Acrobat PDF - Adobe has a great product called Adobe Acrobat. It consists of 3 components, one, Adobe Reader (formerly Adobe Acrobat Reader) will allow you to view and print Acrobat PDF (Portable Document File) formatted documents. Some forms are created to be filled out on a computer, and those may be done with Adobe Reader, as well. Reader also supports limited capability to insert notes and proofing marks in a PDF. (If a document is "enabled" you are allowed to insert more extensive notes and proofing marks. Acrobat Pro is required to "enable" a PDF in this manner.) The main Acrobat Pro component allows you to view and print and make minor edits to a document as well as add or delete pages, adjust cropping, and make other global changes. Acrobat Distiller is the component that allows you to create an Acrobat PDF formatted file. You can learn more about Adobe Acrobat from the Adobe web site and from a link at Adobe, CreatePDF.adobe.com. The professional level Page Layout programs all support exporting a PDF directly from the program's native file format. Of course, if you use Adobe InDesign to create your books, you can create a PDF directly from InDesign.

Alibris - Exhaustive site for finding Out of Print books - you can search for books, browse book subjects, and interact with book lovers from around the world. (Others listed below.)

Amazon.com - Earth's largest bookstore, so they say.

Apple Computer - The number one production computer for graphic designers. Also, some amazing consumer products, such as the iPhone and the iPod.

Arizona Book Publishing Association (An IBPA affiliate).

Authors & Speakers Network - offers many links for authors and speakers. (And most authors should be speakers.)

AutographedByAuthor - delivers buyers to authors selling autographed books from their websites. Owner Rick Kamen tries to build traffic at your web site. Charges a registration fee and takes a commission on sales he generates. Worth a look.

BAIPA - If you live in the Northern California area, you should consider joining the Bay Area Independent Publishers Association (BAIPA). This organization has about 200 members and meets on the second Saturday each month at the First Congregational Church, 8 North San Pedro, San Rafael, CA. (Annual all-day seminar is held at another location in March (no regular meeting), check the BAIPA web site for details.) The organization supports its publisher members with educational programs and the opportunity to meet other small, independent publishers face to face where you can discuss problems and solutions common to all small publishers. Membership in BAIPA (only $40/year) entitles you to a discount on a membership in the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) and/or a discount on a membership in SPAN. Check the association web sites to look for "affiliates" (IBPA) or "partners" (SPAN) in your area.

Baker & Taylor - B&T is the second-largest book wholesaler next to Ingram. B&T will still do business with small and independent publishers. You can get a discount on their listing fee if you're a member of IBPA. If you have some good strategies, you may get B&T to waive its fee in its entirety.

Barnes and Noble - Their virtual bookstore. At least the customers won't spill coffee on your books. You can also search by zip code to see if your book is "in stock" at a physical store.

Bar Codes - See "ISBN Agency" (below) for information about ISBNs -- the ISBN Agency also lists a few bar code vendors that can create a bar code for your book. Another bar code service is Bar Code Graphics, Inc. They have lots of good information about bar codes on their web site. (Note: Bar Codes are usually about $10 to $20 from commercial vendors. From time to time, a free bar code generator may be found online--be sure to educate yourself about barcodes before using one of the free generators. It's usually not worthwhile to buy your own software to create bar codes, since most small publishers will only need a few. Generally, it's best to get the bar code as a (digital) PostScript file that is placed into the cover art for the book. It's best to know what resolution will be used to print the cover, but a reasonable guess is 2400 DPI for a traditional offset book and 600 DPI for a laser printed book.) More information about bar codes is available from the Book Industry Study Group (BISG) web site. See http://www.bisg.org/ean/ for specifics about bar codes. (Other information from BISG is useful to publishers, see listings below.)

BEA - Book Expo America. This is the granddaddy of book trade shows. As with most trade shows, this one has been shrinking over the past few years. Although there are several commercial vendors who offer to display small publisher books, the best display is by IBPA as all books are face out all the time. All other cooperative display vendors rotate books throughout the display period, so most books are face out for only 25 to 50% of the time.

