What to Expect When Working with Page Publishing

What to Expect When Working with Page Publishing

by | Dec 28, 2022 | Featured

Since 2012, Page Publishing has provided thousands of authors in all genres the tools and services they need to publish their books. We know the publishing process can be daunting, so we strive to make publishing your book as easy and stress-free as possible. Because we are a full-service publishing house, we take care of everything from copy-editing to the distribution and marketing of your newly published book. Our experienced staff will ensure that your book is free of grammatical errors, has eye-catching designs and illustrations, is professionally printed, converted into an eBook, and is available in stores and online for purchase. Let us handle all of the intricacies of publishing your book so that you can focus more on your passion, writing.

We have broken our publishing process into four steps:

  1. Editing: We review your book, page by page, checking for grammatical errors, redundancy, and consistency to ensure quality work.
  2. Design: Our artists will create an inspired cover design and illustrations that fit your vision.
  3. Print & eBooks: Your finished publication will be professionally printed with the necessary ISBN and barcode and converted into an eBook.
  4. Distribution and Marketing: We will assist in distributing and marketing your book to retailers nationwide.

Unlike other publishing companies who may request your manuscript and then go MIA for weeks, we keep you in the loop during each stage of the publishing process. When you become a Page Publishing author, you will be assigned a publication coordinator who will work with you and be your main point of contact until your book is on the market. Your publication coordinator will be available to address any questions or concerns throughout the process. They aim to ensure that you understand each step of the process and have a positive publishing experience from start to finish.

Full Copy-Editing

All authors know the importance of copyediting, but it’s not always enough to proofread your work. Having an extra set of eyes to review your writing is essential. That’s why we have a team of experienced editors to review your manuscript, page-by-page, checking for grammatical errors, spelling errors, word usage, sentence structure, redundancy, and inconsistencies. Our editors edit according to the Chicago Manual of Style but can utilize any method you prefer. Of course, we want your book to be everything you imagined, so you will have the final say on any edits we suggest.

Inspired Designs

We have all heard the phrase, “never judge a book by its cover,” but an intriguing cover design can turn some heads and grab the attention of potential readers. We have a team of highly talented artists who can help add life to your publication. Whether you want vibrant colors, black and white, illustrations on every page, or a clean and simple layout, we will work with you to make your vision come to life.

Page Layout

When reviewing each page of your book, our artists will implement elements of style, including font size, font choices, margins, and paragraphs, to ensure the consistency of headings, titles, and chapters. In addition, we optimize all photographs, illustrations, or drawings to enhance the reading experience. A visually appealing and easy-on-the-eyes layout is crucial to a book’s readability and success.

Illustrations & Children’s Books

If you are a children’s book creator, you know how much impact excellent and engaging illustrations can have on your finished product. We have created thousands of unique illustrations over the years. Our highly experienced team of illustrators will work closely with you to create anything your imagination desires.

Print & Ebooks

After our artists have provided your book’s flawless design and layout, it is ready to proceed to the printing process! First, we will obtain the ISBNs and barcodes for the printed copy and the eBook. An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a unique set of numbers used to identify a specific book, typically above or below the barcode. Your ISBN will list you as the author and Page Publishing as your publisher. While an ISBN and barcode are not required to sell your book, stores will not stock a book without them, so they are considered necessary.

Printed Book

Your book is finally ready to print! You have multiple copies of your book to share with friends, family, and the public. We know that you are excited to get your book out there and share your work with others, so if you need more copies, you can purchase them at a generous wholesale discount under our Author Discount Program.

eBook

After you approve your book for print, our team will convert it into an eBook. An eBook is an electronic version of a printed book, allowing readers to read your book on a computer or handheld device. We will convert your book into the formats for Apple iBooks, Amazon Kindles, Barnes & Noble Nooks, and Google devices. We want to ensure your book is available to readers in multiple formats.

Distribution and Marketing

Your book is finally finished! But what next? We will provide you with a customized author web page hosted on the Page Publishing website. Your author web page will display your book’s cover design, book synopsis, and direct links to platforms selling your book, so it’s easy to purchase.

Publicity

You will be assigned a publicity team. Your team of experts will prepare press materials based on the information found in your About the Author summary and book synopsis. We send your press materials to a targeted priority list of print, broadcast, and online media contacts for local, regional, and national companies.

Distribution

Your printed book will be available nationally and worldwide; your eBook will be available through all standard eBook stores, including Apple iTunes, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Google Play. In addition, our team will provide you access to sales reports via the Page Publishing Author Portal and ensure you receive your generated royalties.

Become a Page Publishing Author

Let us help you through the publishing process and get your book out into the world. Our goal is to provide a stress-free and easy publishing experience and to offer continued support after your book is on shelves. We love to see “writers” become “published authors” by the end of their journey with us. So, if you want to become a Page Publishing author, contact us today!

