Self-Publishing in Canada? Everything You Need (and Don't Need) to Bring Your Book to Market
If you've written a book and you're thinking about publishing it yourself, congratulations! Self-publishing is a rewarding journey. In Canada, more authors than ever are turning to self-publishing to get their stories out into the world. But with so many steps involved, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Don’t worry—I've got you covered. In this guide, I'll walk you through exactly what you need, what you don't need, and how to simplify the process of book publishing in Canada.
ISBN Numbers: Essential for Your Book’s Success
If you’re one of the many authors who get a little nervous about copyright and ISBN, fret not. Practically every author of every book in the last 50 years has gone through this process, and it’s much easier than you might think (especially if you have a bit of expert guidance from a Foglio Custom Book Specialist). An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a unique number assigned to your book. It helps bookstores, libraries, and online retailers identify and manage your title. Every format of your book—paperback, hardcover, ebook—needs its own ISBN.
How Canadian Publishers Can Get an ISBN
For Canadian publishers, the good news is that ISBN numbers are free through Library and Archives Canada (LAC). You simply register as a publisher with LAC, and they’ll provide ISBNs at no cost. This is a major benefit for authors in Canada since ISBNs cost money in other countries.
You can register and apply for your ISBN through Library and Archives Canada's ISBN service. If you're not comfortable navigating this yourself, Foglio’s dedicated ISBN and distribution support service can handle it for you.
What About American Publishers?
If you’re publishing in the U.S., you'll need to purchase your ISBN from Bowker, the official ISBN agency. An ISBN in the United States typically costs around $125 USD for one, or you can buy them in bulk at a slight discount. Visit Bowker’s official websitefor more information.
Different Book Formats: Print, Ebook, Audiobook
Deciding which formats to publish in depends on your target audience, budget, and distribution strategy. Here’s a quick overview:
Paperback and Hardcover: Ideal for bookstores, author events, and traditional readers.
Ebooks: Convenient, cost-effective, and perfect for international distribution.
Audiobooks: Growing in popularity, audiobooks can significantly expand your audience.
Most authors publish at least a paperback and ebook edition. For Canadian publishers focusing on self-publishing in Toronto or anywhere else in Canada, having both print and digital formats maximizes your potential reach.
Foglio offers complete support for print-on-demand publishing, ensuring you don't need to invest in large print runs upfront.
Understanding File Requirements for Amazon KDP and IngramSpark
Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) and IngramSpark are the most popular self-publishing platforms. Each has its own specific file requirements:
Amazon KDP
Print: PDF format with proper trim size, margins, and resolution (300 DPI images).
Ebook: DOCX, EPUB, or MOBI files. Ideally formatted professionally for Kindle compatibility.
IngramSpark
Print: PDF files with embedded fonts, proper bleed, margins, and high-resolution images.
Ebook: EPUB files validated to industry standards.
Both platforms have strict guidelines that can lead to rejection if not followed precisely. Foglio’s formatting and typesetting services help ensure your files meet all necessary specifications seamlessly.
Choosing Your Book Cover Design
Your book’s cover significantly impacts your sales. A professional-looking cover is essential because readers judge books by their covers. When choosing your cover, consider:
Genre-specific styles that attract the right readers
High-quality images and professional typography
Technical details like correct spine width, bleed, and resolution
Foglio’s professional book cover designers understand exactly what’s needed to create appealing, market-ready covers. Avoid DIY covers unless you have extensive design skills, as poorly designed covers can significantly hurt your sales.
Ebook Creation and Validation
Publishing an ebook isn't as simple as converting your manuscript into a digital file. Ebook formatting must meet strict validation requirements for platforms like Amazon Kindle, Kobo, Apple Books, and others. Mistakes in formatting lead to reader frustration and poor reviews.
Foglio’s specialized ebook design and validation services ensure your ebook is professionally crafted, fully compatible, and passes validation checks every time.
How to Decide What You Need (and Don’t Need)
Self-publishing is flexible. You can choose to manage everything yourself or seek professional help for tasks outside your skillset. Here’s a simple way to decide:
Editing: Professional editing is highly recommended; readers notice grammar and structural mistakes.
Cover Design: Unless you're a professional designer, outsource this to ensure high quality.
Formatting and Typesetting: Technical and time-consuming; consider professional help.
Distribution: You can upload files yourself, but professional support streamlines this considerably.
Marketing: Some authors manage their marketing; others prefer expert help.
Foglio can provide any or all these services, ensuring your book is professionally published while maintaining your rights and royalties fully.
Comparing Self-Publishing Services in Canada
Not all self-publishing services are equal. Some are reputable, offering transparent pricing and quality services; others may charge hidden fees or compromise your rights.
Foglio’s comprehensive analysis of five major self-publishing services helps Canadian authors make informed decisions.
Essential vs. Non-Essential Expenses
Publishing your book involves necessary expenses like editing, ISBN registration, cover design, and formatting. Non-essential expenses might include costly advertising campaigns or premium marketing services, especially when starting out.
Prioritize essential services first to ensure your book meets professional standards. Additional marketing efforts can scale up later based on your book’s performance and budget.
Marketing and Distribution Strategies for Canadian Authors
Successfully marketing your book involves understanding your target audience, leveraging social media, obtaining reviews, and possibly running targeted ads. Distribution via Amazon, IngramSpark, and local Canadian bookstores ensures maximum visibility.
Foglio offers guidance and support tailored specifically to self-publishing authors in Toronto and across Canada, helping you navigate marketing effectively.
Final Thoughts: Simplify Your Publishing Journey
Self-publishing in Canada doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. By clearly understanding what's essential, what's optional, and where professional assistance can help, you can simplify your journey significantly.
Foglio provides expert support across the entire publishing spectrum—from ISBN registration, professional editing, stunning cover design, precise formatting, seamless ebook creation, to effective distribution. Whether you're in Toronto or anywhere else in Canada, Foglio is committed to helping you succeed as an author.
Ready to Publish Your Book Professionally?
Take the next step confidently. Foglio offers personalized consultations to help guide your publishing journey. Click below to schedule a free consultation, and let's discuss exactly how we can help you bring your book to market successfully.
