🦃 Happy Thanksgiving
From all of us here at Indie Book Bound Sisterhood — Happy Thanksgiving! 🍂
Today, we’re feeling extra grateful for the incredible community that we have been building. For every reader who leaves a comment, every author who shares their story, and every friend who joins our cozy book chats — you’re the reason our company amd lives shine a little brighter. 💛
Whether you’re spending the day curled up with a good book, sharing a meal with loved ones, or sneaking in one more chapter before dessert (we see you!), we hope your day is filled with warmth, laughter, and a touch of bookish magic.
Thank you for being part of our story. We’re so thankful for each and every one of you.
With love and gratitude,
✨ The Indie Book Bound Sisterhood ✨
Until next time — happy writing, happy reading, and happy living! 💫
🐭Digital Grimoire Katie🐭
We’d like to introduce our one and only Digital Grimoire, Katie—our beloved Kit Kat. She’s not just our best friend; she’s our savior. Truly, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do without her love, her dedication, and her incredible attention to detail. She keeps us in line, brings the magic, and somehow has more passion and talent in her little finger than the rest of us combined.
We absolutely would not be here without her. So please, give her the biggest hug and kiss, and shower her with all the love she deserves—and then some.”
🌟 Fun & Random
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
Turning into any animal — because animals are better than people.
Weirdest food you’ve ever tried (and would you eat it again)?
Octopus! I didn’t know what it was… at least it was cooked.
If your life were a book, what would the title be?
Catch Me Ridin’ Dirty — because I live the wheelchair life.
A song you could listen to forever?
Burnin’ Up by the Jonas Brothers.
If you could live in any fictional world, which would it be?
Hogwarts, obviously.
Most embarrassing fashion trend you used to rock?
Old Navy plaid shorts… looking back now, hideous.
Go-to karaoke song?
Burnin’ Up (yes, again) or Let It Go. I once lost my voice “singing” Just Dance — those high notes are impossible.
Unlimited supply of one thing?
Mountain Dew! (said extremely enthusiastically).
What would be the most useless talent you would want?
The tongue roll.
What’s your Kindle’s name?
Kinderella.
Oddest item you own currently on your desk?
A game case shaped like a giant Pokémon cartridge — classic Mario Bros. style.
Rewind or pause button for life?
Pause. I’m not going through all that nonsense again — and I’d love more time with you. 💛
Olympic gold medalist or astronaut?
Olympic gold medalist — space is terrifying.
📚 Bookish & Sentimental
Favorite book series?
Harry Potter. My dad, who’s passed away, got me started reading them. My mom and I used to take turns reading together — it’s sentimental and special.
Favorite author?
Rachel Gillig.
Book everyone loves but you secretly hate?
The Great Gatsby.
Do you judge a book by its cover?
Absolutely — unapologetically.
Favorite bookish quote or motto?
“You can’t read all day if you don’t start in the morning.”
💬 Just Because
Favorite vegetable?
Broccoli — because it’s tasty. Wait… actually, potato, so I can say, “I’m a potato.” 🥔
Favorite TV shows?
NCIS and The Big Bang Theory.
If you had to wear a warning label, what would it say?
“Warning: I don’t have brakes or a backup beeper. I’ll wheel you down.”
Craziest thing you’d do for a million dollars?
Slap my momma. (We’ll assume she’s okay with it.)
Pizza topping most people hate but you love?
Anchovies.
If you were invisible for one day, what would you do?
Rob a bank, eavesdrop like a fly on the wall, and pull all the pranks on my Sisterhood.
Toilet paper — over or under?
Over. Always over. You should go to jail if you do it any other way.
Last meal on earth?
My momma’s pot roast. If that’s not an option, McDonald’s chicken and a Coke — because McDonald’s Coke is superior.
What would the title of your memoir be?
Shit Show.
Favorite Disney character?
Meeko — the sassiest raccoon of them all. 🦝
Katie, we love you infinity….and beyooonnndddd! We absolutely couldn’t do this without you — and more importantly, we wouldn’t want to. You’re the glue that keeps us together: our laughter, our sanity, and our endless source of light and love.
You keep us organized, inspired, and always entertained — truly our Polly Pocket and Digital Grimoire rolled into one. ✨
We appreciate you more than words can ever express.
Until next time — happy writing, happy reading, and happy living! 💫
🍄Co-Founder Steph🍄
Hey guys!
