Make Your Book Super-Legit: ISBN, CRN, and LCCN Explained

So—you’ve written a book. Congrats! Now you’re ready to make it “real”. Not just “I-saved-it-as-a-PDF” real, but officially-recognized, ready-to-sell, professional-author real. ISBN, CRN, and LCCN are the behind-the-scenes codes you need to give your book the cred it deserves.

These are more than just alphabet soup—they’re the magic numbers that make your book trackable, sellable, copyright-protected, and maybe even library-worthy. Here’s a breakdown of what each code means.

ISBN Registered, Copyright Secured, Library-Ready

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📚 ISBN: The Must-Have Number for Selling Your Book

An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is the unique ID that tells bookstores, libraries, and readers exactly what edition and format of your book they’re looking at. It’s the global standard for commercial distribution and cataloging.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Each version of your book—paperback, hardback, audiobook, etc. —needs its own ISBN.

• You also need a new ISBN if you release a second edition, major revision, or translation.

How to get one:

If you’re publishing through Taylor-Bos Books LLC (TBB), your ISBN(s) may be included (depending on the publishing package you choose), or purchased separately for $89 each. This includes registration at MyIdentifiers, the U.S. ISBN agency site.

Prefer to DIY? Create an account with Bowker (the official U.S. agency) at myidentifiers.com. You can buy one ISBN for $125 or save money by buying a block.

Note: You can technically publish without an ISBN, but doing so limits your reach. Many bookstores, libraries, and major platforms won’t list books that don’t have one. So if you want your book to play in the big leagues—get an ISBN.

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🛡️ CRN: Lock In Your Rights to Protect Your Work

A CRN (Copyright Registration Number) is unique identifier assigned by the Copyright Office. Registering your copyright provides another level of protection and enforcement because it is a public record of your authorship and ownership of the work. It provides the ability to pursue legal action if your copyright is infringed.

Heads-up: this is U.S.-only protection. But it’s still totally worth it.

How to register:

1. Go to copyright.gov and create an account.

2. Select the option to register a Literary Work.

3. Complete the application with accurate book and author info.

4. Pay the fee(s): Submit the required payment through the online portal.

5. Send a copy of your book to the Copyright Office (or upload an electronic copy if it will not be published in print).

For full legal protection, you need to both register your work and have that registration recorded. See Copyright Fees for more information.

Pro Tip: It can take 3 to 9 months (or longer) to receive your certificate—so apply early and be patient. Even while you wait, you can still include your copyright notice on your book’s copyright page and in ARCs. Use this format:

© 2025 Your Name. All rights reserved.

Learn more at the eCO (Electronic Copyright Office) FAQ page.

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📖 LCCN: Want to Be in the Library of Congress? Start Here

A LCCN (Library of Congress Control Number) makes your book easier for libraries to find and catalog. It’s not required, but it’s a nice extra that can boost your credibility—especially if you’re aiming for wider institutional distribution.

Here’s the scoop:

• Self-published authors can apply for a PCN (Preassigned Control Number), which becomes your LCCN after publication.

• Getting an LCCN doesn’t guarantee the Library of Congress will keep a copy of your book—but it helps!

Do you need one? If you’re not marketing to libraries; it’s optional. Libraries can still carry your book with just an ISBN.

BONUS: To get the details on how to set up your own PCN account, email me at Hello@askShauna.com.

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📕 In Summary

You’ve poured your heart into writing your book—now it’s time to make it official.

Taylor-Bos Books LLC helps clients secure: ISBNs to distribute and sell their books; CRNs to protect their copyright; and LCCNs to boost their credibility with libraries.

Not sure what you need? Let’s chat. We’ll help you get your book out into the world—with all the legit details buttoned up tight.