How do I update a published book?
- Minor fixes update in place; major changes may warrant a new edition.
- A substantively changed edition typically needs a new ISBN.
- Update every format from the canonical master, keeping them in sync.
- Refreshing metadata, cover, or back matter is also an "update".
- Notify readers when changes are significant.
Update a published book by first classifying the change: a typo fix or small revision can update the existing files in place, while substantial content changes constitute a new edition (which generally needs its own ISBN and edition note). Make the change to your canonical master, then re-export and re-upload every format so they stay in sync. Updates can also mean refreshing the cover, description, or back matter. For major revisions, let existing readers know.
Chapter i·Why it matters
Self-published books are uniquely easy to update — a real advantage — but doing it carelessly causes problems: formats drift out of sync, a major rewrite shipped under the same ISBN confuses the record, or readers who bought the old version feel misled. Knowing when a change is a simple update versus a new edition, and updating all formats from one master, lets you improve a live book without creating versioning or metadata messes.
Chapter ii·What to include
- Classification: minor update vs new edition.
- A new ISBN and edition note for major changes.
- Updates made to the canonical master first.
- Re-export and re-upload of every format.
- Refreshed metadata, cover, or back matter as needed.
- Reader notification for significant revisions.
Chapter iii·Example
An author fixes a batch of typos by updating her master file and re-uploading the ebook and print files — a minor in-place update. Later she substantially revises the book; that she releases as a second edition with a new ISBN and an edition note, and mentions it in her newsletter so existing readers know.
WriteLoom keeps one canonical master and its formats in sync, so updating a published book never leaves an edition behind.
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