■Metadata MustsThe basic product description elements are:• product form (format/binding/packaging)• software/hardware requirements (if applicable)• extent (page count/file size)• weight and dimensions (if applicable)• number of pieces (if applicable)• DRM/usage constraints (if applicable)• digital imageMetadata for commerce. Of course consumers care aboutprice, but publishers and resellers need many additionalmetadata elements connected to buying and selling. Thoselisted below drive how, when, at what price, and, in <strong>the</strong> caseof territorial rights, even whe<strong>the</strong>r books are bought and sold.Although many of <strong>the</strong>se elements aren’t visible to <strong>the</strong> consumer,<strong>the</strong>y matter for business decisions behind <strong>the</strong> scenes.• ISBN (a unique identifier is important for all aspects ofselling)• price(s)• publication date• publisher’s proprietary discount• publisher status code• product availability code• territorial rights• strict-on-sale date• return code (if applicable)Outsourcing OptionsSmall and independent publishers often have managementsystems that rely on Excel, internal databases, and o<strong>the</strong>r toolsthat aren’t fully integrated and require lots of manual intervention.This can make it difficult to create <strong>the</strong> type of streamlinedand efficient metadata processes that ensure timely distributionof consistent quality metadata to sales outlets.Publishers that release only one or two titles a year, don’tmaintain a significant backlist, and work with only a few tradingpartners may do well enough by using <strong>the</strong> online metadataforms provided by Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and o<strong>the</strong>ronline sellers on a title-by-title basis. But it’s still importantto understand <strong>the</strong> metadata elements <strong>the</strong>se suppliers wantand to enter data fully, accurately, and in keeping with bestpractices for product description.Resellers request particular data elements because <strong>the</strong>y contributeto better discovery and more sales—<strong>the</strong> desired resultfor <strong>the</strong> publisher as well as for <strong>the</strong>m.To help small and midsize publishers handle <strong>the</strong> challenges offormatting and distributing metadata, several companies nowoffer a variety of products and services. Using one of <strong>the</strong>se companiesto manage your metadata can be a good option, savingstaff time and ensuring consistent metadata distribution.This list of business, content, and metadata managementvendors is not comprehensive. Without endorsing any of<strong>the</strong>m, we offer brief descriptions here.Avatar (avatar-software.com)AVATAR is a fully integrated, module-based business managementsystem, specifically designed to meet <strong>the</strong> evolving needsof publishers and distributors. It has been developed and issupported by Littlejohn, one of <strong>the</strong> United Kingdom’s top 30firms of chartered accountants, based in London. In additionto its core financial management ledgers, AVATAR modulesinclude Title Management, Rights and Royalties, and BusinessIntelligence. The AVATAR system is ONIX compliant.www.cassidycat.com |cip-info@cassidycat.com | 973-586-3200ph | 973-586-3201fax42 | IBPA Independent | February 2013
Book1Adfinal 12/20/12 3:07 PM Page 1The Law Offices OfJOnaThan KirschSpecializing in general legal servicesfor <strong>the</strong> publishing industry, including:• Copyright and trademark matters,• Rights and permissions,• Manuscript vetting,• Negotiation and drafting of contracts,• Sales and acquisitions, and• O<strong>the</strong>r transactions.Wouldn’t it be great ifprinting your books wasas simple as pushing abutton?Law Offices of Jonathan Kirsch1880 Century Park East, Suite 515Los Angeles, California 90067Tel. (310) 785-1200 • Fax (310) 286-9573Email: jk@jonathankirsch.comAt Book1One you’lldiscover working witha book printer hasnever been easier.Contact us at:585.458.2101button@Book1One.comFEBRUARY 12-14, 2013NEW YORK, NYExplore <strong>the</strong> forces that are transforming publishingand discover solutions to <strong>the</strong> most critical issuesfacing our industry. TOC is fascinating, practical,fun, and thought-provoking—giving you a glimpseof publishing’s future as well as a grasp of <strong>the</strong>tools you need to successfully get <strong>the</strong>re.New for 2013: Author (R)evolution DayInsight and inspiration for authors, agents, publicists, and allcontent creators taking a different path to publishing.Save 15% (Use code IBPA)Learn more at toccon.com©2012 O’Reilly Media, Inc. The O’Reilly logo is a registered trademark of O’Reilly Media, Inc. 1210xxVisit <strong>the</strong> IBPA Website at www.ibpa-online.org | 43
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