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)

Independent Writers of Southern California (IWOSC)

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.)

Still need help?