It’s your digital grimoire, Katie. We’ve already gotten to know our co-weaver, Lunar — now it’s time to meet the other half of our dynamic duo: Steph! ✨
Steph is our go-to researcher and the quiet powerhouse behind the scenes. You might not always see her on camera or in our lives, but trust me — she’s the backbone of this whole operation. She’s the one diving into the details, creating documents, organizing forms, and handling all that pesky paperwork that keeps everything running smoothly.
She’s also one of the kindest souls you’ll ever meet. Steph would literally give you the shirt off her back if you needed it. She’s always ready with a joke to lift your spirits or down to hop on a video chat just to hang out — even if it’s just to take a nap together. I went ahead and asked our lovely Steph some questions so that you guys could get to know her; here’s what she said. 💛
If you could live in any fictional world, where would it be?
Wonderland — because I love mushrooms! I’d just stay far, far away from the Red Queen.
Go-to comfort snack?
COOKIES!!! Or chewy brownies. (Side note: Are brownies cookies?)
Morning person, night owl, or perpetually exhausted pigeon?
Night owl — I’m way more productive at night.
One random skill you’d love to master?
Being able to chug a drink I just can’t without choking even a soda or water. Or be able to fold a paper road map because it’s impossible.
Current hyperfixation or favorite obsession?
This company, shopping for clothes on WhatsApp, and my Polly Pocket (Katie KitKat). I’m totally obsessed with her legs — (“It’s true she is” - Katie)
Favorite lip stain color?
None. They all suck.
If you were a color, which one would you be and why?
Tie-dye — because why pick just one when you can be all of them?
Which book character do you relate to the most?
Saeris Fane from Quicksilver — she’s strong and will do anything to protect her family.
A book you’ll always recommend?
Of Stars and Dragons by D.A. White, Pen Pal, Chasing the Wild, Veil of Eden, Psycho Shifters, anything by Nora Roberts… honestly, too many to count!
Do you judge a book by its cover (be honest)?
Of course I do — and if you say you don’t, you’re lying.
If your life were a book title, what would it be?
Beautiful Disaster.
Enemies-to-lovers or friends-to-lovers?
Enemies-to-lovers all the way.
Reading beverage of choice?
Coffee — always coffee.
If you could co-write a book with any author, who would it be?
Lucy Score — definitely a hilarious rom-com collab.
Would you rather time travel to the past or the future?
The future — I’d 100% mess something up if I went to the past.
What’s your love language?
Quality time and giving.
Fate, coincidence, or chaos?
Fate and chaos — always.
Dream day off?
Cuddling with all my besties and reading.
If your pet could talk, what would they say about you?
“She’s the best spoon partner ever.”
Guilty pleasure show or movie?
Dirty Dancing or Grease — you can’t go wrong with classics.
✨ Quickfire “This or That”
☕ Coffee or tea? Coffee
📖 E-book or paperback? Paperback
🏔 Mountains or beach? Mountains
💬 Introvert or extrovert? Extrointrovert — extrovert with friends, but everyone else… please don’t look at me, touch me, come near me, or smell me.
🐶 Cats or dogs? Dogs
💞 Fantasy or romance? Fantasy
🪶 Plot or characters? Plot
Your turn! 💬
Copy and paste your answers in the comments.
Until next time — happy writing, happy reading, happy living. 💛
📚 Bookish “This or That” — Let’s Play!
Hey there, book lovers! ✨
We thought it would be fun to mix things up this week with a cozy little game of Bookish This or That. Grab your favorite drink, settle into your reading nook, and let’s see where your preferences fall. There are no wrong answers here — just fellow readers comparing notes and maybe discovering a few new favorites along the way.
Drop your answers in the comments or share your choices on social media and tag us — we love seeing how our bookish besties vote! 💛
📖 Reading Style
☕ Morning reading session or midnight binge?
📚 One book at a time or juggling multiple?
🎧 Audiobooks or eBooks or physical copies?
💡 Annotating every page or keeping your books pristine?
🕯 Cozy at home or reading in a café?
💞 Story Preferences
🏰 Fantasy worlds or real-world settings?
🕵️ Mystery thrillers or swoony romances?
🐉 Dragons & magic or vampires & curses?
💔 Slow burn or love at first sight?
🌧️ Enemies to lovers or friends to lovers?
🪶 Bookish Habits
📓 Matching bookmarks or random receipts?
