Most authors are so focused on the creative work that they treat the legal and registration side of publishing as an afterthought — something to deal with later. Later is often too late. Here are the six steps every author should complete before their book goes live, with exact costs and timelines for each.
Step 1: Get Your ISBN
An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is the unique identifier that allows retailers, libraries, and distributors to list, sell, and track your book. Without one, your book cannot be distributed to most retailers outside of Amazon KDP.
Where to get it: Bowker (myidentifiers.com) in the US. Cost: $125 for a single ISBN, $295 for 10, $575 for 100. The 10-pack is almost always the right choice — you'll need separate ISBNs for print, eBook, and audiobook editions.
Important: Never use a "free" ISBN provided by KDP or another distributor. That ISBN is owned by them, not you. If you ever move distributors, you lose the ISBN and all the sales history attached to it.
Purchase immediately — ISBNs are assigned instantly online. But Bowker's database update (which makes your book searchable in Bowker's Books In Print) takes 2–4 weeks, so register early.
Step 2: Register Your Copyright
Your copyright exists the moment you write the work — you don't need to register it. But registered copyright gives you significantly stronger legal protection, including the ability to sue for statutory damages and attorney's fees if someone infringes your work.
Where to register: copyright.gov (US Copyright Office). Cost: $45–$65 online. Timeline: 3–6 months for a certificate, though your copyright is effective from the date of filing.
Step 3: Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN)
The LCCN is required for your book to be considered for acquisition by US libraries. Libraries won't purchase books without one. If library sales and institutional distribution matter to you — and they should, libraries buy thousands of copies — this step is non-negotiable.
Where to get it: loc.gov/publish/pcn. Cost: Free. Timeline: Apply before publication; the number is typically assigned within a few weeks and must be printed on the copyright page.
Step 4: Create Your Barcode
Your print book needs a barcode on the back cover that encodes the ISBN and price. Most cover designers can generate this — if yours can't, barcode generators like Bookow.com produce retail-ready barcodes for under $10. Confirm the barcode format with your printer (typically EAN-13 with a 5-digit price add-on).
Step 5: Register a Publishing Imprint
Your imprint is the "publisher" name that appears on your book's copyright page and in retailer listings. Having your own imprint (e.g. "Meridian Press" rather than "Self-Published") looks professional and signals to readers, reviewers, and retailers that you're serious. Register it as a DBA (Doing Business As) through your county clerk. Cost: $10–$50 depending on state.
Step 6: Legal Deposit
The US Copyright Office requires two copies of published works to be deposited with the Library of Congress. This is a legal requirement for works published in the US, not optional. Send two copies within 3 months of publication. Failure to comply can result in fines.
The Order Matters
Register your ISBN first (you'll need it for everything else). Apply for LCCN second (needs to go on the copyright page before printing). Register copyright on or just before publication date. Send legal deposit copies within 3 months of publication. Handle imprint registration any time before publication.
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