| Getting an ISBN from Lulu
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I'm posting this not because many of you care but in hopes that it'll help the topic show up in Google for someone who does.
I'm working on publishing my kids' novel, My Hundred Million Dollar Secret, at Lulu.com. There's lots to like about Lulu, but not their instructions for how to use an ISBN number (well, technically "number" is redundant in the phrase "ISBN number) with their Global Distribution package. The problem is that it seems like you have to submit your finished book and cover in order to get an ISBN, which means that you can't include the ISBN in your finished book and cover. So, I posted on the lulu forums and Elmore Hammes, a Lulu power poster, replied. Here's what he said:
There is quite a bit of information on this in the HELP pages and the Forums, and it can be confusing. Here's a sort-of-lucid summary for using Global with a wraparound cover:
1. Go through publish process, uploading your interior document and your wraparound cover.
2. After reviewing the press-ready PDFs for the interior and exterior to your satisfaction, go to the PUBLISH tab and click on the Global Distribution link next to your title.
3. Complete check out. Your book should now have an ISBN number assigned to it when you look at it in the project list.
4. Edit your interior document to add the ISBN to the copyright page.
5. Edit your cover art to add an ISBN box.
6. Step back through the publish process for your book (I think you might have to hit the "DENY" button on the first page to put it in a status where you can edit it) and upload the new interior document and the new cover art with ISBN numbers
7. Carefully review the press-ready PDF and Cover art files to your satisfaction.
8. When ready, order a proof copy.
9. Even MORE carefully review proof. If happy, click APPROVE and wait 6-8 weeks for it to get to all the booksellers' databases. Future changes will cost you a $79 revision fee.
Hope that helps.
It does indeed. Thanks, Elmore!
[Tags: lulu isbn]
Posted
by D. Weinberger at July 8, 2006 09:42 AM
Comments
I wrangled with Lulu's ISBN service - actually ISBN Plus - for Extreme Democracy. Re. #5, my recollection is that the service added the ISBN to the cover art (I had to mod the cover to accommodate the addition, though.) Note that if you're not happy with the proof, you can make changes - I actually went through multiple iterations because I wasn't thorough enough (if we were doing it over I would've hired someone who wasn't involved with the book to proof it).
ISBN Plus is supposed to get your book onto lists at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc. - but I had to nudge them several times; it was clear that the book info wasn't sent after final approval.
If you're ordering books, make sure you allow plenty of time for delivery. We were scheduled to speak and sign books at Personal Democracy Forum, but the books arrived a day late, my fault for waiting til we were down to the wire before I ordered.
Posted by: Jon Lebkowsky | July 8, 2006 11:48 AM
This is great news. ISBN Plus is supposed to get your book onto lists at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc. - but I had to nudge them several times; it was clear that the book info wasn't sent after final approval. thats was what I needed.. thanks..
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Posted by: acne | July 10, 2006 07:35 AM
Thanks so much for this information! I'm preparing to go through this ordeal and I'm not looking forward to it. My first novel was published through IUniverse.com, and though it cost a tidy sum, they did all this stuff for me.
I'll keep your 'summary' close by when I get ready to publish.
Thanks!
Joy Harber
Rose's Kiss ~ Legacy of Rhoslefain
The Compass Rose ~ Return to Rhoslefain
Posted by: Joy Harber | July 13, 2006 04:15 PM
Your hope is exactly what happened for me. While Googling for info on ISBN info and wondering why I wasn't getting thorough info from lulu, I came across your blog. I'm not sure I understand, but it looks like ya gotta walk through it step by step. Thanks for sharing!
Julie Jenkins Sathe
"CHANGE IS YOUR CHOICE"
Teen Solutions From Within
Posted by: Julie | July 14, 2006 12:57 PM