Self-Publishing for Beginners - Part IV

ISBN Number

If you want your book to be accepted and sold by an online retailer, your book must first be assigned an ISBN - International Standard Book Number. If you self-publish, consider obtaining an ISBN for your book and do a small print run so you have some inventory. A third option, which falls between self-publishing and selling your manuscript to a traditional publisher, is to publish with a "transitional publisher,"

Your ISBN

Owning an ISBN book number is perhaps the most misunderstood aspect of self-publishing your own book. Every book that is going to be sold commercially must have an ISBN book number, period.

What is an ISBN and Should a Self-Publisher Get One?

Many self-publishing companies include providing an ISBN in their self-publishing services or allow the self-publisher the option of providing the ISBN.

The ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a number that uniquely identifies each book. It’s been called the “social-security number for books.” The owner of the ISBN is the official publisher of the book. As the official publisher, the owner of the ISBN is the only company who can:

• submit the book for reviews and awards
• update publisher information on Amazon.com or BN.com
• get a book carried by a distributor or wholesaler

Self-publishing service companies suggest they can save you the time and expense of requesting ISBN numbers from RR Bowker. But to have another company own your book’s ISBN number is to relinquish control over too many important aspects of your book’s future. So, ask or research to find out if the ISBN is theirs or if they are getting you your own ISBN. For more information on ISBN numbers visit http://www.isbn.org/.

RR Bowker is the U.S. ISBN Agency in the United States, responsible for assigning ISBNs as well as providing information and advice on the uses of the ISBN system to publishers and the publishing industry in general.

NOBODY can assign, give, lend or sell you an ISBN except for the US agency, RR Bowker. So, when self publishing books, just visit http://www.bowker.com/ to find out all the information you need to obtain an ISBN.

*While self-published books are not required to obtain ISBN's, distributors and most book stores will not accept a book without one.

Was this post helpful? Do you have any ISBN stories or information to share? We would love to hear them.

© 2009 by Leona G. Shankle

Steps in the Publishing Process

Self-Publishing for Beginners (con't): Part III

What is it and Why Self-Publish?

Self-publishing is printing a book or other type of work yourself instead of going through a publishing company. It is different from regular publishing in that there is no traditional publisher. It simply means that you take control entirely of your book - you retain 100% copyright to your book, you keep all the royalties, you decide which book store you'd like to target – “YOU KEEP CONTROL OF YOUR BOOK”.

Self-publishing is not a last resort for authors. In today's tough economy, self-publishing your own book could help increase your cash flow.

Publishing Your Book

Today's world of publishing is dominated by larger commercial houses that ignore works which don't have mass appeal. Large book publishing companies have such high overhead costs they must sell at least 10,000 copies of a book to break even.

Self-publishing is now more practical and affordable than ever before. It is now possible for self-publishing authors to produce their books in low volumes, allowing them to see if the market takes to the author's book. Self-publishing might be a bit of a challenge, but you will reap the rewards and benefits it offers.

Steps in the Publishing Process

The first step in the book publishing process is to educate your self. Step two is to prepare your files for print. Step three is the actual printing of your book. The fourth step is distribution. Distribution is almost as important as the first three steps combined. Book distribution is not the same as marketing.

Well! That's it for Part III. Did you find any thing helpful? What would you like to have more information on?

Be sure to return for Part IV.

If someone offered you money, say $5,000.00, for your book/story including all rights...would you sell it? Why? Why Not?

© 2009 by Leona G. Shankle

Print On Demand

Self-Publishing for Beginners (con't): Part II







"On Demand" Basics



"Print-On-Demand" is the Smart way to launch a book. You can save MONEY with smaller print runs and ordering books as demand increases. Once your book is set up in most systems, it will be printed, quite literally, on demand. The use of demand printing eliminates wasted printings of books that do not sell, and avoids overstock sitting in stores or a warehouse.



The basis behind Print-on-Demand is that a computer is used instead of the traditional offset printing process. The ultimate in print-on-demand is the production of one copy at a time. The newer model, self-publishing and print-on-demand is perfect for writers and ‘info-preneurs’ that want a solution to make money fast, increase exposure or grow a business.

One misconception about print-on-demand is that it always means printing one at a time. A print-on-demand service might produce one publication at a time for one client but print sets of 100 for another.

Print-On-Demand is good for writers as it is a process that offers many advantages over offset printing. POD is the best solution for customers who require small volumes of printed material or targeted direct mail campaigns while minimizing stock holding and benefiting from a quick turnaround.

Here are a few Print-On-Demand Publishers, in no particular order. Keep in mind that there are hundreds, if not thousands of POD publishers on the internet. Research them for yourself and choose the one that best suits your purpose and your budget.

I have not personally used any of them, just performed the search for what might be available when we need it.

• Lulu.com
  
• Booksurge
  
• Instantpublisher
  
• Outskirtspress
  
• iUniverse Print On Demand Publishers

*A Word of Caution: Print-On-Demand companies do not edit or copyedit the material they are given. You must take the responsibility of getting your book copyedited or the result can be a poor product.

What this post helpful? Do you have any self-publishing tips you'd like to share, successes or nightmares? We would love to hear them.

Part III: POD Self-Publishing for Beginners coming soon.

© 2009 by Leona G. Shankle

Resources for Writers & Publishers

The reason I started my website and this blog (my first one) was to provide information and advice for would-be writers, authors, and publishers. Thanks to the dedication and diligence of my oldest son, that is done now.

The new page element on the right side-bar, labeled "The Writing & Publishing Resource", contains just some of that information. It is also possible to sign up for my newsletter there - I hope you will.

Please take some time to investigate the resources we provide. AND, do sign up for the newsletter.

I look forward to your feedback and comments.