We must scale up number the number of books with central Indian LGBTHQIA+ characters and themes ASAP!

An ISBN is an International Standard Book Number. ISBNs were 10 digits in length up to the end of December 2006, but since 1 January 2007 they now always consist of 13 digits. ISBNs are calculated using a specific mathematical formula and include a check digit to validate the number.

Each ISBN consists of 5 elements with each section being separated by spaces or hyphens. Three of the five elements may be of varying length:

• Prefix element – currently this can only be either 978 or 979. It is always 3 digits in length 
• Registration group element – this identifies the particular country, geographical region, or language area participating in the ISBN system. This element may be between 1 and 5 digits in length 
• Registrant element – this identifies the particular publisher or imprint. This may be up to 7 digits in length 

• Publication element – this identifies the particular edition and format of a specific title. This may be up to 6 digits in length 
• Check digit – this is always the final single digit that mathematically validates the rest of the number. It is calculated using a Modulus 10 system with alternate weights of 1 and 3. 

What is an ISBN used for?

An ISBN is essentially a product identifier used by publishers, booksellers, libraries, internet retailers and other supply chain participants for ordering, listing, sales records and stock control purposes. The ISBN identifies the registrant as well as the specific title, edition and format. 

What does an ISBN identify?

ISBNs are assigned to text-based monographic publications (i.e. one-off publications rather than journals, newspapers, or other types of serials).

Any book made publicly available, whether for sale or on a gratis basis, can be identified by ISBN.

In addition, individual sections (such as chapters) of books or issues or articles from journals, periodicals or serials that are made available separately may also use the ISBN as an identifier.

With regard to the various media available, it is of no importance in what form the content is documented and distributed; however, each different product form (e.g. paperback, EPUB, .pdf) should be identified separately.

You can find examples of types of qualifying products and more information about the scope of the ISBN here. 

ISBNs, the law and copyright

The ISBN is an identifier and does not convey any form of legal or copyright protection. However, in some countries the use of ISBN to identify publications has been made into a legal requirement. 

Who should apply for ISBN? 

It is always the publisher of the book who should apply for the ISBN. For the purposes of ISBN, the publisher is the group, organisation, company or individual who is responsible for initiating the production of a publication. Normally, it is also the person or body who bears the cost and financial risk in making a product available. It is not normally the printer, but it can be the author of the book if the author has chosen to publish their book themselves. 

In a number of countries there is detailed legislation regarding publishing so contact your national ISBN agency in good time for advice.

Source

Traditional publishing refers to the process by which a manuscript is selected, edited, designed, produced, and distributed by a publishing company, often with the help of literary agents. 

Here’s a detailed overview of the traditional publishing process:

• The author writes a manuscript, typically a novel or non-fiction book, and revises it multiple times to ensure it meets professional standards. This stage may involve feedback from beta readers, writing groups, or professional editors.
• Many authors seek representation from literary agents who specialise in their genre. Authors research agents, write query letters, and submit their manuscripts. If an agent is interested, they may request additional materials or offer representation.
• If represented by an agent, the manuscript is submitted to publishers for consideration. If not represented, the author may submit directly to publishers, following each publisher’s submission guidelines. Submissions typically include a query letter, a synopsis, and sample chapters.
• If a publisher is interested in the manuscript, they may offer to acquire the rights to publish it. Once the offer is accepted, the manuscript undergoes further editing with the publisher’s editorial team. This editing process may include developmental editing, line editing, and copyediting.
• The publisher’s design team creates the cover and interior layout of the book. This stage also involves decisions about paper quality, fonts, and other design elements. Advanced reader copies (ARCs) may be produced and distributed for marketing.
• The publisher develops a marketing and publicity plan to promote the book. This may include author interviews, book signings, social media campaigns, advertising, and sending review copies to media outlets and influencers. Authors often play a role in promoting their books as well.
• The publisher arranges book distribution to retailers, wholesalers, and online platforms. This may involve printing physical copies and distributing e-books and audiobooks. Distribution channels include bookstores, libraries, online retailers, and speciality stores.
• The book is officially released to the public on its publication date. It becomes available through various channels, including brick-and-mortar bookstores, online retailers, and the publisher’s website.
• The publisher continues to support the book through ongoing marketing efforts, distribution, and sales. Authors may also engage in book tours, speaking engagements, and other promotional activities to sustain interest in their work.
• Authors receive royalties based on book sales, typically paid semi-annually. Royalty rates vary depending on format (hardcover, paperback, e-book), sales volume, and contractual terms. Advances against royalties, which are upfront payments to the author before publication, may also be offered by the publisher.