📅 Strict TBR list or mood reader chaos?
🌸 Pretty editions or well-loved paperbacks?
💬 Buddy read or solo adventure?
🎁 Buying new releases or hunting used bookstore treasures?
✨ Author & Genre Love
💀 Gothic horror or cozy fantasy?
💘 Rom-com or epic love story?
🪄 Indie authors or big-name publishers?
🕰 Historical fiction or futuristic sci-fi?
📖 Standalone or series obsession?
Your turn! 💬
Copy and paste your answers in the comments or share your top picks with your followers — let’s see where the Indie Book Bound Sisterhood community stands!
Until next time — happy writing, happy reading, happy living. 💛
✨Reviews: Star Scale
Reader Reviews: The Star System
Regardless of whether you are a reader who leaves reviews or the author looking at the reviews your book is receiving, it is important to get on the same page. Our star rating can deter people from reading the book, so it is vital to be super mindful of our rating while still being honest. There isn’t a universal rule, but after reviewing hundreds of reviews, we were able to come up with a sliding scale to gauge how most readers are using the star system.
This blog outlines a star rating system for book reviews, emphasizing the importance of mindful and honest ratings due to consumers' reliance on them. It notes that 76% of consumers depend solely on star ratings, while 24% consider the written review. The sliding scale provided below is our interpretation of the star ratings based on our research of hundreds of reviews across multiple platforms. This is the consensus amongst the readers:
⭐ (One Star): Plot lost, narrative unclear, confused, DNF (Did Not Finish) due to flow, development, plot, lack of trigger warning; writing not cohesive; no flow or movement in the story.
⭐⭐ (Two Stars): Plot holes, writing not captivating, content issues, flow issues, writing repetitive in an obvious way.
⭐⭐⭐ (Three Stars): It was okay, not necessarily an issue with the writing, just wasn’t my cup of tea, disappointed in the storyline, I read it but won’t read again, writing was good and development and details were good.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Four Stars): I liked it, writing was good, storyline was good, plot was fully developed, would recommend it, descriptions were present and well thought out.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Five Stars): I loved it, couldn’t put it down, will recommend to everyone, would read it again, everything was captivating, I felt like I was engulfed in every part of the story and characters, new favorite.
Do you agree? Have you used similar thoughts when leaving your star rating review or when you’re considering whether “I should purchase this book”? We’d love to hear from you, so please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Who are Early Readers?
Let us start here— there are different categories of readers depending on what level of draft they are reading, what you want them to focus on, and whether they are just providing feedback to you as the author, or are they sending out reviews to set the reading world ablaze for a new, fantastic read.
📕 Alpha Readers- An Alpha Reader reviews an author's rough draft for big-picture issues before it's polished. They provide feedback on fundamental elements such as plot holes, character development, consistency, and pacing. Their focus is on the "diamond in the rough," looking beyond surface-level errors to offer high-level guidance on the story's core mechanics. This helps the author rework the manuscript for subsequent drafts.
📙 Beta Readers- We also suggest keeping your Beta Readers relatively low— three to five readers. Beta readers evaluate a nearly finished manuscript, offering feedback on the overall reader experience. In contrast, alpha readers review the very early, unpolished stages of a story, yet they are looking for similar issues.
📗 ARC Readers- An ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) Reader receives a complimentary, pre-release version of a book from an author or publisher. In return, they commit to reading the book and publishing an honest review on platforms such as Amazon, Goodreads, and their social media platforms. The purpose of ARC readers is to generate initial reviews and create momentum for the book. This provides "social proof" that the book has been read by real people, which increases its visibility and encourages potential buyers. We recommend securing 25+ ARC readers.
Indie Book Bound Sisterhood has an Advanced Reader Team! These are dedicated members who have applied, signed NDAs, and are completing a one-hour training course that covers our expectations to meet the high standard of service we provide to authors. They offer detailed, high-quality feedback and early reviews, helping authors like you connect with passionate readers who truly care about your work.
Authors- If you are interested in working with our readers on your next release, please fill out this questionnaire.
Readers- Do you want to be a part of the readers’ team? Start Here
Tomorrow’s post, we will focus on what type of feedback readers are focused on when reading as an early reader
Until next time— happy writing, happy reading, happy living 💫
A Message for you
✨Dear Early Reader Team Members:
Thank you for your dedicated commitment to our early reader team! Your support is invaluable to our authors as they embark on their creative journeys, crafting amazing characters and worlds we are sure to love. As a valued member of the Indie Book Bound Early Reader PR team, we encourage you to have fun and provide the high-quality feedback and reviews our authors deserve.
