Registrations

So you just finished writing your book and you're trying to figure out how to publish and promote. You look for publishers and "marketing agencies" and figure out they cost too much. 

Self-publishers can get your manuscripts, book cover and registrations together for a cost. That's helpful but it shouldn't cost a lot. What are you really paying for? Let us start with registrations...

1. ISBN or International Standard Book Number

• It is a combination of numbers that identifies the country, publisher, registration  and so on...
• Getting your own ISBN means you are your own publisher
• 1 ISBN per format (what?) 
• 1 ISBN for paperback
• 1 ISBN for hardback
• 1 ISBN for ebook

Where do I get ISBN?

• Get it directly from Bowker. Bowker also offers tons of services for authors including the copyright registration for $79.95. I suggest to stick with the choices below.

get your ISBN here:
https://www.myidentifiers.com/get-your-isbn-now

2. COPYRIGHT Registration

• Proof of ownership
• If you don't want to spend much you can just send your self an email or mail your manuscript to your self as long as it shows the date your manuscript was sent to you. This can be proof that you are indeed the owner of the material.
• Or just register here

https://eco.copyright.gov/eService_enu/start.swe?SWECmd=Start&SWEHo=eco.copyright.gov

Online fee:

Registrations online Single Application (single author, same claimant, one work, not for hire) Standard Application (all other filings)

$35 $55

https://www.copyright.gov/about/fees.html

3. Library of Congress Catalog Control Number

• This just means your book is cataloged in the library of congress.
• You can get this on a later date.

http://www.loc.gov/publish/pcn/ then open an account

Recommendation:
Get your own ISBN!

FYI:
When you self-publish you cannot use the ISBN you bought publishers will use their own ISBN.

Tip from a Redditor Awakenlee
Poor man’s copyright or mailing/emailing a manuscript to yourself imparts no rights in the US, not even proof of dates. Copyright is conferred immediately upon writing. Registration with LoC adds benefits for legal matters such as recovering damages. It is not necessary for claiming copyright, it is beneficial.