Self-publishing allows authors to publish their books without the involvement of traditional publishing houses.

Here is an overview of the self-publishing process:

• The author completes the writing and revises the manuscript. It’s crucial to ensure the manuscript is polished and ready for publication, which may involve hiring professional editors, proofreaders, and cover designers.
• The manuscript needs to be correctly formatted for publication, which includes formatting the text for print and/or ebook formats, designing the layout, and ensuring proper pagination and margins.
• A professional cover design is essential for attracting readers. Authors can hire cover designers or use self-publishing platforms that offer cover design tools and templates.
• Authors have several options for self-publishing platforms, including Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), IngramSpark, Smashwords, and others. Each platform offers different features, distribution channels, and royalty structures.
• Authors upload their formatted manuscript and cover design files to the self-publishing platform of their choice. They also provide metadata such as title, author name, book description, keywords, and categories.
• Once the book is uploaded, the self-publishing platform makes it available for sale through various distribution channels. This may include online retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Books, as well as libraries and other outlets.
• Authors are responsible for marketing and promoting their books to attract readers. This may include building an author platform (website, blog, social media), running promotional campaigns, participating in book signings and events, and seeking reviews from readers and book bloggers.
• Authors earn royalties from book sales, typically monthly or quarterly. Royalty rates vary depending on pricing, distribution channels, and self-publishing platform terms.
• Many self-publishing platforms offer print-on-demand services, allowing authors to sell paperback copies without investing in large print runs. This reduces upfront costs and eliminates the need for inventory storage.
• Self-publishing gives authors complete control over their publishing process, including pricing, distribution, and rights management. Authors retain ownership of their work and can change or update their books anytime.

Copyright is a legal concept that grants authors and creators exclusive rights to their original works, allowing them to control how their work is used and distributed. In the context of authors, copyright protects literary works such as books, articles, poems, and other written content. 

Here are the key aspects of copyright for authors:

1. Copyright gives authors ownership over their original literary works when created and fixed in a tangible form (e.g., written down or saved on a computer). The author is typically the initial copyright holder, although rights can be transferred or licensed to others.

2. Copyright grants authors several exclusive rights, including the right to reproduce their work, distribute copies, create derivative works (such as adaptations or translations), perform or display the work publicly, and control the moral rights associated with the work (such as attribution and integrity).

3. Copyright protection lasts for a specific duration, depending on factors such as the country of origin and the type of work. In many countries, including the United States, copyright protection generally lasts for the author’s lifetime plus an additional period (e.g., 70 years after the author’s death).

4. In some jurisdictions, Authors can register their works with a government copyright office for additional legal protection. While registration is not required to obtain copyright protection, it can provide certain benefits, such as filing a lawsuit for copyright infringement and seeking statutory damages and attorney’s fees.

5. Although not mandatory in all countries, authors often include a copyright notice on their works to inform the public of their copyright ownership. A typical copyright notice includes the © symbol (or the word “Copyright”), the author’s name, and the year of first publication (e.g., © John Doe 2024).

6. Copyright law includes limitations and exceptions that allow for using copyrighted works without the author’s permission under certain circumstances. For example, fair use (or fair dealing) provisions permit limited use of copyrighted material for purposes such as criticism, commentary, news reporting, education, and research.

7. Authors can enforce their copyright by taking legal action against individuals or entities that infringe on their exclusive rights without authorisation. Remedies for copyright infringement may include injunctions, monetary damages, and seizure of infringing copies.