We aim to build trust and confidence in the quality of our early reader team with our authors. Therefore, we have mandated that you attend one of our upcoming classes. Each class is about 90 minutes, including discussion. We are committed to fostering a strong community built on connection, support, and engagement. By sharing our diverse experiences and knowledge, we empower each other to become better readers, reviewers, and supporters. If you want to sign up to be an early reader team member, you can start here by filling out an application.
✨Dear Authors:
Thank you for allowing us to support you. We are honored that you have shared your stories with us as some of the first readers. We are doing everything we can to get you what you need for reviews and feedback.
We suggest attending one of our classes. It's a great way to meet and support the team. Please join the conversation; it is the perfect time to explain how you process feedback and expand on your expectations.
If you need a team of readers for your story at any draft stage, you can start by filling out our questionnaire.
📆 Check out our class schedule
📝 These next few blog posts will focus on the process for early readers. When you need them, what they do, and how to work together. The information we will provide is valuable to authors and early readers. Please be sure to leave your comments with any questions.
Until next time-happy writing, happy reading, happy living.
✨ Weekly recap
What a week it’s been for the Indie Book Bound Sisterhood!
We kicked things off with an Author Spotlight featuring J.C. Dawn and her upcoming release, Scales of the Moltherin. Our amazing team of beta readers jumped in to support her, and we couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come!
Next, we hosted a live book club read on Halloween with W.J. Constantine’s book The Cursed Bakery: A Halloween Romance Short Story , diving into his cozy and atmospheric story — and it was an absolute vibe. We all loved Pip the cat and now want our own Pip’s. From the laughter to the spooky ambience, the night was nothing short of spectacular.
Looking ahead, this coming week is full of surprises! We’ll be gathering in our Discord to chat with author Tara Hansen about her thriller book Dementia. Several of us have already read it, and we’re eager to dive into a detailed discussion together.
It’s been such a joy watching our community grow through these shared stories and conversations —
Until next time — happy writing, happy reading, and happy living! 💛
🌙Co-Founder Lunar Soul🌙
This week, we had the privilege of interviewing one of our two amazing Co-Weavers — Lunar Soul.
Lunar is a truly wonderful and radiant human being who pours her heart into everything she does. She’s known for her kindness, dependability, humor, and unwavering support of others. Her friends lovingly call her Momma for a reason — she embodies the kind of unconditional love only a mother can give.
Her business partner and fellow Co-Weaver of Indie Book Bound Sisterhood, Stephanie, says it best: “I’m blessed to call her my Soul Sister.”
Now, let’s get to know the incredible woman behind the name — Lunar Soul. 💛
🌟 Getting to Know Lunar Soul
What do you do when you’re not working?
“I get to hang out with really fucking cool people all fucking day, read books, and meet up with up-and-coming authors that have exciting new adventures in every story they tell.”
How do you usually spend your weekends?
Traveling to Texas to visit family, hanging out with my besties and soul sister, and chatting with Indie Authors.
Morning person or night owl?
Definitely a night owl — mornings are for waking up, and that’s my least favorite thing to do.
Coffee, tea, or something stronger? ☕🍷
“I like my wine, and recently it’s earned me the nickname Heather’ed Navy… you really should have been there. I still have no idea who that is!”
Comfort show or movie?
Supernatural — it helps with my anxiety, and who doesn’t think Dean is a hottie?! I love the camaraderie between the brothers.
Favorite movie? Death Proof — suspenseful, empowering, and full of kickass women. #BossBabe
Favorite season — and why?
Winter! Because that’s when Christmas happens — and I don’t like being hot. (Though some say she’s the hottest! 😉)
If you could teleport anywhere right now…
Alaska — it’s gorgeous! I’d love to breathe in the fresh air and see the aurora borealis.
Go-to karaoke or car jam?
If It Makes You Happy by Sheryl Crow.
Sweet or savory snacks?
Not much of a snacker, but Almond Roca is my weakness.
Favorite scent?
Vanilla. Simple and timeless.
What instantly makes you laugh?
Dark humor — always.
