and conducting workshops on publishing since the ’80s. Judith is the author of 37 books including Author YOU: Creating and Building Your Author and Book Platforms, Snappy Sassy Salty: Wise Words for Authors and Writers, and How to Create a $1,000,000 Speech. Her personal memoir When God Says NO-Revealing the YES When Adversity and Loss Are Present is a #1 bestseller on Amazon. Collectively, her books have earned over 45 book awards. Judith speaks throughout the year at publishing conferences.

Throughout the year, she holds Judith Briles Book Unplugged in-person and online experiences: Publishing, Speaking, Marketing, and Social Media. All are two-day intensives limited to a small group of authors who want to be seriously successful. Join Judith live for the “AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing” podcast on the Toginet Radio Network HERE.

Follow @AuthorUYOUBooks and @MyBookShepherd on Twitter and do a “Like” at AuthorYOU, and join the Facebook group Book Publishing with The Book Shepherd. If you want to create a book that has no regrets, contact her.