How to Get LCCN (Library of Congress), PCIP & ISBN Numbers For A Book| Authortube Self Publishing

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

Did you get your LCCN & CIP yet? Drop a comment below with your comments and questions!

[@SamadArcot]

This is still the best video on how to get LCCN and CIP I found on the internet. Thanks April

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

You’re welcome!!! Anne time for a refresh!

[@janepulaski7022]

Hi there...super helpful but wondering about process...what's the order? What do you do first? LCCN? ISBN? PCIP? CIP? Appreciate your help. Thx...

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

First ISBNs, then LCCN, then CIP.

[@janepulaski7022]

@@SelfPubMadeSimple Thanks soo much for the speedy response. Great, helpful video. :)

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

@@janepulaski7022 you’re welcome!

[@dianadelrusso]

Thank you April, this detailed information was very helpful in requesting my LLCN!

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

So glad Diana!

[@BCGraphixPublishing]

You’re awesome

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

Right back at ya!!!!

[@mewishkhan5788]

Thanks for making this video.

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

My pleasure!

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

You’re welcome!

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

You’re very welcome!

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

You’re welcome! Tutorials can be so helpful when you’re stuck!

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

You’re welcome Mewish!

[@BrettDeWall]

Hi April. Really appreciate your video. I self published my first kids book on Amazon a couple years back, and had no idea about the LCCN and CIP stuff. Now, I'm more focused and want to republish the book with my new LLC and go through Ingram to get hardcovers. I have my copyright and ISBNs already, but am curious if the Library of Congress would deny me because it was already published... or if it would be ok because it's now being re-published through a new company as a new book. What do you think? Am I already too late?

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

Creating a new edition would work - new isbn - you will be fine!

[@dailyspiritualdietelizabet7777]

Hi April, do I need PCIP first or copyright first. I am stuck in this place. I have my book in five languages. I have ISBN and audiobooks for all these languages. Need a clear understanding, please

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

I SBN then LCCN (in US) then CIP. Each builds off the info in the previous step.

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

They aren’t tied to one another. You would typically do copyright after you finish with your professional edit. For identifiers it goes like this… ISBNs-> LCCN -> CIP Block. If you are outside the IS then you won’t need to do LCCN.

[@debbiethompson3706]

So I just contacted library of congress about cip. I was told that you either get an LCCN or you get a CIP. I was also told that if you’re self published Author, you can’t even qualify to apply for a CIP until you have three different books published and it’s not required. So therefore, that is probably why you can’t get it through the library of Congress because there are requirements to even apply for it. The reason you would have access to that if you’re a traditionally published author is because whoever’s publishing your book probably has those credentials already just passing along what I just found out. I applied for LCCN by the way and got it back as a revised edition of the original print that I released in November 2023. I applied for the relaunch of a revised edition for 2024. Got it back very fast.

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

I understand that is their position. If you don’t publish 3 other authors besides your own books you don’t qualify for them to create the cop block for you. However you CAN go to cipblock.com and get it done!

[@miamichelleabad5821]

Hi April, two quick questions: 1) So the CIP info is how the LCCN/book info/copyright will appear on our book's copyright page? And if we don't have the CIP info then the Library of Congress may reject our LCCN request because it looks like a self-published book? 2) I have established my self-publishing book company through a DBA (Doing Business As), since I'm not able to do it as an LLC; so I would go through the author portal and put the publisher as my name or can I put the name of my self-publishing book company?

[@miamichelleabad5821]

Also I visited the website of the person who does the CIP block info and she said she's only offering this service twice a week due to increase in demand of her other business. Do you know of another reliable trusted source or person that can do the CIP block for self-published authors?

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

Library of Congress doesn’t reject your book because it looks like a self-published book. You don’t have to worry about being rejected. You can use your own name or self-publishing DBA.

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

Adrienne is quick to turn things around so I wouldn’t worry about this. I know there are others who offer the service but I haven’t used any.

[@lovebuiltpress]

Okay! Like many commenters here, I published my first book before knowing what the heck a LCCN or CIP was! Is there any way to get the LCCN now? The book REALLY took off, and I'd like to have better access to library cataloguing. (I think that's why I'd want LCCN/CIP?) ... Reading through comments ... it seems like my best bet would be to release a new format so I could have a "future release" to attach to? I already have ISBN's from Bowker for ebook, paperback, hardcover. I could maybe release a "PDF" arbitrarily just to get a future release date, so I can file for PCN? Also, I don't know where I read it ... but somewhere I thought I saw that sometimes a librarian can get you in the backdoor to get a LCCN after publishing, if you have a connection. I have a good connection with my local library. You ever hear anything about that? Thank you for your help! Many blessings!

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

You can release an updated version of your book to re-launch and get the LCCN.

