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Register Your Book: The Essential Guide to ISBNs, Barcodes, Copyright, and LCCNs
***Updated 2020 Edition***
Save money, save time, protect your investment, and improve your marketing.
- Reference essential metadata details for ISBNs, barcodes, LCCNs, copyright.
- Avoid legal headaches, missed deadlines, and expensive fees.
- Learn how to publish as a professional, not an amateur.
- Protect your book’s hard-earned reader reviews.
- Ensure your freedom to use any book printer.
- Include your book in the directories used by major publishers.
- Keep your options open to use any book distributor.
- Prevent your advance reading copies from being re-sold online.
- Your guide to professional self-publishing.
“...proceed with confidence in spending your time and dollars to get it done right, the first time.”
—Carla King, Self-Pub Boot Camp
“Straightforward and easy to digest, this is one how-to that every new author or publisher should have in their arsenal!"
—Brooke Warner, Publisher of She Writes Press and author of Green-Light Your Book: How Writers Can Succeed in the New Era of Publishing
“An essential guide to publishing identifiers, their benefits and uses, and (most importantly) what NOT to do.”
—Laura Dawson, Numerical Gurus
Save money, save time, protect your investment, and improve your marketing.
- Reference essential metadata details for ISBNs, barcodes, LCCNs, copyright.
- Avoid legal headaches, missed deadlines, and expensive fees.
- Learn how to publish as a professional, not an amateur.
- Protect your book’s hard-earned reader reviews.
- Ensure your freedom to use any book printer.
- Include your book in the directories used by major publishers.
- Keep your options open to use any book distributor.
- Prevent your advance reading copies from being re-sold online.
- Your guide to professional self-publishing.
“...proceed with confidence in spending your time and dollars to get it done right, the first time.”
—Carla King, Self-Pub Boot Camp
“Straightforward and easy to digest, this is one how-to that every new author or publisher should have in their arsenal!"
—Brooke Warner, Publisher of She Writes Press and author of Green-Light Your Book: How Writers Can Succeed in the New Era of Publishing
“An essential guide to publishing identifiers, their benefits and uses, and (most importantly) what NOT to do.”
—Laura Dawson, Numerical Gurus
- GenresWritingNonfiction
178 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 10, 2019
47 people are currently reading
231 people want to read
About the author
David Wogahn
11 books20 followersDavid Wogahn is the founder and president of AuthorImprints, and has taught self-publishing classes for Writer's Digest University, Jane Friedman, the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi), the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), and the Santa Barbara Writers Conference, among other publishing professional organizations.
David is the author of six books about self-publishing, including the Countdown to Book Launch® series. In 2012, he became the author of the first LinkedIn Learning course on the topic of self-publishing (Lynda at the time).
He has worked for the Los Angeles Times, the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee, and was co-founder and COO of the first online publisher of sports team branded websites known today as the CBS College Sports Network.
David is the author of six books about self-publishing, including the Countdown to Book Launch® series. In 2012, he became the author of the first LinkedIn Learning course on the topic of self-publishing (Lynda at the time).
He has worked for the Los Angeles Times, the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee, and was co-founder and COO of the first online publisher of sports team branded websites known today as the CBS College Sports Network.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 12, 2025
This is my first novel ever it was so insightful
September 5, 2020
Very Informative
While this book focuses on American processes, I still found it useful to read through and see what their processes are, just in case I have to do something similar in Australia. Overall, this is a really good guide to getting ISBNs set up, barcodes in place and getting your book into libraries.
While this book focuses on American processes, I still found it useful to read through and see what their processes are, just in case I have to do something similar in Australia. Overall, this is a really good guide to getting ISBNs set up, barcodes in place and getting your book into libraries.
April 30, 2016
The title of the book is an imperative: register your book! Wogahn makes the imperative doable for even the novice. This book will guide me in my final stages of publishing my second book. Wogahn’s little book does exactly what its subtitle says, it gives me my “essential guide to ISBNs, barcodes, copyrights, and LCCNs.” Wogahn conveys a sense of genuinely wanting to help authors and indie publishers get the broadest exposure for their book.
Wogahn gives short, clear answers to the questions few authors want to spend much time learning about even though we know they matter: why register, which registrations matter for my book, when do I apply so I don’t delay publishing, and how do I complete the necessary forms?
This “essential guide” is a reference tool for many kinds of authors, books, and indie publishers. It’s not a book we read once and absorb. It’s a book to keep handy for new publishing questions as they arise. The format of the book makes it possibly to quickly locate information on any topic. The style is easy to follow, the language clear.
Reading this guide makes clear that registering the books we work so hard to write makes a big difference in getting them before the eyes of the people we want to reach.
Wogahn gives short, clear answers to the questions few authors want to spend much time learning about even though we know they matter: why register, which registrations matter for my book, when do I apply so I don’t delay publishing, and how do I complete the necessary forms?
