Metadata & cataloging
Book identity sheet
A one-page record of everything that identifies one book: title and subtitle, author name as it appears on the cover, every ISBN (International Standard Book Number) by format, LCCN, publication date, publisher and imprint, BISAC (Book Industry Standards and Communications) codes, and the official description. Authors keep it so that every listing, submission form, and profile uses the same facts.
- When you’ll meet it
- Any time a form asks for your book's details
- Usually handled by
- Author, with facts from the publisher
Why it matters to you
Most metadata errors start with a form filled out from memory. A single sheet you copy from keeps the ISBNs, the spelling of your name, and the publication date identical everywhere.