Cats, dogs, or a chaotic mix of both? 🐶🐱
Definitely dogs — I have seven total! Five inside (Sam, Reggie, Mulder, Scully, and Max) and two outside (Gus and Layla).
Hidden talent or party trick?
I grew up on a farm and can mimic the sounds of various animals — chickens, donkeys, cows, and pigs are the fan favorites.
The first book that made you fall in love with reading?
Goosebumps by R.L. Stine — especially Say Cheese and Die! (a nostalgic clue to my age). Beverly Cleary’s books are a close second.
Current read — and how’s it going? 👀
“I needed a break from dark reads and decided to lose my cowboy romance virginity with Chasing the Wild by Elliott H. Rose — and I’m really enjoying it!”
Do you DNF books or power through no matter what?
I usually power through, except for two books — Priest was the most recent DNF.
E-book, audiobook, or physical copy?
My Kindle is my constant companion, but I adore my physical books displayed like trophies on my shelf. Those sprayed edges are a weakness. I need my pretties.
Favorite reading snack or drink?
Root beer!
When do you read most — morning or midnight?
Late-night reader for sure — mornings suck.
A popular book you didn’t like?
Priest. “I know many loved it, but where’s the plot? The spice was great, but I need more substance.”
Unpopular opinion you’ll die on a hill for?
“I totally judge a book by its cover. I like my pretty.”
A trope you’ll never get tired of?
Monster romance — yuuummm!
A trope you’d retire immediately?
The “it was all a dream” ending. Yuuuuck!
Ultimate book boyfriend/girlfriend?
King Fisher from Quicksilver. Yuuuuum.
Which author could write your life story perfectly?
Devney Perry — her storytelling is heartfelt and real.
Any major pet peeves?
Liars. It’s not hard to be honest. Also, mukbangs and chewing with your mouth open — absolutely disgusting.
Favorite color?
Purple — especially lilac and soft pastel’ly’ shades.
💜 Final Thoughts
Lunar, this was such a joy! Thank you for sharing a little piece of yourself with the Indie Book Bound Sisterhood community. If you haven’t yet, make sure to check out Lunar’s bio page for more fun facts and updates. You can click the image below.
We wholeheartedly agree with your friends — you’re an extraordinary person with a beautiful soul, and it’s easy to see why you’re so loved.
Until next time — happy writing, happy reading, happy living. 💫
Halloween Party
🎃 Hey there, book lovers 🎃
We hope you had a wonderfully spooky Halloween evening! Did you go trick-or-treating, dance the night away to eerie tunes one last time, or curl up with a hauntingly good read?
Our first holiday with the Sisterhood Book Club is officially down in the pages of our chapters — and it was a “Pumpkin Promises” success! There were costumes, snacks, laughter, and of course, plenty of reading magic. We had the absolute pleasure of hosting our very first guest author, W.J. Constantine, who joined us live in our book club Discord for a real-time discussion as we read his short story, The Cursed Bakery.
This charming, cozy tale turned out to be the perfect palate cleanser — lighthearted, funny, and full of heart. Our members took turns reading aloud and couldn’t help but laugh at the witty comebacks, relatable chaos, and sweet moments of hope tucked between the pages. It’s a story that reminds us that a little chaos, a little structure, and a whole lot of love might just be the secret ingredients to a beautiful recipe. You don’t want to miss out on the goose-chasing, love-finding, curse-breaking fun, so be sure to check it out for yourself!
Are you an author with a short read and want to participate in a real-time discussion while we read your story? Let us know in the comments below.
If you’d like to join us as a reader, let us know in the comments below — we’re always excited to welcome new reading besties to our bookclub. Until next time — happy writing, happy reading, and happy living! 💛
✍️ Protect with Copyright
First things first — yes! Copyright is automatic. The moment you write or create something, it’s legally yours. You own the rights to your work the instant it’s fixed in a tangible form (like typing it up or writing it down).
That said, maybe you’ll want to take the extra step and get a certificate. While copyright happens automatically, registering your work with the U.S. Copyright Office gives you an official certificate and adds legal protection. If someone ever infringes on your work, that certificate makes it much easier to defend your rights.
🪶 How to Register Your Copyright
Ready to make it official? Here’s how to get your copyright certificate:
Visit copyright.gov/registration and create an account (or log in if you already have one).
Choose “Register a New Claim” and then select the Standard Application under Register a Work.
When prompted, select “Literary Works” as the category for your book.
