If you’re self-publishing your book, you’ll need to open accounts with online companies such as IngramSpark, KDP, or others. Additionally, you might choose to buy your own ISBNs from Bowker (MyIdentifiers.com). Properly managing these accounts and ensuring consistent information is crucial to avoid potential headaches down the line.
The Problem: Error Message
Recently, one of my authors encountered an issue during the publishing process. He had purchased 10 ISBNs from Bowker and successfully opened accounts with IngramSpark and KDP. Everything went smoothly while uploading his cover and interior files to IngramSpark. However, when I attempted to upload his book to KDP, an error message appeared: his imprint name was incorrect.
The next day, the author asked me to join a Zoom call to help resolve the issue. Unfortunately, the same error message persisted, preventing him from moving forward. The problem was that his imprint name in the KDP account didn’t match the name he had registered with Bowker. This caused significant frustration.
The Importance of Consistency
When registering ISBNs with Bowker, you’ll need to specify your chosen imprint name and link it to your publisher name.
Consistency is key: Ensure the imprint name you choose is used consistently across all platforms where your book will be listed, such as Amazon, IngramSpark, and others. Even a small mismatch can disrupt the process, as seen in the case above.
Insights from the KDP Community
After encountering this issue, I searched for “self-publishing + imprint name doesn’t match” and found several helpful articles and discussions. The KDP Community Forum offered advice from other authors who had faced the same problem. The key takeaway was to ensure that the imprint name registered with Bowker matches exactly with the name used on platforms like KDP.
The Solution
To resolve the issue, the author updated his account name with Bowker to match the name on his KDP account. After waiting 48 hours for the changes to take effect, he was able to upload his book without any further issues.
What Is an Imprint Name?
An imprint is essentially your publishing name. It can be your own name or something more distinctive that reflects your brand. I thought that an imprint is your publishing name. This article is explains the difference.
Many authors also create a logo for their imprint, which can be printed on the book and used for branding purposes. For more insights, here’s an excellent article about imprint logos.
Tips for New Authors
This type of error is common among new authors. To avoid similar issues:
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- Keep Records: Maintain a document with your login credentials, imprint name, and any other relevant publishing information.
- Double-Check Consistency: Ensure the imprint name matches exactly across all platforms.
- Act Quickly: If you encounter an issue, update the necessary information promptly and allow time for the changes to take effect.
Hire a Book Designer
Navigating the technical aspects of self-publishing, such as account setups and file uploads, can be challenging. Hiring a professional book designer can help ensure your files are correctly formatted and uploaded, saving you time and avoiding common errors. Their expertise can make the process smoother, allowing you to focus on your writing and creative vision.
By following these steps and seeking professional assistance when needed, you can streamline your self-publishing journey and avoid unnecessary setbacks. Happy publishing!