My Publishing Imprint: How to Create a Self-Publishing Book Imprint & ISBN Essentials (Countdown to Book Launch) Paperback – August 16, 2019

Once upon a time, I used to work for a popular self-publishing company and reading this book I kept thinking of dozens of writers I worked with in those days that needed to be walloped over the head with this information. You would not believe what I saw in those days, people using another random person's name as the name of their publishing imprint without so much as asking permission. Authors that tried to publish their books under an imprint name of a famous publisher to trick their readers into thinking it was traditionally published who were shocked, SHOCKED that wasn't a thing you could just do. And, less egregiously but still just as wrong, people who literally just made up a random name for their publishing imprint doing nothing at all to register or secure the use of it first.Self-publishing is a business and, like the formation of any business, has its own share of paperwork. You cannot "pants" the formation of a company on the fly like you can craft a story. Before you embark on your self-publishing journey, there are considerations, registrations and legislations you must make. The number of i's to dot and t's to cross can be overwhelming but the good news is that My Publishing Imprint gives you a quick and easy-to-read guide to all of them and serves as a helpful checklist for getting your publishing business off on the right foot.From the big picture choices like choosing an imprint name and the branding considerations of doing so to registering as a business (which people always have this confused idea that writers should avoid for tax reasons when the opposite is true as it protects you!), to the book by book matters of ISBNs and individual publishing and distribution options, it's a short book but a very useful one as it gives you the crash course you need to get your publishing business set up and set up correctly.Whether you're just starting out... or starting to suspect you may not be doing this right... it's well worth picking up to help you double-check that you've got all the details of your publishing business right!

Succinct, clear, and insightful, this is a valuable resource for those looking to self-publish. The information within is on-point and the author's writing style is engaging. Five stars, all the way!

I bought this because I kept visiting websites, trying to understand ISBNs, Library of Congress categories, and so on.I like to think I'm pretty bright. I mean, I qualified for Mensa, for heaven's sake. (That's not a boast. My point is: I should be able to figure out complex stuff, right...?)Well, I kept reading what seemed like conflicting information on website after website. The how-to pages at indie publishing sites weren't helpful, either.This book broke it down in simple, step-by-step terms. Oh, the beginning was a bit simplistic for me. After all, I've been traditionally and indie published for over a decade.But once the author started explaining ISBNs - how many I'd need, and how often, etc. - it was a huge relief.I now have a better understanding of how professional publishing works, and how to look more professional as an indie.There were still a few points I needed to research after reading this book, but not much.If you're an indie author and the ISBN topic makes you want to give up publishing altogether, try this book. It's not ALL the answers, but it breaks down related subjects far better than most other books and resources for indie authors.

David clearly lays out the important reasons why you might want to consider having an imprint of your own. My first thought after reading this book is why wouldn't I want one? However, David also gives some circumstances where it might not be for you. What I like about his rating is that he isn't trying to sell you on a particular point of view. He presents all sides and then says, "Do what is right for you." I would recommend that Indie publishers read this book before they are too far down the publishing road. I wish I had.

When I ordered this book, I wasn't entirely sure how it would fit into my growing mass of Indie Author Knowledge. I was further unsure when I saw the size of this book. Weighing in at just under 100 pages, I figured it wouldn't contain all the necessary information that I felt it should have. I was wrong.The author doesn't include a lot of fluff on each topic, choosing to give you just the appropriate level of detail on the topic being covered. This was exactly what I needed. In fact, the author even states this up front and calls this the 'Up to Speed Series', which focuses on getting you the information quickly and efficiently.For clarification, I started my own imprint a few months ago based on months worth of research. Research that I could have gleaned from this small book. I tend to go back and second-guess lots of things, this imprint included. I've read this book cover-to-cover twice, and it has further reinforced the information that I already knew about creating and managing a self-publishing imprint, as well as adding to my knowledge on a few points.Overall, if you're looking to become an Indie author, you should read this book before you decide to publish anything, just to be sure you do, or don't, want to create your own imprint first.

I am relying on David Wogahn’s advice with every step of my self-publishing journey. This book helped me set up my small business, register my imprint, Fieldwood Books, and obtain ISBNs. The other books in his series, as well as his new book Before the Launch, which I obtained prior to the 4/25/25 release date, have helped me feel confident I’m doing everything possible to give my novel, Stones River: A Civil War Story of Courage, Sacrifice, and an Otherworldly Love ( pub 6/19/25) its best shot.