Fill out your application with:
Your book title
Any publication details (if applicable)
Your author and claimant information (you can use a pen name here if you wish)
Contact information for rights, permissions, and correspondence
💵 Filing Fee: The cost is $65, and you’ll receive a confirmation email once your application is submitted.
🕰️ Timeline: There’s no set timeframe — processing can take several weeks or even months. Once approved, your official copyright certificate will arrive by mail.
At Gilded Quill, we’re passionate about empowering authors with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive. We hope this information helps you protect your creative work with confidence.
Have questions or experiences to share about the copyright process? Drop a comment below — we love hearing from our fellow writers!
Until next time — happy writing, happy reading, happy living. 💛
Library of Congress Number
Do you want libraries to accept and catalog your book? If you said, “Yes, I do!” — then you’ll need a Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN).
An LCCN is a unique identifier assigned by the Library of Congress to help libraries across the country catalog your book accurately. It’s an essential step for authors who dream of seeing their titles on library shelves — and the best part? It’s completely free!
✨ Important Details
Before you rush to apply, here are a few key things to remember:
You must apply for an LCCN before publication.
The number must be printed on your copyright page.
The program is only available to U.S. authors and publishers, and your book must list a U.S. place of publication.
If anyone is charging you for this service, you’re not on the official site — the genuine process costs nothing.
Expect confirmation within one to two weeks, sent via email.
🖋️ How to Apply
Create an account with the PrePub Book Link (PPBL) — the official system the Library of Congress uses for LCCN requests. You can find it by searching for “Library of Congress PrePub Book Link” or you can use this link directly, PPBL to make sure you are on the correct website.
Once your account is set up, complete the application by entering details like:
Author’s name
Publisher’s name (your own, your LLC, or a third-party publisher)
Page count
Brief description of your book
After publication, you’ll be asked to mail a copy of your book to the Library of Congress. The correct mailing address will be provided during your application process.
📖 Why It Matters
The LCCN system was designed to streamline cataloging across U.S. libraries. It allows librarians everywhere to access standardized bibliographic information directly from the Library of Congress — making it easier for them to stock new titles efficiently. Once upon a time, this was done with physical catalog cards; now, it’s all part of a modern, web-based database that helps your book find its place in the literary world.
We hope this guide helps you take that next exciting step in your publishing journey!
Have questions, insights, or your own experiences with the LCCN process? Drop a comment below — we’d love to hear from you.
Until next time — happy writing, happy reading, and happy living! 💛
📘The Barcode is NOT the ISBN
We’ve got a quick post for you today — but it’s an important one!
There’s often some confusion when it comes to ISBNs and barcodes, so let’s clear it up once and for all. While they often appear together on the back of a book, they’re actually not the same thing.
✨ ISBN vs. Barcode
An ISBN is your book’s unique 13-digit identifier — see our last blog for details!
A barcode, on the other hand, is the set of lines and numbers printed on your physical book’s back cover. It’s what allows your book to be scanned at checkout by a pos scanner. Barcodes are only for printed books, not digital editions, and they are separate from the ISBN itself.
💵 How to Get a Barcode
Barcodes can be purchased for around $25 each, but if you’d like a more budget-friendly option, we can create one for you for just $10. You can also generate your own if you’re comfortable with design tools.
We recommend including the book’s price on your barcode, especially if you plan to sell in brick-and-mortar bookstores — it helps retailers and readers alike.
🛍️ When You Don’t Need to Buy a Barcode
Depending on where you’re selling your physical copies, you might not need to purchase your own barcode at all. Many major platforms — like Ingram Sparks, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon KDP — automatically provide barcodes for titles published through their systems.
Just be sure to read your point-of-sale (POS) agreements and publishing platform guidelines carefully to understand what’s included and what’s required on your end.
Short, simple, and essential — now you know the difference between an ISBN and a barcode, and how each plays a role in getting your book into readers’ hands.
Until next time- happy writing, happy reading, happy living! 💛
📚 Pay or Take the Free ISBN?
📚 Your ISBN is your book’s fingerprint—make sure it has your name on it.
If you’re an indie author preparing to publish your book, you’ve probably stumbled across one big question: Should I use a free ISBN or purchase my own?
International Standard Book Number- Your ISBN is your book’s unique 13 digit code.Think of it as a book’s SSN, that identifies your title, edition, and format. This means every version (paperback, hardcover, eBook, audiobook) of your book needs its own ISBN. It’s how booksellers, libraries, and distributors track and catalog your book.
