I’ve worked in the publishing realm for nearly 40 years (ouch!) and the modest e-book publishing venture I’m undertaking now is a sweet little thrill. I’ve always wanted my own “press.” (And a bookstore … but that’s another matter.)
I just registered to get my own ISBN numbers. I know, that’s not the type of thing that would excite most people. Call me weird, but it makes me just a little giddy.
Not that it isn’t without its headaches. I was told I could order 10 ISBNs for $250 U.S. at www.MyIdentifiers.com.
Yes, indeed, but not if you are in Canada. After a Google search and several annoying bumps from one site to another, I discovered that Canadians must first register with CISS (pronounced kiss). These ISBNs, I gather, will be free.
I eagerly await acceptance. I hope they’re not on summer holiday. I hope I get them before I go “to press.”
Update: I called CISS because I was concerned that no confirmation email had appeared. I was told that normally it would take 10 working days to be approved, but that I will likely hear sooner because there is no backlog. I also learned that I will be given “a book of 10 ISBNs.” Yay!
Sandra, I have been delighted to follow your ebook publishing news! As you know, I am doing the same with my books (other than the novel, for which Unbridled Books kept the ebook rights). It’s been at once exciting and frustrating, in all an adventure. I’m still in the middle of it. Now to figure out ISBNs…
I’ve been watching your amazing ventures, Catherine! I’m still at the very early stages. Yes, very exciting, and–so far–not too frustrating.
I’ve Kris Waldherr helping me (see her comment below). She’s a pro! I highly recommend her. http://www.artandwords.com/about/index.htmlWe’ll have a lot to talk about in November!
Turns out what you just posted is useful information for others as well: I am just embarking on a project to transcribe hundreds of hours of tapes and put together written material for the Hayehwatha Institute. This is great information. Thanks. I also feel a bit giddy.
Hi Andrée! Hundreds of hours: OMG. That’s a big project! Exciting, too.
Congratulations on the new venture, Sandra! I’ve always wanted to own a bookstore too :) I wish you all the best!
Thank you, Amy. We’re not quite there yet…lots to put in place. I knew I was wrong for a bookstore when I realized my aim would be to keep all the books for myself.
How fun and exciting. This is such an interesting step in becoming a stronger presence on the book world. Congrats and I’m looking forward to the fruits of your new labor!
Thank you so much!
Thank you!
Very exciting Sandra! Which title are you e-publishing? It will be very interesting to read your adventures in taking control of your literary destiny. Good luck and keep documenting the process!
Hi Joanne! To start, I’m simply publishing all my existing titles in e-book form in the countries where they are not currently available. (Primarily the UK and Australia as well as a number of countries like Denmark which read widely in English.) In the future, I’m under contract to write a short “easy reader” novel for which I’ve retained the ebook rights, so I’ll be publishing that universally, as well. And then there are any number of other possibilities: short stories, essays, booklets … Very exciting indeed!
Exciting news! Hadn’t realized it was different for Canadians. I wonder what other issues there might be. Hmmmm…
Yes, Kris! The ISBN numbers are universal, but there might be some glitches here and there. Doubt it though. We’re on our way!