The Beckham Publications Group - a small publisher who offers traditional publishing to authors and also has a "joint venture" offering. This may be an appropriate way to get published without doing it all yourself. See also Cypress House (below). Be sure to read my article about Vanity or Subsidy Publishers to understand the differences between these companies and the so-called "self publishing companies."

Biblio.com is one of the leading sites for used, rare, and out-of-print books, with over 10 million books offered by our network of more than 1600 independent booksellers.

BISAC Subject Headings. (BISAC is Book Industry Standards and Communications.) The Book Industry Study Group (BISG) has an industry-approved list of book subject descriptors used to classify books as they might be displayed in a book store. This is not the same as cataloging information for a library, but rather is marketing oriented to assist booksellers in getting similar books shelved in the same area. You can look up the BISAC subjects for free at the BISG web site. Most books may use only one subject category, but two or possibly three may be used for some titles. Note the alpha-numeric code (from the list) for your book wholesaler or distributor.

Books In Print - See the listing under ISBN Agency below.

BookPage - Extensive book review site. They also accept review copies prior to the publication date. Review their submission guidelines online.

BookWeb - General resource for resellers. Web site for American Booksellers Association.

BookWire - Online source reporting the book business. Owned by R.R. Bowker, see ISBN Agency, below.

Bowker, R.R. -- See ISBN Agency, below.

Center For Independent Publishing - The New York Center for Independent Publishing is a nonprofit cultural and educational institution dedicated to promoting interaction between the public and small independent book publishers.

CIP, Cataloguing in Publication - see Library of Congress, below.

Copyright Office - A division within the Library of Congress that handles U. S. Copyrights. You can download all necessary copyright forms or fill out forms electronically online. Notice that they want some forms printed on both sides of the sheet. Use the short form (single side) for most books. Fee for book copyright starts at $35 per registration for online processing. higher fees may apply for hard-copy submission -- but always check the price as fees may change. Follow this link for information about Copyright Law. Also, for copyright law information and other publishing related legal information, go see Ivan Hoffman's web site. (See also the entry for Publishing Law, below.) To find out information about the copyright status of a publication, you can request a copyright search. You can make an online search that may provide information for items in the files after 1977. See the Copyright Office web site for further information about copyright searches and see Copyright Circulars 1, 22, 6, and 15a for more information. The address of the Copyright Office is: Library of Congress, Copyright Office, 101 Independence Avenue, S.E., Washington, DC 20559-6000. Note that use of a courier (such as UPS or FedEx (ground service) rather than the Post Office) is usually the better choice to avoid inspection delays. Packages sent via USPS are subject to being irradiated (to kill any biological organisms) and the process may damage some items. See the Copyright Office web site for the current procedures on filing your copyright registration and the availability of online submission of materials.
Some additional copyright web sites are:
Trademark and Other Intellectual Property Resource Guide (has many links to trademark and copyright information).
Copy Law Online,
Copyright Basics,
Copyright Myths,
Copyright Website,
How Long Copyright Protection Endures, (Copyright Office, download publications and circulars)
National Paralegal College (course document relating to copyright, trade mark and patent law).
A Comprehensive Legal Guide to Cyberspace Law (New!)

Cypress House - a small publisher who offers traditional publishing and a variety of services that can assist a self publisher -- or use their "subsidy" program to get your book published. Cypress House, through their Lost Coast Press imprint, has published many excellent fiction and poetry works that might otherwise not had a practical way to be published. (We discuss the unethical subsidy publishers on our Vanity Press page. To the best of my knowledge, Cypress House is not one of the unethical subsidy publishers. If the subsidy approach is appropriate for your project, you might wish to explore your options with Cypress House or with Beckham Publications (above).)

Fearless Books ­ an interesting site with discussion of books, books for sale, and book reviews. Reviews are strongly oriented toward independent publishers.

Financial and Management Consulting for small book publishers - Gropen Associates, Inc answers publishers' financial, accounting and management questions, large or small, on a question by question basis. The site offers extensive resources on other topics. No matter what you want to know, this is where to start.

