What is an Imprint?

When you first step into the world of publishing, you discover a whole range of confusing words that you have not come across before: ISBNs, metadata, trim sizes, distribution channels, to name but a few. One term that often puzzles new authors is “imprint.” It sounds quite technical, but in reality, it’s very straightforward.

What is an imprint?

An imprint is the publishing name that appears on your books.

It is the name that readers, booksellers and libraries see on:

·       the copyright page

·       the spine

·       the ISBN record

·       retailer listings

·       metadata feeds

It is the publishing house under which your books are published.

Traditional publishers often have multiple imprints. For example, Penguin Random House has several (such as Penguin Classics, Viking, Cornerstone, Ladybird), and each has its own particular identity.

Self-published authors can also create imprints in the same way to give themselves an identity.

Why do authors use imprints?

An imprint makes your book look like it comes from a real publishing house rather than being labelled “self‑published.” It changes how your book is perceived by readers, reviewers, booksellers and librarians.

A book published under Rosewood Press looks far more polished than 'Self-published by Jane Smith.'

An imprint allows you to build a recognisable brand, and if you write in multiple genres, you can use different imprints for different types of books.

Retailers and distributors expect a publisher name when they order a book, and they will see it on your metadata in their catalogues. You will stand out if you don’t have one.

Do I have to have an imprint?

There is no law to say that you must have an imprint, and it is quite legitimate to publish without one.  

But it costs nothing, it improves professionalism, it strengthens branding, and it builds as your career grows. So, unless you have a strong reason why you don’t want to use one, it is a good idea to choose one, right from the release of your first work.

How do I create an imprint?

There are no rules around this either.

You don’t need to register a company or create any legal paperwork; you simply choose a name and use it consistently.

1.     Pick a name to reflect your genre (e.g. Lavender House Publishing, Oak Tree Press, Lantern Books).

2.     List it with your ISBN on Neilson’s database (if you own your ISBNs).

3.     Add it to the copyright page of your book.

4.     Add it to your metadata when uploading to KDP, IngramSpark, etc.

5.     Use it on your website and marketing materials.

6.     Create a logo to match and place it on the spine of your book.

What makes a good imprint name?

A strong imprint name should be:

·       short

·       memorable

·       genre‑appropriate

·       easy to spell

·       not already used by another publisher

Play around with suitable words linked to places, symbols, occupations or clothing connected with your work.