Getting an ISBN from Lulu
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:
[NOTE: I just went through the process and have posted my own step-by-step guide – July 27, 2006]
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!
