From the Mail Room: LCCNs for New Editions

mail-room-author-emails-office-899351_960_720A reader sent in this question:

I am leaving my publisher and going indie with my debut book. I’ve a new ISBN and imprint. Can I use the same LCCN number?

Here’s the answer from our awesome team of authors:

Your current LCCN number will stay with your publisher’s edition, even if it is out-of-print. That means it’ll be cataloged in the LOC (Library of Congress) under your old publisher, and if it’s out of print, that’s not going to help you with libraries, stores, etc. With a change of publisher (including you as the publisher), you will need a new LCCN. Just remember, you can only get an LCCN prior to a book’s publication – and if it’s a new edition (2nd, 3rd, etc.), you can apply for a LCCN.

Here is a link you may find helpful: https://www.loc.gov/publish/cip/techinfo/reprinteditions.html

Have a question? Email us.

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3 thoughts on “From the Mail Room: LCCNs for New Editions”

  1. Hi
    Would someone please do an article on how much it would cost to get an LCCN? Has anyone filled out the electronic form and what was it like?

    Thank you

    1. JB,

      LCCNs are only available to publishers. To apply for one, you need to be a publisher approved by the Library of Congress. Large publishers use the Cataloging in Publication (CIP) program, while small and independent publishers use the Pre-assiged Control Number (PCN) program to obtain LCCNs. The FAQ on the program is online here: http://www.loc.gov/publish/pcn/faqs/. Once you are a member of the program, LCCNs are free. However, LOC must approve you as a publisher, first. You should check their site to determine what the criteria are for approval. Authors can also obtain an LCCN through some self-publishing services, such as CreateSpace. The fee you pay depends on the service. CreateSpace charges $25 (https://www.createspace.com/Services/LCCNAssignment.jsp). Remember that LCCNs must be assigned prior to the book’s publication.

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