6 Tips on Registering Your Self-Published Book

• How to purchase an ISBN for your book
Every book that is printed for sale needs an International Standard Book Number, aka an ISBN. This is a 13-digit number given to each book; no two books have the same ISBN. You can find it near the barcode on the book’s back cover and also on the title page.

• Do I need to buy a barcode when self-publishing? 
When purchasing an ISBN, you’re often asked if I also want to purchase a barcode for your self-published book. Should you get one?

• Trademark registration is overkill for new writers  
Authors who’ve written a series of books or who’ve created a publishing house (also known as an imprint) to publish their books sometimes purchase trademark protection in an effort to protect themselves. This almost never is necessary, though.

• Why you want an LCCN for your book
If you plan to sell your book to libraries, you may need a Library of Congress Catalog Number, aka an LCCN.

• What is an ASIN (and other useful things to know about it) 
Writers new to self-publishing often run into the abbreviation ASIN and find themselves confused. Is it the same as an International Standard Book Number (ISBN)? Does one need an ISBN if you have an ASIN?

• No need to purchase SAN for self-published book
Sometimes self-publishing authors are advised that they need to purchase a Standard Address Number (SAN) for their book released in the United States. Be wary of such advice, especially if it comes from a salesperson.