Covers and ISBNs are critical … what are the “differences” in the self-publishing markets and the indie publishing markets is the inclusion of the LCCN–the Library of Congress Number. If you want your book in the library, you best apply for one before publication and include it on your copyright page. Here are your tips this week:
In deciding on a style or type of cover
Get to a brick and mortar bookstore. First, go to the section of where your book would be placed if sold in the store. Look at every book that is competitive with yours. What covers pop? What do you like? What do you not like? Now, head to the front of the store. Walk around the “new” book section. What pops out? Colors? Fonts? Styles? You are doing an analysis of what you like and don’t. These are the current covers NY is pushing out. Eyeballs expect your cover to compete in style.
Get at least 10 ISBN numbers
In the U.S., Bowker is your only legit source. Go to http://www.MyIdentifiers.com
One for $125, ten for $295. As soon as you pay online, you will receive yours within minutes via email. If you are a member of AuthorU.org, you can get a discount. 10 for $250. You will need an individual ISBN for each version of your book that you will produce: softcover or paper, hard cover; eBook, audio. Note: if you are an AuthorU.org member, you get your ISBNs at a special discount.
Get your LCCN number
If you want libraries to carry your book, you want an LCCN number, which is good for all forms of your book (print, “e”, audio). Apply for your Library of Congress Control Number – LCCN – after you have your ISBN number. There is no cost. Go to:http://www.loc.gov/publish/pcn/newaccount.html and click on the “Application to Participate” link—which will take you to an online form. Getting an LCCN is a two-step process. You must fill out the meta data requested to be accepted into the “program.” Once you get your email confirmation to proceed, you will be directed to a final online form to complete—and you will be emailed your LCCN, usually within 48 hours.
Judith Briles is a book publishing expert and coach. She empowers authors and is the Founder of Author U, a membership organization created for the serious author who wants to be seriously successful. She’s been writing about and conducting workshops on publishing since the 80s. Judith is the author of 34 books including Author YOU: Creating and Building Your Author and Book Platforms (ForeWord IndieFab Book of the Year), Snappy Sassy Salty: Wise Words for Authors and Writers and a speaker at publishing conferences. Book #34 was published this summer: The CrowdFunding Guide for Authors & Writers. Get your copy.
Become part of her inner circle by joining the Author’s Ark and exclusive monthly webinar and coaching event. Each summer, she holds Judith Briles Book Publishing Unplugged, a three day intensive limited to a small group of authors who want to be seriously successful. In 2015, the dates are August 27-29th. Her audio and workbook series, Creating Your Book and Author Platform is now available. Join Judith live on Thursdays at 6 p.m. EST for Author U – Your Guide to Book Publishing on the Toginet Network at bit.ly/PublishingShow .
Follow @AuthorU and @MyBookShepherd on Twitter and do a “Like” at AuthorU and Judith Briles – TheBookShepherd on Facebook. If you want to create a book that has no regrets, contact Judith at Judith@Briles.com.
Author U is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to the author who wants to be seriously successful. Monthly education programs delivered face-to-face and online, The Author Resource ezine, BookCamps and the annual Author U Extravaganza are tools designed for authors pre, during and post publishing of their books. Join AuthorU.org today.
If you are looking for FREE author and book coaching … call in to Judith’s Author Monday Mornings at NOON Eastern each Monday. The number is 218-632-9854; Access Code 1239874444 … have your questions ready–there’s a full hour to ask and listen.