6/6/11

Understanding ISBN Numbers

How do I go about getting an ISBN for my book? Does that come after I find a publisher or do I have get it myself?


First let's define what an ISBN is—and we're going straight to the source, Bowker, the U.S. ISBN Agency, for ISBN assignment and registration:

They say:
The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a 13-digit number that uniquely identifies books and book-like products, such as audiobooks. (It is not the barcode on the book, but is used when creating the barcode.)

The purpose of the ISBN is to establish and identify one title or edition of a title from one specific publisher and is unique to that edition, allowing for more efficient marketing of products by booksellers, libraries, universities, wholesalers and distributors.

A typical ISBN number has 13 digits and represents five unique entities. For example, the ISBN # 978-12-34567-89-0 is broken down to represent the following:
  • 978 is the prefix

  • 12 identifies a geographic grouping

  • 34567 identifies a specific publisher

  • 89 identifies a specific title or edition (each edition—hardback, paperback, ebook, audio, etc—needs it's own ISBN #)

  • 0 is a check digit that is created mathematically to validate the ISBN #


Your publisher will provide the ISBN number for your book.

If you're self-publishing, you will need to get your own ISBN. Some printers provide them (like CreateSpace and others). They generally sell them at discounted pricing, however, your number will usually link your book to them as the publisher of record. If you're only publishing a handful of titles, this is the way to go.

If you're going to set up your own publishing company and are fairly confident you'll be publishing 10 or more titles yourself, then you can register your company with Bowker, the US ISBN Agency and get ISBN numbers straight from them. They are pricey. Single ISBN #s cost $125 each. The price drops significantly if you buy them in batches of 10 or more.

6/2/11

Missionary Fiction?

Quick question, do you know if lds publishers are interested in fictional stories about missionaries?


Of course. Why wouldn't they be? As long as it's well-written and not preachy, has intriguing characters that readers can relate to, an interesting plot line, and upholds LDS beliefs and standards, most LDS publishers will give it a look.

There's even some precedent for interest by national publishers. I know there are some I've heard of recently but Google is not my friend today. The only one I can recall off the top of my head is Charlotte's Rose by A.E. Cannon published by Wendy Lamb Books (imprint of Random House).

[Readers, if you can think of some other titles of fiction with LDS characters published by national publishers, leave the titles in the comments section.]

Just remember, good fiction needs to be good fiction. No one wants a preachy book or a thinly disguised version of the missionary discussions. It has to be real.

6/1/11

June 2011 Prize Sponsors

Last month's prize winners announced HERE.

Please take a moment to learn more about our wonderfully generous sponsors.

If I Should Die by Jennie Hansen

One morning on a routine jog, Kallene’s running partner, Linda, confides that she’s filing for divorce. The next morning, she’s gone without a trace, leaving behind her frightened young daughter. Since Linda’s enraged husband refuses to notify the police, Kallene steps in to initiate a missing person search, not knowing it would soon become a murder investigation—or that she’d soon fall for the charming lead detective.

With Linda’s handsome brother also on her mind, Kallene must navigate the rapids of a double romance as well as the deepening suspicion in her upscale Utah neighborhood. Intrigue turns to danger as Kallene faces the consequences of hasty judgments. And when startling new evidence casts Linda’s murder as the work of a determined killer, Kallene needs the intervention of unlikely heroes to avoid being the next victim.



Jennie Hansen was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho. She lived in many farming and ranching communities in Idaho and Montana. Her family moved more than 20 times as she grew up. Born the fifth of eight children, Jennie had a ready supply of playmates during her childhood. Her brothers and sisters are still among her closest friends. She married Boyd Hansen of Rexburg, Idaho, and over the next ten years they became the parents of five children. They have made their home in Utah since their marriage.

Jennie graduated from Ricks College in Idaho then continued her education at Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah. She has been a receptionist, a model, a Utah House page, freelance magazine writer, newspaper reporter, editor, library circulation specialist, mother and grandmother.

