Publisher Resource Directory
You’re a Publisher…
Here are resources for self publishers, small presses, and independents.
Follow links to these resources (which may involve leaving this site)
or ask us how we can help.
Step |
Resource |
Why and How? |
---|---|---|
ISBN, Barcode, Books in Print |
R.R. Bowker – Information
My Identifiers (Bowker) – purchase and manage your imprint’s ISBNs Bibliographic Databases (Bowker) Our Book Metadata page |
If you want your books sold by booksellers, they will typically order by International Standard Book Number (ISBN). As an indie publisher, you need a unique ISBN for each platform (hardcover, softcover, ebook type, etc.). If you obtain ISBN numbers from a source besides R. R. Bowker, the code prefix belongs to another publisher, not you, and is not transferable to other publishers. |
Library of Congress PCN |
Preassigned Control Number (PCN) Program
Our Book Metadata page |
If you plan to market books to libraries and academic institutions, they will typically order and index titles by Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN) which you can obtain by registering the book in advance of publishing date, then sending the LOC a release copy. This deposit requirement is separate from copyright registration copies. |
Choice of Platform |
See our Choosing Platforms page | Paper or plastic? |
Book Interior Design |
Ideas to Images (www.ideastoimages.com)
Or see our Ask Us How page |
GetPublished! Radio Affiliate
Book design and production services. Get a pro to do this. We will quote or ask your permission to refer. |
Cover Design |
Ideas to Images (www.ideastoimages.com)
Or see our Ask Us How page |
GetPublished! Radio Affiliate
Book design and production services. Get a pro to do this. We will quote or ask your permission to refer. |
Book Metadata |
See our Book Metadata page | What you need to know about data fields associated with your book in online directories and catalogs. |
Editorial Services |
Words a la Mode (www.wordsalamode.com)
Quinn’s Word for Word (www.writingandediting.biz) See our Ask Us How page Recommended toolset: Grammarly.com |
GetPublished! Radio Affiliates
Get a pro to do this. We will quote or ask your permission to refer.
|
Production Proofing, Indexing |
Ideas to Images (www.ideastoimages.com)
See our Ask Us How page |
GetPublished! Radio Affiliate
Get a pro to do this. We will quote or ask your permission to refer. |
Royalties |
Depending on the deal you get, a traditional publisher will pay you a buck or two per book. That revenue will be applied to any advance you get.
Self-publishers make considerably more per book, but of course you have to pay for editing, book production, distribution, and promotion. |
See the Terms & Conditions pages of publisher or distributor websites. Deals vary considerably. |
Permissions |
Any traditional publisher will require you to file signed permission forms or letters with them from anyone who contributed copyrighted material to your book. If you self-publish, you should also have this same information and keep it stored securely. | Get legal advice for rights and permissions, including waiver and release forms you request from contributors to your work. |
Legal |
Search “entertainment law” on the website of your state bar association. | Get legal advice for copyright and liability questions. Also for documenting your collaboration agreements with other authors or illustrators. |
Ebook Technical |
See our Choosing Platforms page
PublishDrive ebook distribution |
This nontechnical overview will get you started. |
Support Network |
Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) | Professional associations offer newsletters, local meetings, and a wealth of support resources. Fee for annual membership. (Publishers Association of Los Angeles, a regional subgroup of IBPA, is now merged with IWOSC.) |