- 1). Obtain an International Standard Book Number (ISBN) for your illustrated book. You need an ISBN for each book you intend to publish. The ISBN is the book's identification number when it is being sold in both physical and online bookstores. You can do the application online. This requires paying a non-refundable processing fee, which is indicated on the application form. Turnaround time for the application is more or less 15 business days.
- 2). Format each illustrated book you want to publish in the ePub format, the required format for any book for publication in Apple's iBooks platform. While it is possible to do it on your own by manually converting your file into a series of XML and xHTML files and grouping them into a zip file, another practical solution is to work with an aggregator, a third-party company duly accredited by Apple to provide services for aspiring book authors who want to get officially published at the iBookstore.
- 3). Obtain a U.S. tax identification number, also called the Employer Identification Number (EIN), from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). People who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents should also fulfill this requirement. Anyone can apply for it online via the IRS website.
- 4). Create an Apple ID so you can register your own account in the iTunes Store, if you don't have one yet. Registering a new account is quite similar to making a new email address. You must also provide some personal information and credit card details that will be linked to your iTunes account.
- 5). Go to the ePub Check website, then upload each of your ePub files for your illustrated books. This way, you will be able to check if the files meet Apple's requirements. You must ensure that the files will work to avoid hassle when you are already in the process of applying at the iTunes Connect webpage.
- 6). Select "Books" at the iTunes Connect webpage to start the application process for your illustrated books' publication in Apple's platform. Provide the necessary information through the application wizard, then upload each ePub file once prompted to do so. You will receive a notification whether your submission is accepted or not through your indicated email address within 24 hours. If not accepted, you can still use the ePub copy of your illustrated book for personal use using your iPod, iPhone or iPad. However, it won't be available for other people looking for illustrated books for their iBooks, unless you personally give them actual copies of your ePub files.
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