She has twenty published books to her credit, three stories in compilations, and has two more books currently under contract. Her published books include: Run Away Home, Journey Home, Coming Home, When Tomorrow Comes, Macady, The River Path, Beyond, Summer Dreams, Chance Encounter, All I Hold Dear, Abandoned, Breaking Point, Some Sweet Day, Code Red, High Stakes, Wild Card, The Bracelet, The Emerald, The Topaz, and The Ruby. She is one of three contributors to The Spirit of Christmas along with Betsy Brannon Green and Michele Ashman Bell. Jennie also writes a monthly review column for Meridian Magazine.



Mayan Intrigue by Linda Weaver Clarke

The discovery of a priceless artifact puts Julia’s life in great danger! From valuable artifacts to shady businessmen, the Yucatan Peninsula becomes a dangerous vacation spot for John and Julia Evans. While on assignment for the newspaper, the Evans’ try to enjoy a romantic vacation among the Mayan ruins, but when Julia accidentally comes upon a couple suspicious men exchanging an item, she quickly turns and leaves but it is too late. The men have seen her. As a reporter, Julia does not easily give up and her curiosity gets them in a mess of trouble. Before John and Julia realize what is going on, they are both in danger and find themselves running for their lives through the jungles of the Yucatan.




Linda Weaver Clarke was raised on a farm surrounded by the rolling hills of southern Idaho and has made her home in southern Utah among the beautiful red mountains and desert heat. She is happily married and is the mother of six daughters and several grandchildren. Clarke received her Bachelor of Arts degree at Southern Utah University and travels throughout the United States, teaching a “Family Legacy Workshop,” encouraging others to turn their family history and autobiography into a variety of interesting stories.

Clarke is the author of the historical fiction series, “A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho,” which includes the following novels: Melinda and the Wild West - a semi-finalist for the “Reviewers Choice Award 2007,” Edith and the Mysterious Stranger, Jenny’s Dream, David and the Bear Lake Monster, and Elena, Woman of Courage. She is also the author of the mystery series, The Adventures of John and Julia Evans, which currently includes the following novels : Anasazi Intrigue, Mayan Intrigue, and Montezuma Intrigue.

**Winner may choose either Anasazi Intrigue or Mayan Intrigue.



On the Edge by Julie Coulter Bellon


Dylan Campbell, a Canadian Security Intelligence Service agent, is recovering from a gunshot wound and looking for a new direction in his life. Armed with his newly found testimony in the LDS Church, he soon embarks on a routine fact-finding mission to Africa. While there he befriends Elizabeth Spencer, a beautiful American working to ease the suffering in Uganda. Their relationship is just beginning to deepen when Dylan discovers that a biological weapon has been manufactured in the private hospital where Elizabeth works. He realizes the terrorists plan to infect millions of innocent people across Canada and the United States.

Dylan must catch up with the terrorists in Greece to stop them from taking the weapon to North America. However, he is captured before he can act, and it takes every ounce of Dylan’s physical and spiritual strength to stay alive.

Can Dylan trust his heart and accept Elizabeth’s offer of help? Will he learn the true identities of his enemies in time to stop the biological weapon from being unleashed?

From the wilds of Africa to the ancient ruins of Greece, this book takes you to the edge of civilization and will keep you on the edge of your seat.



Julie Bellon and her husband Brian are the parents of eight children. Julie's greatest joy is being a mother and spending time with her family. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education—English teaching, and she currently teaches a journalism course for BYU Continuing Education. When she's not busy being a mom, teaching, serving in the community or writing, you will find her browsing through bookstores to add to her book collection, at the library borrowing books, or reading the treasures she's found.








CLICK HERE for details on how to win these books.

CLICK HERE for details on sponsoring the contest.

