What is Cataloging-in-Publication Data or CIP?
The Library of Congress’s CIP program classifies published material according to their qualifications and categories. If you look on the copyright page of many books published by commercial publishers, you may see classification and publication information under the heading Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data. This is data that reviewers and libraries use to categorize and shelve your book. It is essential if you are going to sell your book to the library. However, as quirky as this sounds, self-publisher’s are ineligible to participate. For a better understanding why, see the next question. The information is placed on the publications page of your book. It is also quite helpful in your marketing materials.