[@lovebuiltpress]

@@SelfPubMadeSimple Oh ok, great!

[@mewishkhan5788]

Now, easily I can get LCCN for my book.

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

Glad you liked it!

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

Good. Glad you got value from the content!

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

I’m happy it was helpful Mewish!

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

Yes!

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

Wonderful!

[@maisucculentsandstuff5732]

Hi, I will be self-publishing my first book. I've also established a publishing company (Umbrella Books LLC). When I'm on this website to request LCCN, should I use "Publisher Portal" or "Author Portal"?

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

Publisher if you want to be able to have yourself listed as a choice for publisher. However if you are the only one you are publishing then going through the author link is fine.

[@veesmith9737]

do you need a separate lccn for each isbn/format of the book

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

No one LCCN per book.

[@veesmith9737]

@@SelfPubMadeSimple thank you!

[@nettievideo]

How do you deal with pen names when filling out the form? My first name is Jennette, but the books will be published as written by Nettie

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

That’s ok. You can file the info with your pen name. April

[@nettievideo]

@@SelfPubMadeSimple so I can just say Nettie in all the areas (ie. author, publisher, etc?) and don't need to say Jennette aka Nettie or something like that?

[@educatethrutravel]

I have an LLC but it is not a publishing company. It is for books and other merchandise. Can I still use it on the publisher name line when applying for the LCCN?

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

Yes you can!

[@NatalieAdamo]

Great video; thank you! I was wondering if there is a chance to go back and edit any information I entered after I submit it?

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

You can request changes.

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

With LCCN you can submit a change request. If you need changes to your CIP then reaching out to Adrienne from cipblock.com can provide guidance on changes.

[@veethesepiascholar3114]

hello if I get a lccn and CIP now and I decide to add subtitle later can I just update it

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

You can yes. You can change the LCCN.

[@veethesepiascholar3114]

@@SelfPubMadeSimple Thanks!

[@rievans57]

Thanks for this video. Very informative. So I should get the ISBN first (looks like I will need more than one). Next I get the LCCN and finally I should get the PCIP? Once I have all these items I then submit my book for copyright? This will automatically make my book avaible in libraries across America and place my book in the Library of Congress?

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

Copyright should be done when you finish your editing. The isbns should be purchased from Bowker (myidentifiers.com). Once you assign the ISBNs, you can get the LCCN and then comes the CIP Block.

[@AngelaKidd-eu3to]

I've tried to submit my information 3 times but did not see a confirmation page or receive a confirmation email. I also cannot see anything under my requests. Any tips? There were no errors when I submitted.

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

Try a different browser. These sites sometimes are problematic. Try Firefox!

[@mimiclausen6533]

I noticed three years ago Indy publishers needed a CIP ...is this still relevant in 2024 and do you still use A. Bahista

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

Yes that’s right.

[@brendabusyathome]

Thank you! NOW I understand what order I need to do things in. Am I still the publisher if I am using KDP?

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

Yes, you are the publisher of you purchase your own iSBNs instead of accepting the free ones.

[@starfieldofviolet]

Likely, you are NOT the publisher if you're going through Kindle/Amazon. KDP = Kindle Direct Publishing. They own and provide the ISBNs. You are not a self-publisher if you're using a publishing service.

[@jwilkens1221]

Do you know if we can set up our Library of Congress account with our pen name, or does it have to be with our legal name? Thanks in advance!

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

Author name can be a pen name

[@alexanderfedderly]

I submitted my application and got my LCCN. I'm initially planning on a paperback and ebook release. If I later decide I want to do a hardcover edition, will I need to take any additional steps, or would the initial LCCN cover a subsequent hardcover edition?

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

Good question. I do believe you can modify things later but I would check with them when you submit the initial request.

[@richardjuarez9951]

Thank you for the video. I'll be simultaneously releasing/publishing nine (9) children books. The cip ($90) service x9 books will be a total of $810 bucks. Is there any way I can just do it myself. I literally just got finished watching the training video from the Library of Congress cip service job. I think i know what to write, couldn't I just do it myself? Am I missing something...thanks!

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

You may be able to get a bundle price if you reach out to CIPBlock.com.

[@robertaborg7287]

Very helpful video, thank you! If I am publishing the book in hardcover, paperback and as an ebook, what do I select as the format - hardcover or paperback? Can I use the same LCCN for both paperback and hardcover version? (I know I need to use different ISBNs for the different versions) Thank you!

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

Yes same LCCN for all formats. When you are requesting the LCCN you enter all formats and ISBNs.

[@I.B.KOSHER]

I recently spoke with a librarian who informed me the Library of Congress does not accept Indy authors no do they give LCCN to Indy authors. There just is not enough space in the library for that. Can you clear this up?