5/11/11

Contract Changes: ROFLR

Dear LDS Publisher,

I received a contract from "ABC PUBLISHING" the first part of March. I read through it and emailed this change back to the managing editor:

I understand Section 2 to mean "ABC PUBLISHING" would have right of first and last refusal. Is it possible to tweak the language in Section 2 to right of first refusal only and also that it only apply to LDS themed works?

The managing editor emailed back to say she'd forwarded my email to the COO since he's is the one authorized to answer all questions about contracts. That was on March 17. I haven't heard anything since then. Would it be okay for me to send an email asking for an update? Who should I send the email to? I don't have the COO's email.

Thanks for your help!

  1. Good for you for not simply accepting that right of first and last refusal (ROFLR)! IMHO, a right of first refusal clause is okay, if it's limited by time or genre. But first and last? I'd never agree to that. If you want to read my previous posts on ROFLR, go here and here and here.


  2. I am sure they get that question frequently and it should be a simple answer—either yes or no. Maybe they're trying to decide how badly they want your book? Regardless, it's been over a month and they should have responded by now. Contact the managing editor and ask if a decision has been made yet.

5/10/11

Knocking Out Writers Block


I'm curious how others get over their writer's block. I have a project I was working on and the creative juices just were not flowing. It felt like a wall that I just could not knock down. I ended up working on a new story idea that I have and I have been writing more than I have in a long time. So I'm wondering what other writers do to get past the writers block?



Every writer has their own secrets for overcoming writers block. My favorites are to use a writing prompt to get the imagination flowing or to purposely write bad prose—both options get me writing, and for me, that's the important thing.

But sometimes, even tried and true doesn't work. Here are a few links to ideas.

10 Tips for Overcoming Writer's Block

How to Overcome Writer's Block—15 Tips

LEO: Overcoming Writer's Block

Creative Writing Prompts

Writer's Digest Writing Prompts

Quotes on Writer's Block


Readers, what do you find helpful?

5/8/11

2010 Whitney Winners!

The 2010 Whitneys were awarded last night at their annual gala. The winners are...


Outstanding Achievement Award
Rick Walton


Lifetime Achievement Award
Susan Evans McCloud


Best General


Best Historical


Best Mystery/Suspense


Best Romance


Best Speculative


Best Youth—General


Best Youth—Speculative





Best by New Author


Novel of the Year (Tie)


Congratulations to all the winners!

And a HUGE thank you to the Whitney committee, sponsors and volunteers who make these awards possible!

5/6/11

Which Book Would You Pick as the 2010 Best Fiction Book by an LDS Author?

The last vote: Which Book Would You Pick as the 2010 Best Fiction Book by an LDS Author?

Go HERE to see the entire list of 2010 Whitney Finalists


In the comments section, state which book you think should win 2010 Best Fiction Book by an LDS Author and why.


or

Go HERE to see the complete list of 2010 fiction titles by LDS Authors*

Feel free to cast your vote for any book on this list—but remember to tell us you think it was the best.

(I'd love it if you'd repeat your comment over on the LDS Fiction post for that book. Just click on the link below the book cover. Your comment will also enter you in the drawing for a free book at the end of May!)

*This list is as complete as I have been able to make it. If you know of a fiction title by an LDS author that was released in 2010, and it's not on this list, please let me know. Thanks!

Which Book Would You Pick as the 2010 Best Book By a New Author?

The Forbidden Sea
Meg's Melody
Paranormalcy Wolves, Boys & Other Things That Might Kill Me
Wrong Number
Sheila Nielson
Kaylee Baldwin
Kiersten White Kristen Chandler
Rachelle Christensen



In the comments section, state which book you think should win 2010 Best Book by a New Author and why.

Or, if you have another favorite that didn't make the list, you can go ahead and tell us about it too.


(I'd love it if you'd repeat your comment over on the LDS Fiction post for that book. Just click on the link below the book cover. Your comment will also enter you in the drawing for a free book at the end of May!)

