One of the most difficult things about self-publishing is that you automatically assume the role of project manager. If you're not familiar with the industry and particularly the technical aspects of book formatting, then you can either hire people you trust to do the right thing, or you can read, study and learn as much as you possibly can, to ensure you're making good decisions.
Bar codes seem to be a never-ending point of contention. I frequently get eMails from clients about bar codes saying things like, "it's too big. It's much bigger than the ones on the books I have here." That's quite possible. Here's why: People often confuse UPC bar codes with Bookland EAN bar codes; since going to the 13-digit ISBN (Jan. 2007), bar codes have to be longer just to incorporate the extra numbers; most authors will now need to have the price embedded into the bar code, whereas this wasn't always necessary in the past.
The Book Industry Study Group (BISG) has conveniently published the guidelines for bar codes on their site, and here's what they say:
The Bookland EAN symbol, which always includes the 5-digit add-on, is 1" high x 2-3/16" wide at 100% magnification. At 80% magnification the overall size is approximately 13/16" high x 1-3/4" wide. Magnification may be any size between 80% and 200%. For offset printing it should not be necessary to print larger than 100%. (NOTE: Width is measured with a 3/32 inch "quiet zone" on either side of bars. Height is measured from the top of the bars to the bottom of the numbers below the bars.)
It should also be noted that Barnes and Noble will not accept books from small publishers that do not comply with their format, which is slightly smaller, although it's always better to cover all basis and go with the larger format, and the following is from the Barnes and Noble website.
"The following will be considered non-compliant: A Bookland EAN bar code (including add-on with price encoded) that is less than 7/16” high by 1 3/4 wide (80% reduction from GS1 standard preferred)."
You can download a PDF with the Barnes and Noble requirements for small publishers here.
13-Digit ISBNs
Since Jan., 2007 all new books are required to have a 13-digit ISBN, meaning 10-digit ISBNs need to be converted. To determine your 13-digit ISBN using your old 10-digit ISBN, go here.
I've been working on designing a dessert cookbook that I may end up self-publishing. Thanks for the info!
Posted by: Becca Foster | November 09, 2007 at 10:02 AM
I saw one website with all different kinds of design templates. It’s a stock photography site but has vector art and illustrations. Just use those keywords to narrow your search, and then use the great visual search tools to quickly find what you want.
You can check it out at http://xcavator.net/
Posted by: logo design | June 06, 2008 at 02:57 AM