This “essential guide” is a reference tool for many kinds of authors, books, and indie publishers. It’s not a book we read once and absorb. It’s a book to keep handy for new publishing questions as they arise. The format of the book makes it possibly to quickly locate information on any topic. The style is easy to follow, the language clear.
Reading this guide makes clear that registering the books we work so hard to write makes a big difference in getting them before the eyes of the people we want to reach.
January 1, 2017
Sets out to do as promised: help authors understand the process of self-publishing legalities.
Do I need an ISBN?
What is an ISBN?
When does a book need a copyright?
How do I get my book into the Library of Congress?
What are the different types of publishing rights?
These and other questions are addressed in this handbook. I thought the information was very well-organized and clearly presented. Useful information for anyone publishing or considering publishing independently, be it private press, amazon/createspace, smashwords, POD, or others.
Do I need an ISBN?
What is an ISBN?
When does a book need a copyright?
How do I get my book into the Library of Congress?
What are the different types of publishing rights?
These and other questions are addressed in this handbook. I thought the information was very well-organized and clearly presented. Useful information for anyone publishing or considering publishing independently, be it private press, amazon/createspace, smashwords, POD, or others.
August 27, 2018
I found this book mentioned at the end of David Woghan's eBook: The Book Reviewer Yellow Pages, be sure you get the correct one as there are some other eBooks using a similar title. The Amazon link is here: https://amzn.to/2NmgWhM (no affiliate link in URL).
I you are an author of eBooks and/or print books then "Register Your Book" should be on the same shelf as your other important reference books. He gives you the facts about ISBN's, barcodes, copyright (this alone is worth the price of the book), and the Library of Congress. A couple of areas that pleased me were the comparison of CreateSpace and Ingram Spark and why you should buy your ISBN's instead of using the free ones.
The book is only 144 pages including several appendix sections and the index. I skimmed through it and then I sat down with pad and pencil to write down the important ideas I needed to address.
Appendix A "Timing and Timelines" which details how you should be obtaining and implementing the various registration number for your project.
Appendix B "Maximizing SEO Benefits" tells you how to get your project into the various book industry databases. Search engines and the like can't help promote your book unless you work out your SEO plan.
Appendix C "The Seven Habits of Smart Metadata Managers "Metadata is the wrapper of information that surrounds and describes our books, our company, and even us as publishers or authors."
This is a must have book even if you're an author who doesn't self-publish their projects.
Resources is a section where he tells you about purchasing ISBN's, barcodes and other items for the publishing process.
I you are an author of eBooks and/or print books then "Register Your Book" should be on the same shelf as your other important reference books. He gives you the facts about ISBN's, barcodes, copyright (this alone is worth the price of the book), and the Library of Congress. A couple of areas that pleased me were the comparison of CreateSpace and Ingram Spark and why you should buy your ISBN's instead of using the free ones.
The book is only 144 pages including several appendix sections and the index. I skimmed through it and then I sat down with pad and pencil to write down the important ideas I needed to address.
Appendix A "Timing and Timelines" which details how you should be obtaining and implementing the various registration number for your project.
Appendix B "Maximizing SEO Benefits" tells you how to get your project into the various book industry databases. Search engines and the like can't help promote your book unless you work out your SEO plan.
Appendix C "The Seven Habits of Smart Metadata Managers "Metadata is the wrapper of information that surrounds and describes our books, our company, and even us as publishers or authors."
This is a must have book even if you're an author who doesn't self-publish their projects.
Resources is a section where he tells you about purchasing ISBN's, barcodes and other items for the publishing process.
June 23, 2018
The complicated world of ISBN's and etc.
I didn't realize in the beginning how important it was to own my own ISBN numbers. It wasn't until my illustrator strongly encouraged it that I started reading more about it. I wish I had this book before I published my first book. I have had to go back and re-do things just because I didn't know better originally. And some things I can't go back and change like getting a Library of Congress number. I highly recommend this very informative and trustworthy book to new authors everywhere.
I didn't realize in the beginning how important it was to own my own ISBN numbers. It wasn't until my illustrator strongly encouraged it that I started reading more about it. I wish I had this book before I published my first book. I have had to go back and re-do things just because I didn't know better originally. And some things I can't go back and change like getting a Library of Congress number. I highly recommend this very informative and trustworthy book to new authors everywhere.
May 10, 2025
Once again, David Wogahn knocks it out of the park. This book covers everything you need to know about registering your book, and why it is important. He also explains the importance of buying your own ISBNs and bar codes, as well as why it might not be right for you. I love that David is not trying to sell you on what he thinks is best. He is presenting both sides of the topic along with the pros and cons of each. Then, it is up to the author or publisher to decide what path is best for them. This is a must read for anyone who is considering the path of self-publishing for their books.
