How Do I Register My Book So Stores and Libraries Can Find It?
How do I register my book so stores and libraries can find it? There is no single registration. Instead, there are a few separate steps, and each one helps a different group find your book.
Bookstores look up books by ISBN. Libraries often look for Library of Congress information. And the copyright office protects your rights. Many self-publishers skip one or more of these without knowing it.
In this article, you will get a clear answer, then the solution step by step, and then an industry hack that makes the process easier and helps you avoid common hurdles.
Questions and Answers
Q: Is an ISBN the same as copyright?
A: No. An ISBN identifies your book. Copyright protects your work. They are separate.
Q: What is a Library of Congress Control Number?
A: It is a number that helps libraries catalog your book. In the U.S. it is free, but you must apply before publication.
The Solution
Get an ISBN for each format of your book.
Make sure your book's information is correct in the ISBN record.
Apply for a Library of Congress Control Number before publishing.
Consider registering your copyright.
Keep a simple record of every number and date.
The Industry Hack
Apply for your Library of Congress Control Number through the Library's free PrePub Book Link program as soon as your title and publication date are set. Many authors only learn about it after publishing, when it is too late. Checking this early gives libraries one less reason to pass on your book.
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Want to see how your book measures up? Download the free 10-point checklist at selfpublishmedia.com.
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