IBPA - Independent Book Publishers Association (formerly PMA, Publishers Marketing Association) has approximately 4000 members who are publishers or vendors who support small publishers. It is a worthwhile organization that offers a number of member benefits including access to a (mail/Internet order) charge-card program, reduced subscription rates to Publisher's Weekly, publisher's liability insurance programs, and connections with book distributors. Also, be sure to check out their list of "affiliated" organizations. These are the local publishers groups throughout the country. If you are fortunate enough to live within a reasonable travel distance from a local publishers association, you will be able to get great advice and discuss your project with other members.

Indexing - Find an indexer through the American Society of Indexers. Indexing is a specialty within the editing profession. All indexers are editors, but not all editors are indexers. Often, an author can prepare an adequate index for their own book with a little help and information on the process. (The Chicago Manual of Style has a good chapter on indexing.) However, most authors are better served by using a professional indexer if they have a particularly complex topic.

Ingram Book Company - Largest U.S. wholesaler of books. Doesn't want to work directly with most independent or small publishers. If you're small, you must work through a distributor to get into Ingram's database. An alternate way "in" to Ingram is to use their sister company, Lightning Source, Inc. This is the primary true printing on demand digital printer. (One order = one book printed.) With the proper business plan and a suitable book, the LSI/Ingram production-distribution system can be very effective for small- and self-publishers.

Internet Public Library - Online resource

ISBN Agency -- The U.S. Agency is run by R.R. Bowker. This is the place to get your ISBN block for U.S. published materials. have your information and credit card ready to order your block of ISBNS online (from the web site MyIdentifiers.com). This web site replaces the old Bowkerlink.com that is being phased out. Note that the main entrance to the site offers up a single ISBN for $125. This is the cheapest option, but it is a false economy. A block of 10 ISBNs is $250. Since an ISBN is required for each binding or form of a publication, it is easy to need more than one ISBN for a book, especially if you should decide to release it as an ebook and as a printed book. So that single ISBN can suddenly be an expensive ISBN. When you buy your ISBN, you will be offered barcodes and a Standard Address Number (SAN). DO NOT ORDER these or any other items at the time you purchase your block of ISBNs. You can get an SAN or other services later, if you should need these items. (The SAN is intended for publishers with multiple addresses, and is used to identify the proper address for accounting administration. There are rare cases where a small publisher with a similar name to another publisher can make good use of a SAN.) Barcodes can be obtained for free from several online sources and are also provided free by Lightning Source, Inc., if you should use their printing-distribution system. In addition, many book and cover designers can provide barcodes as needed at a reasonable cost or free. It's best to wait until you have the exact price for your book before you produce a barcode in any event, as it is usually desirable to have the price included in the barcode extension.

JAYA123 Software: The newest and most affordable back-office software system available for the small to mid-size publisher. JAYA is a full featued, web based program for all your invoicing, inventory, royalty, and customer management functions. Since it runs using a web interface, it's fully cross platform. Your data is stored on the JAYA web server where it is frequently backed up. You can access your data from anywhere you can get online.

Library of Congress - The place that issues the Library of Congress number. Find out about their Cataloging in Publication (CIP) service for established publishers or go to the Cataloging Directorate home page. Look for the PCN (Preassigned Control Number) instructions to simply get a Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN). There are no qualifications beyond having an ISBN to get on the automated PCN (preassigned control number) program. Do not use the PCN if you are eligible for the LoC CIP program, as the LCCN is assigned with the CIP. For non-qualifying publishers who want a complete CIP data block, there are several commercial cataloguers who fill the role: Quality Books, Inc., Cassidy Cataloguing Services, The Donohue Group and Adrienne Bashista.

Macintosh - If you use the Macintosh, here are a couple of web sites I find particularly useful: First, MacInTouch provides the latest news, software releases, bug reports and work workarounds, and consumer information (including alerts to various fraudulent schemes). I usually start my work day with a visit to this site. If you're simply looking for information, MacOnlySource provides links to just about everything Macintosh. For shopping for accessories and such, I especially like Other World Computing. This online/catalog retailer focuses almost exclusively on accessories and enhancements for the Macintosh. For a broader selection, I've had good service from MacZone (the Macintosh division of Zones). Finally, when looking into anything to do with the Macintosh, a visit to Apple is in order.

Media Interviews - Guest Finder has been around for a decade or so. Register to get exposure to be selected for interviews by radio and TV talkshow hosts. Fees are reasonable and a few have reported enormous response. Also, check out Joe Sabah's offerings for getting radio interviews.

Marketing/Publicity: Check out the North American Bookdealers Exchange (NABE) and see what they have to offer. In addition to an informative web site, they also offer a quarterly newsletter "Book Dealers World" along with mailing lists and many helpful tips. I noticed that Joe Sabah advertises in the newsletter, and Joe has been quite successful with his book...

Marketing your book - We recommend buying John Kremer's book 1001 Ways to Market Your Books. His web site has plenty of free advice. Check it out.

More marketing your book - Shel Horowitz has filled his site with many suggestions about low cost marketing. His book Marketing Without Megabucks: How to Sell Anything on a Shoestring is another very useful book on selling. Also see his newer title, Grassroots Marketing for Authors and Publishers. Shel is also an excellent copy writer, if you need help with advertising materials or a press release.

Merriam-Webster - While you can get some serious arguments started on this topic, I believe that Merriam-Webster puts out the most authoritative American English dictionary. I use their Webster's New International (unabridged) Third Edition as my final source for usage and meaning. Their Collegiate edition is also a most useful tool for word smithing. Their web site features a free electronic search of their English data base. Yeah, I know about the Oxford English Dictionary (OED). It, too, is an excellent reference... but they use English English which is not the same as American English. (They don't know the proper spelling of a lot of words like color and labor.) And, yeah, I know about the American Heritage Dictionary, but I prefer Merriam-Webster. Please! Don't even say Funk and Wagnalls ... while the Laugh-In show of the late 60s-early 70s used to mention it regularly (because of perceived humor in the name) their dictionary never was particularly popular, nor held in high-regard by academics. In recent years, the company has gone through a variety of owners and publishes the New World Encyclopedia, an electronic reference.

The Midwest Book Review supports many small publishers by reviewing their books. There is also considerable useful information for writers and publishers available at their web site. Take a look, especially the section for writing and publishing in the index block on the left side of the web site's main page. When submitting a review copy(to any reviewer) always visit their web site and check their submission guidelines.

Mission Publishing - helps independent professionals and experts turn their knowledge into a system of books and information products that attract a lifelong stream of clients and income. Their mentoring programs are based on 25 years of successful publishing and marketing experience. -- I've worked with John Eggen on several projects. If your business profile fits with those who work with Mission Publishing, it's well worth checking out.

National Speakers Association Especially useful for authors who give many talks. Once established as a speaker, the NSA can help you increase your bookings.

OrganizedWriter.com - helps writers, authors and publishers get organized. Get quick and easy book publishing and marketing tips in the site's newsletter.

Paper? Find out everything you wanted to know about paper with a paper merchant. Websource (www.websource-paper.com), Xpedx, and JC Paper are just a few of the many paper merchants available. Google "paper merchant" for more sources.

Para Publishing - The guru of self-publishing, Dan Poynter's web site. Author of The Self-Publishing Manual. An incredible amount of information. Some of it is free, including his great newsletter.

PDF - See Acrobat PDF links above. Also see my page, Publishing using PDF.

PMA - The Publishers Marketing Association see IBPA, above.

Point of Purchase (POP) display stands. Some publishers wish to provide retailers with display stands -- it's one way to get good exposure for your book. For small counter stands, if you're local to the northern California, Tap Plastics has quite a selection. For a selection of free standing floor and counter displays, check out Display Stands 4 You. These book display stands are both economical and durable. (Display Stands 4 You is a division of Footprint Press, Inc., a small publisher of Hike, Bike, and Ski books.)

Preditors & Editors) - hosted by Anotherealm, the Magazine of Speculative Fiction, P&E has lists of agents, editors, publishers, and many other writing/publishing related references and topics. No-holds bared ratings and recommendations are given. A great web site for writer awareness.

Publishing law is an area for special concern. There are many technicalities that must be observed when you publish. Ivan Hoffman is a California-based lawyer (sometimes active on various publishing lists), who has an excellent site with quite a number of useful articles. Also, the Publishing Law Center, located in Denver, is another excellent source of general legal data related to publishing. Not long ago, I ran across this great "comic book" that discusses public domain and fair use: Tales From The Public Domain: Bound by Law? Also, see the Lectric Law Library it's a great place for free downloadable legal forms and other legal information.

PubMart.com describes itself as "The How-To Site for Freelance Writers and Self-Publishers." Site is sponsored by Thomas A. Williams, the author of: Publish Your Own Magazine, Guidebook, or Weekly Newspaper and Poet Power!: The Complete Guide to Getting Your Poetry Published (and Self-Published).

R.R. Bowker -- See ISBN Agency, above.

Search Engine Optimization: See their Publishing-related directory at: http://www.designrus.com/publishing.html
Title: SEO; Description: SEORank offers advanced SEO services for small to large static, dynamic and eCommerce websites.
URL: http://www.seorank.com 

Small Press Center - The Small Press Center for Independent Publishing is now named Center for Independent Publishing. (See above.)

SPAN - Small Publishers Association of North America. Similar to PMA, but has a slightly different approach. This organization was created by Tom and Marilyn Ross, who wrote a great book on self publishing. Join BAIPA and get a $30 discount on your SPAN dues. Also, be sure to check out their list of "partner" organizations. These are the local publishers groups throughout the country. If you are fortunate enough to live within a reasonable travel distance from a local publishers association, you will be able to get great advice and discuss your project with other members -- often those who have just passed through the stage you're at.

Stanford University offers the incredible Stanford Professional Publishing Course. Sadly, the economy of 2009-2010 has caused the end of this publishing course. A few other universities offer similar other courses -- I've been receiving emails from the Yale Publishing Course recently.

United States Post Office Calculation Page - Provides pricing for domestic and international mail. For lower cost international shipments, check out the "Global Priority" mail rates.

United States Post Office Zip Code Finder - find your Zips quick.

Writer Beware - Sponsored by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA), Writer Beware offers cautions and warnings about scams directed at authors, including various publishing scams, literary agent scams, etc. Names are named. An excellent resource.

Join a Publishing List-Serve:

There are several "list-serves" (Yahoo or Google groups, or similar) for independent or self-publishers to participate on. Usually, it's best to join a group and "lurk" for awhile to get a feel for the nature of the ongoing conversations. Be careful as it's easy to get overly wound up into the list dynamics -- and then you may end up spending much more time with the list than you intended.

PUB-FORUM. One of the oldest. Populated by experienced publishers. Sometimes gets off-topic. You are expected to have read Dan Poynter's The Self Publishing Manual and/or Marilyn Ross' book, The Complete Guide to Self Publishing. Don't ask how to get an ISBN. See http://www.pub-forum.net/ (I actively participate in this list.)

PUBLISH-L was created out of the remnants of a list once sponsored by PMA (now IBPA). I won't go into the details of the 'whys and wherefores' of the old list and why there were "remnants"... suffice it to say that controversies between members of lists can cause a splintering to occur. Pat Gundry is the list owner of Publish-L. See http://www.publish-l.com/ (I actively participate on this list.)

SELF-PUBLISHING. Owned by SPAN. A particularly good list for beginners. Advertising and rudeness are prohibited. See http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/self-publishing/ (I actively participate on this list.)

SMALLPUB-CIVIL. This list was established in response to the sometimes over-the-top free speech on Pub-Forum. Run by Shel Horowitz. Name calling is prohibited. See http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/smallpub-civil/ (I actively participate on this list.)

PUBLISHING DESIGN. A place for authors, typesetters, designers, publishers, etc. to exchange ideas that will help self-publishers create professional-looking books to compete with those produced by larger publishing houses. See http://groups.yahoo.com/group/publishingdesign/ (I do not currently participate on this list.)

To contact Aeonix Publishing group, send an e-mail to Info@Aeonix.com.