Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Explain this 'no waste' concept.

Our printing technology allows you to acquire high quality books in small quantities at very affordable prices. Therefore, we urge you to buy only the quantity of books that you think you can sell or distribute in the short term. By asking just a few questions and providing different pricing options for the author, we usually end up printing a smaller quantity than the author initially targeted. Yes, it does result in a smaller sale, but we end up with a much happier customer. And that's to everyone's advantage: especially yours: Because you're not wasting money on unsold books.

Q. Why shouldn't I print at the local copy shop?

It is certain you won't get the same level of professional support that you would with a publisher who has expertise in book production. You need to also consider that your bindery options will probably be much more limited. Plus, you'll probably be "upsold" to purchase a higher number of books than you really require. Additionally, you're likely to get a strange look if you ask about discounted pricing on re-orders from your archived files. Lastly, after we quote a job, we often get comments from authors such as "Oh my, that's a very good price." Price considerations aside, you can be assured of receiving outstanding value for your publishing dollar at No Waste Publishing™.

Q. What's the minimum amount of books I can print?

25 books

Q. What's the maximum number of books that No Waste Publishing^TM can print?

There is no maximum.  We will help you determine what equipment is best suited for your needs: digital, traditional offset, or a web press.

Q. How much do re-orders cost?

It depends on the quantity of the re-order, but if the run quantity is similar to the original run quantity then the price per book will be almost identical. If you need fewer books on the re-order, the cost per book may be slightly higher. If you need more books than the original run, the cost per book will be slightly lower. Bottom line, we make re-orders affordable because that is part of the unique value that we bring to you. Also, we archive your file for five (5) years.

Q. What size should I make my book?

We can produce hard case books from 4.5 x 4.5 up to 9 x 11, and soft cover books from 4 x 4 up to 9.5 wide x 11 high. However, following are the three basic sizes which are more economical for our presses: 8.5 x 11, 6 x 9, and 5.5 x 8.5. We are happy to discuss all options.

Q. I don't have the ability to scan images into my document. Can you scan them?

We would be happy to assist. The charge is based on the number of scanned images.

Q. My book consists of multiple files. Can you work with that?

We will "digitally collate" your chapters into one file. The base pricing for this is $ 30.00. The exception would be large files with many "links", multiple Microsoft Word files or more than three Adobe PDF files.

Q. How do I get my book copyrighted?

The law grants you copyright protection automatically upon the creation of your work. Your work need not be completed to be protected! You own the copyright on your work as you create it. No publication or registration or other action in the U.S. Copyright Office is required to secure copyright.
To be valid, your copyright notice must contain three elements: the symbol © or the word copyright, the year of the first publication and the name of the owner of the copyright. For example, Copyright 2010 Mary Teston. The use of the copyright notice is your responsibility and does not require advance permission from, or registration with, the Copyright Office

However, should you want to register your work, apply to the United States Copyright Office which is a division of the Library of Congress. The copyright office website is http://www.copyright.gov No third party is necessary; you apply directly for the copyright. That way, you are absolutely certain that you are the owner of the copyright. First time registration fees range from $ 35 to $85.

Q. What is an International Standard Book Number (ISBN) and do I need one?

Bowker is the only agency in the United States that can issue ISBN numbers. This 13 digit numeral unmistakably identifies the title, edition, binding and publisher of a given work. It is a mandatory sales tool if you intend to make your book available to bookstores, wholesalers and distributors. If you are printing a book for non-commerical purposes, you don’t need an ISBN number. Examples of this are family memoirs, family cookbooks or any book you’ll be giving away.

If No Waste Publishing^TM purchases the ISBN for you, we will charge you $55. But, please know, No Waste Publishing will be listed as the publisher of record at Bowker. This does not mean we have any rights to your book.

However, should you want to be listed at Bowker as the publisher, go to Bowker’s site at www.myidentifiers.com. New publishers must first create an account by establishing a publishing company. If you don’t have a company already, you’ll need to start one. The laws of the local area where you live will govern the exact process by which you set up a company. And keep in mind that you should make the decision about what kind of company to have in consultation with an attorney or your tax adviser.

Once you have your own publishing company established, you’ll purchase your own ISBN and obtain your Library of Congress number under your own publishing company name.

Q. Library of Congress Catalog Number (LCCN) – What is it and where do you get it?

We are most happy to acquire the LCCN for you; the charge is $25.00. This is to cover the cost of the extra book being created and sent to the Library of Congress.

You can obtain one as a self-publisher (as long as you are actually self-publishing under your own publishing company name). If you hope to sell to libraries—and it can be a great market—you must have an LCCN.
All requests for Pre-assigned Control Numbers (PCNs) must be made online. First complete the Application to Participate http://www.loc.gov/publish/pcn/f to obtain an account number and password. Then follow email instructions to submit your title information and receive your LCCN within a week (often it’s just a day or so). The LCCN should go on the copyright page of your book, usually under the ISBN.

Q. How much does it cost to obtain a Preassigned Control Number (PCN)?

There is no charge for a Preassigned Control Number (PCN). However, participating publishers are obligated to send a complimentary copy of all books for which a Preassigned Control Number (PCN) was provided immediately upon publication. Publishers failing to meet this obligation may be suspended from the program. Please note that all books submitted to the Library of Congress in compliance with the PCN Program are property of the Library of Congress and therefore are not returnable.

Q. Are Library of Congress catalog records created for all books submitted to the Library of Congress as part of the Preassigned Control Number Program?

No. Many PCN books receive such cataloging but it is not automatic. First, the book is reviewed by Library of Congress selection librarians. If the book is selected for retention in the Library's collections, then a bibliographic record will be created and this record will appear in the Library's online catalog. If the book is not selected for retention, the Library of Congress will not create a catalog record for the book.

Q. How long does it take to obtain an account number and password?

Most applications to participate in the Preassigned Control Number (PCN) program are processed in one to two weeks depending on current workloads.

Q. How long does it take to obtain a Library of Congress Control Number?

Most applications are processed in one to two weeks. Publishers should submit applications well in advance of publication, however, to allow for periods of heavy work load that prolong processing time