Several months ago, I wrote an article while republishing three picture books and a chapter book, which I got the rights back to from the traditional publisher who stopped selling them.
The chapter book was with the publisher for over ten years, and the picture books for five years. They weren’t selling well, so the publisher gave up on them.
Well, since then, I’ve republished all four books.
Tip: If you’re just starting this process, review your right reversion letter or the contract termination notice before you do anything else. Be sure it clearly states that all rights have reverted to you. If the publisher provided the initial artwork, you will not automatically own the artwork. If you want to use the original artwork, confirm that you have permission in writing or plan to have new illustrations created.
Here are the steps I took and a couple of problems I ran into.
- REVISE, RE-EDIT, REFRESH THE MANUSCRIPT
You get a do-over! Take advantage of it.
I revised all three manuscripts and then re-edited and proofread them.
I also had to cut some of the back matter as the publisher had them as 48-page books. I self-published them as 32 pages.
- NEW COVERS AND ILLUSTRATIONS
There’s a lot involved when republishing (self-publishing) children’s books.
As mentioned above, you may not have the right to your book’s cover and interior illustrations. In this case, you will need to hire an illustrator. Not only is this time-consuming to get redone, but it can also be expensive.
Fortunately, the illustrator who worked on the original “The Adventures of Planetman” series also got his rights back from the publisher, and we created a partnership. He allowed me to use the illustrations, and I took care of hiring the book formatter/designer and uploading the print-ready files onto Amazon KDP.
We’re also collaborating on a fourth book in the series, “The Case of the Space Debris.” I’ve already written the story; the illustrator is working on the illustrations.
- THE ISBN
You need a new ISBN whenever you make significant changes to a book.
Since mine have a new publishing name, covers, and interior revisions, it definitely warranted new ISBNs.
- I had to have six new ISBNs, as I have a paperback and an ebook for each book. You can get ISBNs from Bowker.com; just follow the directions there. Currently, they are $295 for 10 or $125 each.
Since you need an ISBN for each book format (ebook, paperback, hardcover, audio), it’s a no-brainer to get the 10-pack.
- The ISBNs must be assigned on Bowker.com, so I took care of that.
To assign your ISBNs, you need to have a publishing name. I already had one, Writers on the Move Publishing.
Simply create one if you don’t already have one. It can be Your Name Press or Your Name Publishing. Or you can choose something that’s relevant to you.
You’ll also need to upload the book cover.
Most publishing platforms offer free ISBNs, but they own the ISBN, and you cannot publish the book elsewhere. If it’s affordable for you, purchase the ISBNs you need. It also ensures your book is cataloged properly.
- CHOOSE YOUR PUBLISHING ROAD
You can use platforms like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and Draft2Digital. They make it easy to republish both print and digital versions.
If you have children’s books, you will need to be sure that the platform you use works with that genre.
I used KDP for my picture books.
- UPLOAD YOUR PRINT-READY FILES
Your formatter/designer will turn your book’s content and illustrations into print-ready files for each book format.
You’ll need to decide just how hands-on you want to be or can be. You can upload the files yourself or hire someone to do it.
If you’ve never done it before, there is a learning curve that can feel overwhelming, but it’s definitely doable.
Word of advice: Read everything carefully when uploading your book. There’s a section on KDP that asks if the book was previously published.
Not knowing any better, I clicked yes and ended up with the original publisher’s publishing date for two of the books.
I unpublished the first book, “The Case of the Plastic Rings,” got new ISBNs, and republished. It was time-consuming and expensive to buy new ISBNs.
Another huge problem is that once you publish on Amazon, you can never delete the book you unpublished, so it appears on your Author Page, in your KDP account, and in search queries. Huge problem.
- THINK MARKETING
I included back-end and backlist strategies in the back matter of the book.
Adding URLs to your website, book or service pages is considered a back-end strategy. I also included pictures of the other two books in the series on the last page. This is to motivate the reader to purchase the other books.
Beyond that, republishing is like launching a new book. Do everything you’d do for a brand-new release.
Announce the return to your audience through blog posts, social media, and other venues. And collect reviews. If you’re using Amazon KDP, see about transferring your old book reviews to the new book. This matters. Book reviews help sell books. I’m still in the process of doing this for my books.
Consider doing school visits, library visits, or online storytimes, also. Reach out to book bloggers and influencers, and if the book is educational, connect with teachers and librarians.
- Protect Your Work
Copyright protection exists the moment you create a book, but it doesn’t offer the same protection as registering it with the U.S. Copyright Office. Registering it creates a public record of ownership. You can’t sue for copyright infringement unless you have registered your copyright.
I haven’t done this with the Planetman series, but I have with my fantasy chapter book, “Walking Through Walls,” and nonfiction book, “How to Write a Children’s Fiction Book.” I also got an LCCN for each.
SUMMING IT UP
Take your time to do it right; if you do, your book will find new readers and a new life.
Again, you get a do-over; Take advantage of it.
To check out the books mentioned in this article, visit https://karencioffiwritingforchildren.com/karens-books/
I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, rewriter, and coach. I can help turn your story into a book you’ll be proud to be the author of, one that’s publishable and marketable.
OTHER HELP I OFFER:
HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN’S FICTION BOOK
A DIY book to help you write your own children’s book.
FICTION WRITING FOR CHILDREN eCOURSE
4-Weeks / 8 Sections Guided Self-Study Mentoring Program
You can contact me at kcioffiventrice@gmail.com.
When Your Small Publisher Stops Selling Your Book
Self-Publishing a Book Step 2 – The ISBN, the Barcode, and the LCCN