April 13, 2020
Worth Reading, Worth Every Penny
I knew nothing going in; I emerged with a clearer plan for what to do next. Thank you! The book is a delightful read for such a useful tool, is thorough without being overly technical, and is well-organized. A useful Glossary is included for those who need to quickly review terms explained well within the text.
I knew nothing going in; I emerged with a clearer plan for what to do next. Thank you! The book is a delightful read for such a useful tool, is thorough without being overly technical, and is well-organized. A useful Glossary is included for those who need to quickly review terms explained well within the text.
January 29, 2021
It’s clear that there is a considerable amount of confusion and faulty information about the need to register newly published books and how to do it. In particular, many indie authors are not aware of the crucial importance of authors owning and registering their own ISBNs. Wogahn’s book is concise, clear and easy to understand. Recommended, especially for indies.
October 9, 2017
One of the best investments in my author business since I started. This is an amazing resource for anyone who has chosen to be an independently published author. This books explains the registration process clearly with step by step instructions.
December 1, 2020
You'll bookmark every page and return to this again and again!
Easily the most Important book for every self publishing author. Book was very well organized and easy to understand and gave me insights that I didn't even know I needed. Everything this author writes is gold.
Easily the most Important book for every self publishing author. Book was very well organized and easy to understand and gave me insights that I didn't even know I needed. Everything this author writes is gold.
December 2, 2022
Valuable information for self-publishers
As usual, David Wogahn presents valuable information for self-publishers in a clear, formal, and professional manner. This book seems to provide all the information one may need for the various registration processes.
As usual, David Wogahn presents valuable information for self-publishers in a clear, formal, and professional manner. This book seems to provide all the information one may need for the various registration processes.
May 29, 2025
So easy to read and understand. Explains everything I was having issues learning with blogs and youtube videos. 10/10 I recommend this to every author regardless of self-publishing or traditional. These are thing that we need to know. Read it in a day.
May 19, 2020
The book was very informative. I like the step-by-step guide as well as the links to the pertinent websites to purchase ISNBs or to get further information.
June 12, 2021
Great book
Very informative and easy to read. I enjoyed the simplicity and step by step instructions would took all questioning of what to do out of my Brian.
Very informative and easy to read. I enjoyed the simplicity and step by step instructions would took all questioning of what to do out of my Brian.
September 17, 2021
a must-read if you work in the publishing industry
September 13, 2022
Pragmatic
February 21, 2024
Has the information I expected it to
Very helpful book. I would recommend to anyone looking for information on how to self publish. I will be reading more in this series.
Very helpful book. I would recommend to anyone looking for information on how to self publish. I will be reading more in this series.
January 6, 2025
Thorough and clear
I rely on David Wogahn’s advice to guide me through the self-publishing process as I prepare to launch my first of four books.
I rely on David Wogahn’s advice to guide me through the self-publishing process as I prepare to launch my first of four books.
January 7, 2025
Very informative and very easy to follow!!
July 27, 2025
Just what I needed
This book is well written and gets right to the facts. I found myself highlighting practically everything. Very useful information presented succinctly.
This book is well written and gets right to the facts. I found myself highlighting practically everything. Very useful information presented succinctly.
Read
August 11, 20255
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2025
A handy primer on several key registration components. Makes potentially complex information easy to absorb. Provides an excellent appendix summarizing key steps and timelines.
October 23, 2020
As an Indie author, I thought I knew all there was to know about ISBNs. Then a book marketing lady on YouTube recommended Register Your Book. Since I believed I could get the answer I wanted about barcodes, I bought the book straight away. After I read it, I just about kicked myself for the glaring blind spots I noticed. In two days I had reorganized and straightened all my registrations.
A straightforward, well-written book without all the lawyerly jargon for novices as well as experienced indie writers.
Wanjiru Warama, Author
A straightforward, well-written book without all the lawyerly jargon for novices as well as experienced indie writers.
Wanjiru Warama, Author
September 27, 2019
A short, concise, easy-to-read book that covers the basics of the items mentioned in the title. As an owner of the eBook version, I'll have access to any updates the author may make in the future as the rules, laws, players change and evolve with the publishing business. A handy reference for indie authors or trad-published authors who are thinking about going indie and want to learn these basics.
January 26, 2017
Very helpful as I'm finishing the last steps with my own book. Clearly written and up to date.
September 9, 2025
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this book. It was incredibly helpful to me and is definitely a keeper.
April 20, 2017
David Wogahn's Register Your Book is packed with clear, succinct, and most importantly, applicable information about the often overwhelming and tedious process of publishing. I've read this book twice, and continue to use it as a go to reference when I have a query or simply need a reminder about the registration process. Accessible and easy to use, I would recommend it to anyone interested in independent publishing.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews