As of October 2025, the U.S. federal government has officially entered a shutdown. For the publishing world, this means the Library of Congress and the services it provides to publishers and authors are temporarily closed.

Many of you have reached out with one pressing question:  “Can my book still be published without a Library of Congress Preassigned Control Number (PCN)?”

The answer is simple:  Yes. Absolutely.

What Is a PCN and Why Does It Matter?

The Preassigned Control Number (PCN) program is run by the Library of Congress. It allows publishers to include a control number on the copyright page of a book before it is published. This makes it easier for libraries to catalog and organize books in their collections.

It is important to note:

• A PCN is not the same as an ISBN.
• A PCN is not required for publication.
• A PCN is not proof of copyright.
• Instead, it is mainly a tool for libraries.

What Services Are Paused Right Now?

During the shutdown, the Library of Congress cannot process:

• PrePub Book Link submissions (used for Cataloging-in-Publication [CIP] data and PCNs).
• Copyright registrations filed through the U.S. Copyright Office (delays may occur here as well).
• Submissions will still be accepted, but nothing will move forward until funding is restored and the Library reopens.

Publishing Without a PCN: Is It Okay?

Yes. Your book can absolutely be published and distributed without a PCN. Here is why:

• ISBNs still work – Your ISBN ensures your book is tracked, sold, and recognized by retailers, distributors, and libraries.
• Sales are unaffected – Platforms like Amazon, IngramSpark, and PublishDrive do not require a PCN.
• Copyright still exists – Your creative work is automatically protected by copyright upon creation, even if official registration is delayed.
• Libraries can still catalog your book – They will simply use the ISBN instead.

In short, a PCN is a convenience, not a requirement. Many independent publishers release books without one every year, and it does not hurt their sales or success.

What Authors Should Do Next

If your book is scheduled for release:

• Go ahead with your launch – Do not let the shutdown stall your publishing timeline.
• Keep your ISBN front and center – This is your book’s true universal identifier.
• Stay patient – Once the government reopens, PCN and CIP processing will resume, and you may be able to apply for future printings.

Final Word of Reassurance

Publishing a book is already a major milestone, and government shutdowns are outside of anyone’s control. The most important takeaway is this: Your book can and should still move forward. A missing PCN will not hold you back.

At TwinVerse Prime, we remain committed to guiding our authors through these changes and ensuring every book reaches its audience, with or without Library of Congress processing.

Stay tuned to our blog and updates for more guidance as the situation develops.