Come back this afternoon to vote for BEST BOOK OF 2010!

5/5/11

Which Book Would You Pick as the 2010 Best Youth General Fiction?

Glimpse Missing In Action My Double Life The Healing Spell Wolves, Boys, and Other Things That Might Kill Me
Carol Lynch Williams Dean Hughes Janette Rallison Kimberly Griffiths Little Kristen Chandler


In the comments section, state which book you think should win 2010 Best General Fiction and why.

Or, if you have another favorite that didn't make the list, you can go ahead and tell us about it too.


(I'd love it if you'd repeat your comment over on the LDS Fiction post for that book. Just click on the link below the book cover. Your comment will also enter you in the drawing for a free book at the end of May!)

Which Book Would You Pick as the 2010 Best Youth Speculative Fiction?


Fablehaven 5 Matched Paranormalcy The Forbidden Sea The Fourth Nephite
Brandon Mull Ally Condie Kiersten White Sheila Nielson Jeffrey Savage



In the comments section, state which book you think should win 2010 Best Youth—Speculative Fiction and why.

Or, if you have another favorite that didn't make the list, you can go ahead and tell us about it too.


(I'd love it if you'd repeat your comment over on the LDS Fiction post for that book. Just click on the link below the book cover. Your comment will also enter you in the drawing for a free book at the end of May!)

P.S. One more category to vote on today. Come back later!

Which Book Would You Pick as the 2010 Best Speculative Fiction?

Imprints Mr. Monster Pathfinder The Scorch Trials The Way of Kings
Rachel Ann Nunes Dan Wells Orson Scott Card James Dashner Brandon Sanderson


In the comments section, state which book you think should win 2010 Best Speculative Fiction and why.

Or, if you have another favorite that didn't make the list, you can go ahead and tell us about it too.


(I'd love it if you'd repeat your comment over on the LDS Fiction post for that book. Just click on the link below the book cover. Your comment will also enter you in the drawing for a free book at the end of May!)

P.S. We're voting in three categories today, so come back this afternoon!

5/4/11

Which Book Would You Pick as the 2010 Best Mystery/Suspense Fiction?

Cold as Ice Crossfire Murder by Design A Time to Die Wrong Number
Stephanie Black Traci Hunter Abramson Betsy Brannon Green Jeffrey Savage Rachelle J. Christensen


In the comments section, state which book you think should win 2010 Best General Mystery/Suspense and why.

Or, if you have another favorite that didn't make the list, you can go ahead and tell us about it too.


(I'd love it if you'd repeat your comment over on the LDS Fiction post for that book. Just click on the link below the book cover. Your comment will also enter you in the drawing for a free book at the end of May!)

Which Book Would You Pick as the 2010 Best Romance Fiction?


Courting Miss Lancaster Cross My Heart The Legend of Shannonderry Luck of the Draw Meg’s Melody
Sarah Eden Julie Wright Carol Warburton Rachael Renee Anderson Kaylee Baldwin


In the comments section, state which book you think should win 2010 Best Romance Fiction and why.

Or, if you have another favorite that didn't make the list, you can go ahead and tell us about it too.


(I'd love it if you'd repeat your comment over on the LDS Fiction post for that book. Just click on the link below the book cover. Your comment will also enter you in the drawing for a free book at the end of May!)

5/3/11

Which Book Would You Pick as the 2010 Best Historical Fiction?


Alma The Younger Oh Say Can You See? The Sheen on the Silk The Silence of God Trespass
H.B. Moore L.C. Lewis Anne Perry Gale Sears Sandra Grey


In the comments section, state which book you think should win 2010 Best Historical Fiction and why.

Or, if you have another favorite that didn't make the list, you can go ahead and tell us about it too.


(I'd love it if you'd repeat your comment over on the LDS Fiction post for that book. Just click on the link below the book cover. Your comment will also enter you in the drawing for a free book at the end of May!)