ISBNs, Barcodes, and Copyright

[Angela]

I have spoken to a few authors about this already and am now collecting all data to determine cost and where to go to get these three things: an ISBN, a bar code, and registering the copyright with the feds.

Now, I know this is all not needed for an eBook. However, I have decided to not only have paperback copies available, but I wish to have them look and presented exactly like a traditional copy so, in the future, should that option arise, I am ready.

But, the more I look into this, the more confused I get. You have to have the ISBN before you buy the bar code? (Makes sense). Smashwords offers the ISBN for free? Really? Then how and when do I get the bar code because don't I need the barcode before I upload to Smashwords?

How do I register with the govs on the copyright? Should I do this after the book is uploaded to the distributor? So many questions! Yikes! Help?

[Ronesa]

Angela B. wrote: "I have spoken to a few authors about this already and am now collecting all data to determine cost and where to go to get these three things: an ISBN, a bar code, and registering the copyright with..."

ISBN and bar code are easy with Amazon paperbacks (CreateSpace). You can get them free. I also have info somewhere about submitting a copyright to the govt. I did that. I will update the info here when I get a chance.

[Angela]

Ronesa wrote: "Angela B. wrote: "I have spoken to a few authors about this already and am now collecting all data to determine cost and where to go to get these three things: an ISBN, a bar code, and registering ..."

Thank you greatly :) I have the link for the gov copyright registration in an email (Thank you, C!), but a back up posted here for others is most welcome! I am mostly unclear as to the order in which all of these things take place.

I am publishing in four months (OH MY GOD! I'M PUBLISHING IN FOUR MONTHS!) And I would like to know if this stuff needs to be done now or later.

Oooh! Also, does my cover artist need this stuff to post/paste onto my cover?

[Ronesa]

Angela B. wrote: "Ronesa wrote: "Angela B. wrote: "I have spoken to a few authors about this already and am now collecting all data to determine cost and where to go to get these three things: an ISBN, a bar code, a..."

I found it was easier to send physical copies out AFTER it was published. The rules around submitting electronically were rather confusing. And I think you can do it at any time. It took a couple months before they actually cashed my check... and could take up to a year before you get your certificate...

[Angela]

Ah! Good to know! I will keep my expectations low :)

[BR]

You can get your ISBN for the ebook free if you publish through Smashwords. The same for the print book through CreateSpace. If you want to use your own ISBN, you buy them through Bowker if you're in the United States. I can't remember how much they cost, but I remember that a package of 10 was pretty pricey.

CreateSpace will put the ISBN and barcode on the cover, but you need to leave the space for it free.

[Angela]

B.R. wrote: "You can get your ISBN for the ebook free if you publish through Smashwords. The same for the print book through CreateSpace. If you want to use your own ISBN, you buy them through Bowker if you're ..."

Great to know! Thank you :) I did leave the space, so I'm set :)

[Abigail]

I think you might need different ISBNs for electronic and paperback?

[Angela]

Abigail wrote: "I think you might need different ISBNs for electronic and paperback?"

I know Createspace offers in-house ISBN's, but, if you want to be put on The List for brick and mortar stores, their criteria is to have ISBN's and Bar codes. If you're just doing an ebook then you don't need either really.

[[deleted user]]

Amazon has said in an email that ebooks with an ISBN will avoid Europe's highest VAT rates.

[Angela]

Ken wrote: "Amazon has said in an email that ebooks with an ISBN will avoid Europe's highest VAT rates."

There is a lot in that sentence that I don't understand. Ken, could you please explain? What are "VAT rates?

[Angela]

Value Added Tax (I forgot I had Google and regressed to 1985 lol)

[Abigail]

...is avoiding it a good thing?

[Angela]

I don't know :/ I still plan on getting an ISBN because it boosts your visibility. And it certainly doesn't hinder the pro's. I'm in the States, so I'm also not sure how this will affect US citizens.

I also question Amazon because... they have done some things that I am not entirely okay with.

[Abigail]

I firmly believe that soon we'll be living in the Amazon States of America.

[Angela]

Abigail wrote: "I firmly believe that soon we'll be living in the Amazon States of America."

lol

[[deleted user]]

Abigail wrote: "I firmly believe that soon we'll be living in the Amazon States of America."

If that happens, at least we'll have a lot of stuff to play with.

[Abigail]

So, you're a silver lining kind of guy.

[[deleted user]]

Amazon probably sells that, too.

[Justin]

Yeah, ISBN is one of those things that's important to you and your book but not to readers, unless they look up books that way lol. I know Createspace you have the option of a process of making one or they generate one for you, I just had them generate one for me, saves me a step and time. Like I said, I don't believe it's an issue which a person decides to choose.