What Is an ISBN and Why Do I Need One

What Is an ISBN and Why Do I Need One

by | Dec 14, 2022 | Blog

You’ve seen these numbers before, whether on the back cover by the barcode or on the copyright page. But do you know what ISBN numbers really mean? And more importantly, why should you, as an author, care? Let’s take a close look at ISBN numbers and answer some of the most frequently asked questions.

An ISBN, or International Standard Book Number, is a unique, 13-digit number that’s used to identify published books. Until 2007, ISBN numbers were only 10 digits, but with the explosion of self-publishing, they’re now extended to 13. This string of digits isn’t just a random combination—each ISBN follows a set formula for simplifying identification and cataloging books in databases. But what does it mean? Here’s how a typical ISBN breaks down:

  • Prefix: This is either 978 or 979 and is the code for “books,” signifying that this set of numbers refers to an ISBN.
  • Language/Registration Group: Books written in English are identified with either a “0” or “1.” Books translated from English to another language will require a separate ISBN.
  • Publisher: Each publisher has its own code. You can find or search for publisher numbers through the Global Register of Publishers.
  • Publication Info: The next six digits represent the book’s title, edition, and format.
  • Check Digit: The last digit, which is mathematically calculated to validate the ISBN. It is often “0” or “1.”

ISBN numbers are required for all physical books if you want your book to be sold in brick-and-mortar stores or available in libraries. Booksellers will not accept books without being able to process them in their systems, and that requires a registered ISBN. The good news is that once you have an ISBN, it can be used internationally and it never expires. However, it cannot be reused, meaning that once you assign an ISBN to a book, you can’t go back and change your mind.

So how do you get an ISBN? There are two ways authors can secure an ISBN for their work.

  1. Provided by publisher or platform. Traditionally-published authors and authors who work with hybrid and small presses should be assigned an ISBN, which the publisher purchases on the author’s behalf. Many self-publishing platforms, such as Amazon KDP and Draft2Digital, offer free ISBNs. One caveat to Amazon’s free ISBN is that you will then be required to list Amazon as the publisher.
  2. Purchasing your own ISBN. Some independent authors prefer to purchase their own ISBNs through Bowker (MyIdentifiers.com). Owning your own ISBN means that you can publish “wide” rather than exclusively with Amazon. However, ISBNs aren’t cheap—a single ISBN from Bowker costs $125. For authors planning to write more than one book, the best deal is to purchase a bulk package of 10 ISBNs for $295. Since they don’t expire, you can hold onto them for use on future projects.

As mentioned, ISBNs are needed for physical books, but authors should also remember that they need a different code for each version of their book, including paperback, hardback, different language translations, large print, etc.

So, you’ve got your ISBN and assigned it to a book—great! But, what if something changes? (Because there are always changes in publishing!). Covers are sometimes updated for branding purposes, or prices are changed for promotions and sales. Does that mean you need a new ISBN? No. Thankfully, small changes like those are okay. However, there are a few instances where a new ISBN is needed (which is where purchasing the bulk set of ISBNs comes in handy):

  1. Any new version or variation of the book. This would include publishing a large print edition, foreign languages, and paperback vs. hardback.
  2. Additional material added. Small grammatical edits are fine, but if you add new chapters, the book now needs a new ISBN and may be considered a second edition.
  3. Formatting updates. This would include changes to the binding, or if the book is re-published in another trim size. For instance, paperback vs. mass market paperback.

Common questions about ISBNs

Does my ISBN provide a copyright for the book?

No. ISBN numbers are completely different from copyright and trademarks and are used for classification and identification purposes only. Authors own the copyright to their work if/until they sell rights to a publisher. From there, copyrights are administered by the Library of Congress.

Is an ISBN the same thing as an ASIN?

No. ASINs (Amazon Standard Identification Numbers) are used by Amazon exclusively. These 10-digit numbers are alphanumeric and help Amazon manage products sold on its platform. On the other hand, ISBNs are the universal number for identifying a book. Books sold on Amazon will have both. But ASIN numbers are not necessary to include on the cover. Remember, if you want to sell your books in physical stores, you will need an ISBN, not an ASIN.

Is an ISBN the same thing as a barcode?

No. These two things are often placed together on a book’s cover, but they’re not the same. The barcode is the set of vertical lines used for scanning the item into the point-of-sale system. It includes additional information, including the price and currency in which the book is being sold. Together, the ISBN and barcode hold all the identification of the book. Self-published authors can purchase barcodes at the same time as their ISBNs from Bowker, whereas others will opt for a free barcode from their self-publishing platform, or be given one from their publisher.

Key Takeaway:

Understanding what an ISBN is and how it’s used is important for all authors regardless of publishing path. However, self-publishing authors may need to be even more informed and aware of their use, whereas authors with a hybrid publisher can cross off one additional thing from their to-do list.