Frequently Asked Questions
This page contains answers to common questions concerning self-publishing.
- What is self-publishing?
- What are the advantages of self-publishing?
- What are the disadvantages of self-publishing?
- What is an ISBN?
- Where do I obtain an EAN barcode?
- What is Cataloguing in Publication (CIP)?
- What is Collections Canada?
- What is Legal Deposit?
- How do I copyright my book?
- How do I market my book?
Instead of finding a publisher to print, distribute, and market your book (giving you only a small percentage of the sales), you do it all yourself and keep the profit.
What are the advantages of self-publishing?
Complete creative freedom - from content, to choice of font, to cover design - is the most rewarding aspect of self-publishing. Quick turnaround time means that once all your files are ready to send to the printer, you can have your book published in a few weeks. Stores take a percentage of sales (usually 30 - 40%), but you, as publisher, receive the rest. Having a more hands-on involvement with your book and the business means that you are also closer to your readers, who often give you valuable and inspiring feedback.
What are the disadvantages of self-publishing?
You do all the work yourself! Marketing and distribution can be challenging and time-consuming.
An International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a 13-digit number unique to each book. It is used on all published material for classification, retrieval, and inventory purposes. This can be obtained free of charge through the Canadian government at Library and Archives Canada.
Where do I obtain an EAN Barcode?
A Bookland EAN barcode can be created with special software, or you may purchase one from a barcode vendor. It is necessary to have an EAN barcode if you wish to sell your book in bookstores as it contains information about the ISBN, the price of the book, and the currency.
What is Cataloguing in Publication (CIP)?
Cataloguing in Publication (CIP) is a program coordinated, free of charge, by the National Library of Canada to catalogue all books published in the country. An application for CIP must be made before the book is published, and the information is printed in the book on the reverse side of the title page. The National Library catalogues and distributes this information to booksellers and libraries across Canada. The program is coordinated by The Library of Congress in the U.S.
Collections Canada was created to preserve Canadian publishing heritage. When more than 101 books are printed, two copies must be sent to Collections Canada; one copy is required if there are more than three copies but fewer than 101; however, no copies are necessary if fewer than three copies are printed.
Legal Deposit refers to the number of books sent to Collections Canada. (See above.)
The copyright page inside the book contains the copyright statement (your name, the year of publication, and the copyright symbol ©), CIP information, credits for design, photography, layout, illustration, etc., an "all rights reserved" statement, and contact information for the publisher and/or printer. This is usually sufficient, but a request for copyright can be made. Contact the Canadian Intellectual Property Office for a free beginner's guide at 1-866-997-1936 or visit www.cipo.gc.ca
You begin marketing before you even get your book printed! Tell everyone that you are planning to publish, and decide on a date when you wish to introduce your book to the world, perhaps through a book launch. Start speaking to bookstores as soon as you can. Spread the word and create a sense of anticipation!
A short time before publishing, speak to the arts reporter of your local newspaper. Contact your local radio and TV stations and find out if they have a segment where you can publicize your book.
Participate in book events, such as the Eden Mills Writers' Festival, which charges a nominal fee for a table to sell your wares. Offer to speak to interest groups in your area. Your book will add credibility to your talk, and you will undoubtedly have some immediate sales.
Have a website giving potential readers information about you and your book, as well as a way to contact you if they're interested in buying. If possible, create an online store.
Donate books as prizes. Send relevant and influential people a review copy. Word-of-mouth is a powerful sales tool.
Marketing can be as creative as you are!