Here’s where the choice comes in:
If you choose a free ISBN through a platform like Amazon KDP, for example, that company becomes the publisher of record. The ISBN will list them as the publisher, not you. This means that they determine where you are allowed to sell your book with that ISBN. So, be sure to read the POS agreement that you sign for the free ISBN.
If you purchase your own ISBN then you are the official publisher. This gives you full control over your publishing imprint. You get to decide how your book appears in catalogs and what retailer you want to sell your book.
Owning your ISBN is essentially owning your publishing identity. You have the flexibility to register the ISBN under your personal name or your LLC, depending on how you envision your publishing brand.
Where do you get in ISBN? This depends on what country you live in. In the United States, Bowker is the sole licensed provider of ISBNs. This means that when you buy from them, the publishing imprint is your name. Purchasing anywhere else can lead to a scam situation or you won’t actually own the ISBN imprint. The place you purchased will be the publisher.
This brings us to a crucial decision for authors: should you opt for a free ISBN or invest in purchasing your own?
If you want complete creative and business control over your author career — from how your book is listed to how it’s distributed — purchasing your own ISBN is absolutely worth it.
✨ Pro Tip: If you plan to publish multiple books, Bowker offers ISBN bundles that make it more affordable in the long run.
✨ Pro Tip: Get your ISBN assigned before formatting, because it goes on the copywriter page.
✨ Final Note: Any new version of the book gets an ISBN- translating to a new language, special edition or new edition, requires a new ISBN. New platforms do not need a new ISBN.
https://www.isbn-international.org/content/what-isbn/10
https://www.isbn.org/faqs_general_questions
https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G7DMSKCM9DVS65TC
https://kdp.amazon.com/help/topic/G201834170
✨ Wrapping Up the Week
As the week comes to a close, we wanted to take a moment to highlight some of our most memorable moments — and what a wonderful week it’s been!
We had the absolute pleasure of hosting an Author Spotlight with Acro Writes, the brilliant mind behind Born of Blood and Ruin. This darkly fantasy story is the first in what promises to be an unforgettable trilogy, and we’re beyond excited to follow its journey.
Even more exciting news, we’ve officially launched our blog — The Gilded Quill! This interactive space is designed to bring our bookish community even closer together through shared reads, author features, and all things literary magic.
And before we sign off, we want to send the biggest thank you to everyone who has supported us along this wild, wonderful adventure. Your encouragement, comments, shares, and love mean the world to us — truly. None of this would be possible without you, and we’re so grateful to have you as part of our story. 💛
Here’s to more books, more connections, and more golden moments ahead. Until next week, happy reading!
📚 Nov ‘25 Book Releases
Are you excited for the new releases this month? We are looking forward to so many new great reads. We have searched high and low and here is what we have found…
🗓 November 4
Freeing the Wild — Paisley Hope
Bad Bishop — L.J. Shen
Fallen City — Adrienne Young
🗓 November 5
One More Touch — Maya Jean
🗓 November 6
Your Second Chance — Vee Taylor
🗓 November 11
Between Two Kings: Split or Swallow — Lindsay Straub
Brigands and Bread Knives — Travis Baldree
Cactus Heart — Clio Evans
Chocolate Pudding and Wicked Queens — Chante A. Campbell
🗓 November 18
Brimstone — Callie Hart
🍂 November Recommendations
We’re rolling up our sleeves (and our fuzzy reading socks) to give you our November recommendations! The spooky season may be behind us, but that doesn’t mean the magic is gone — it’s just taking on a cozier form. We’ve put our sisterhood minds together and gathered the stories we think you should curl up with this month.
Have you read any of our picks? Or maybe you’ve got a few favorites we need to add to our stack? Drop your thoughts in the comments — we love seeing what everyone’s reading!
Now that the pumpkins have been traded for blankets and candles, it’s time to settle in with a few feel-good reads and some heartwarming adventures:
💞 For the Romance Lovers: Fall I Want, Honeycrisp Orchard Inn, If It Makes You Happy, Kilt Trip, My Oxford Year and Pumpkin Spice Café — cozy love stories that practically smell like cinnamon and pumpkin spice.