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

You can get a LCCN but they won’t give you a CIP block if you’re an Indie. That’s why I use CIPBlock.com to create it.

[@CC-br7ds]

If I have a book and I have a paperback and hardcover for that specific book and I have another book that's an accompanying guide that is also a hardcover and paperback, does that mean I published 4 books and would be eligible for the CIP label? What exactly is a CIP block? Isn't that what is listed on Adrienne's website. Can't I just add that directly to my book? Also, do I need to list this CIP in my book. What if I am on a time crunch and want to publish before getting that?

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

To qualify you must have published three other authors besides yourself. The CIP block is text that is created for libraries. When the CIP block is created it is registered on the library system so it isn’t something you can just do yourself. If you want to publish without it you can, but I would recommend against it. Those that know publishing will be looking for it (librarians, bookstores, etc).

[@fast_traffick_report]

Thank you so much for this video! It made the process of getting my LCCN easy. I did apply and receive it. Is it necessary to have the CIP if I'm not a publisher?

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

If you want to get your book into the libraries, having LCCN and CIP block is very helpful.

[@SimplyNicoleLauren]

I made the mistake of publishing my book first before applying for lccn number. I have also reached out to the CIP and they said I could donate it but once I actually filled out the donation form they refused it. Do I have any other options are getting an LCCN number?

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

Where are you trying to donate?

[@CC-br7ds]

Do you have to send a book into the library of congress? Also, if libraries want to carry your book, how will they contact authors? I don't think the Loc website asked for contact info

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

You will need to send to the library of Congress. They will email you the information after you file your copyright. They want the best version you have (eg hardcover vs paperback). Libraries will find your book through Overdrive or The Indie author project. Places like Ingram Spark, Draft2Digital, Smashwords or Publishdrive allow you to upload the ebook and get it into Overdrive. Indie Author Project can be submitted yourself directly.

[@CC-br7ds]

@@SelfPubMadeSimple They sent me an email with the LCCN number. Are you saying they are going to send me another email related to the copyright. What if that was filed already?

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

@@CC-br7ds you need to file your copyright at copyright.gov and then when they send you the info they will provide you instructions for where you need to send a physical copy of your book (Library of Congress). That doesn’t come as a result of submitting your LCCN request.

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

@@CC-br7ds I am saying that when you get your copyright response only then will you get the address to where you need to send the book. You won’t get that from filing your LCCN.

[@muhammadnoman4183]

Assalamualaikum Mam How can we get Urdu?

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

I don’t understand what you are asking.

[@chungtrandinh9625]

You try to give the video more brightness it will be great if you do

[@ericarmstrong264]

Thanks a ton for this video, April. It has helped a lot. My next book needs to be in libraries, to make it available to the widest possible audience. (It covers weight loss, diabetes, malfeasance of corporations, and inaction by our government). SO: It is desirable to publish the eBook first, followed by the print version a month or two later. But the eBook can't be registered by itself. Does the PCN for both versions need to be requested before EITHER is published, or can the PCN be requested after the eBook is published, but before publication of the print version? (I have just sent a query to the Library of Congress. But you may already have the answer--and I figure that most people will find the answer here! ) 😃

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

You can request the information ahead of publishing the book. It doesn’t matter if they are released yet.

[@ericarmstrong264]

​@@SelfPubMadeSimple Understood. I was wondering if I MUST do them both before both are published. (The eBook is nearing its mandated publication date, and there is still some formatting to do. So it would be nice to put off cataloging until the printed version is published.) P.S. Thanks for getting back to me so fast! I have heard from the folks at the LoC yet. :__)

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

@@ericarmstrong264 I think you are misunderstanding. When you request the LCCN you need to put all your isbns there but the releases can happen at different times not all at once.

[@ericarmstrong264]

​@@SelfPubMadeSimple It should only be so! But the fact is there is a "gotcha" in the LoC instructions page. A book that is already published cannot be catalogued (at least, not with the PCN process, but I haven't seen any other process). But an eBook cannot be catalogued by itself. It is therefore possible to publish an eBook in advance of the print publication. At that point, is it "published" (so it can't get an LCCN)? Or is it "unpublished" (so the print and eBook versions can get the same LCCN)? P.S. I just got a "success" message saying my query has been sent to the LoC. :__) I should hear from them by the end of next week...

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

@@ericarmstrong264 I register ahead of publishing all versions. Never had any issues. Have you reached out to the LOC for direction? You are right you cannot get a LCCN assigned after the fact. Only ahead of publishing.

[@TechSecretQ]

Hello ma'am

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

Hey there!

[@TechSecretQ]

@@SelfPubMadeSimple hi

[@nikkik2648]

Confused on the difference between the two

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

Can you expand on your question?