🕵️ In the Mood for a Mystery? Try The Thursday Murder Club, A Most Agreeable Murder, Murder by Cheesecake, The Maid, and A Cinnamon Falls Mystery — perfect for a night when the wind’s howling outside and you’re wrapped in your softest throw.
🐉 Fantasy Worlds Await: If you crave a little escapism, Legends and Lattes, Baby Dragon Cafe, Cat Dragon or The Spellshop are the ultimate comfort fantasies — warm, gentle, and filled with delicious charm.
📚 From Our Own Authors: We’re thrilled to recommend Silence of the Dead by Andi Ewington and Erica Marks or Adornment of Shadows by Matthew Haylett — hauntingly beautiful stories that blend mystery with atmosphere.
So grab your favorite blanket, your favorite snacks, possibly your pet and join us as we dive into this month’s book recommendations. Let’s make November a month of soft sweaters, slow mornings, and stories that stay with us long after the last page.
✨ What’s on your TBR this month? Tell us below or share your picks on TikTok and tag us — we’d love to feature some of your recommendations next time!
Author Card Catalog
Here at Indie Book Bound Sisterhood, we believe every story begins with a storyteller — and our Author Card Catalog is overflowing with incredible voices waiting to be discovered. Many of these talented authors are celebrating (or about to celebrate!) the release of their debut novels, and we couldn’t be more excited to share them with you.
Our catalog is easy to browse and beautifully bookish — think of it as wandering through a library of new worlds. Each author has a personal bio, details about their current or upcoming book, and direct links to where you can find their stories. Whether you’re on the hunt for your next favorite read or just love learning about the creative minds behind the pages, this is the perfect place to explore.
We’ve had the joy of meeting these authors ourselves, and trust us — they’re every bit as inspiring as the tales they write. Their journeys are filled with passion, persistence, and imagination, and we’re thrilled to help you connect with them too.
✨ Want to meet them “face to face”? Join us for our Live Author Spotlight every week on TikTok with @lunar_soul_book_bound from 7–8:30 PM EST. It’s a cozy, come-as-you-are kind of event where readers and writers can chat, ask questions, and celebrate storytelling together.
Our hope is to keep growing this shared space — a place where readers and authors meet, connect, and remind us all that we’re part of the same wonderful, book-bound world.
Witches, Goblins, Ghosts, oh my…
Are you a spooky reader? 👻 Do you have those hauntingly good books you dust off every October — or do you find new chills and thrills each year that keep you up reading long past midnight? Either way, we’ve got the perfect treat (no tricks, promise).
This Halloween, Indie Book Bound Sisterhood is hosting a cozy, spooky read-along featuring none other than guest author J.W. Constantine! Join us on October 31, 2025, at 9:00 PM EST for a night filled with a cozy spooky tale, bookish banter, and the kind of vibes that make you want to curl up under a blanket with a candle flickering nearby.
Bring your favorite fall drink (pumpkin spice latte or hot apple cider, anyone?) and come chat with us about all things spooky and bookish.
Let us know in the comments below if you’re joining, or follow us on TikTok — we’ll happily send you the link to our book club Discord so you can read along, join the discussion, and maybe meet a few fellow night-owl readers.
It’s time to light a candle, stack your TBR with a few haunted favorites, and let Indie Book Bound Sisterhood join you in your reading nook this Halloween. 🕯️📚✨
Once Upon a time…
Hey there, fellow book lovers — and welcome to our little corner of the internet! We’re so glad you wandered into the Gilded Quill, a cozy space where we can gush about stories that steal our hearts, characters who feel like old friends, and the never-ending magic of a good book.
On the Gilded Quill, we’ll be sharing our current reads, honest thoughts, and favorite recommendations — from the newest fantasy obsessions to those comfort reads we’ll never stop rereading. Whether you’re here for swoony romances, magical adventures, something dark or simply the joy of discovering your next favorite book, you’re in the right place.
This blog is for the readers who stay up “just one more chapter” too late, the ones who carry their kindle in their bags like a talisman, and the dreamers who believe stories can change everything. Around here, you’ll find book reviews, whimsical recommendations, a sprinkle of bookish chatter, and the occasional deep dive into fictional worlds that deserve a little extra love.
So grab your favorite mug, find your reading nook, and settle in — the adventure’s just beginning. We can’t wait to share our bookish thoughts with you and hear all about yours, too.
Welcome to the Gilded Quill, where every story leaves a little bit of gold behind. 💛
