Table of Contents
Getting an ISBN can feel a bit tricky if you're new to publishing, but don't worry—it's easier than you think. Many friends have been in your shoes, wondering how to get their book identified properly. If you keep reading, I'll share simple steps to help you get your own ISBN without breaking a sweat.
By the end of this, you'll know exactly where to start, how to register, and what to do to get your ISBN in hand. Plus, I'll give quick tips on placing it on your book the right way. Let's get your book officially recognized!
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
- Find your country's official ISBN agency through the International ISBN Agency website to ensure you're working with legit sources.
- Register with the agency by providing accurate contact and publishing details; registration may be free or require a small fee.
- Purchase or get free ISBNs based on your region; pay attention to prices and options for bulk discounts or free copies via certain services.
- Assign your ISBN carefully to each specific edition and format to keep records clear and ensure proper identification.
- Place the ISBN visibly on the back cover or inside the front cover, and include it in metadata for digital editions to aid in sales and distribution.
- Understand that ISBNs are for editions, barcodes encode them for scanning, and ISSNs are for serial publications—use the correct type for your project.
- Following these simple steps will help your book get recognized, tracked, and distributed smoothly worldwide.
How to Get an ISBN?
Getting an ISBN is a straightforward process: you apply through your country's official ISBN agency, complete their application with your book details, and then purchase or obtain your unique ISBN(s). This number uniquely identifies your book and helps with distribution and sales tracking.
Here’s the quick rundown:
- Locate your national ISBN agency.
- Register with the agency by providing your contact and publishing information.
- Purchase or request your ISBN(s), paying fees that vary by country.
Find Your National ISBN Agency
The first step is to find the official agency responsible for issuing ISBNs in your country. Each country has a designated organization that manages the registration process. For example, in the US, the place to go is Bowker, while in Canada, the Canadian ISBN Agency handles it.
To locate your national agency, visit the (https://www.isbn-international.org/agencies) which provides a list of official agencies worldwide. This step ensures you're applying through the legitimate organization, avoiding scams or delays.
Register with the ISBN Agency
Once you find your agency, you'll need to set up an account. Registration typically involves filling out a form with your contact info, publisher name, and sometimes your business or personal details if you're self-publishing. Some agencies, like Bowker, might ask for additional documentation if you're operating as a business.
Registration usually takes a few minutes to complete online. Be prepared to choose whether you want to register as a publisher or as an individual author. Registration is often free or involves a small fee, depending on the country and agency.
Buy or Obtain Your ISBN(s)
After registering, you can purchase ISBNs. In many countries, prices vary: for example, in the US, a single ISBN costs around $125, but buying in bulk can lower the per-ISBN price significantly, sometimes as low as $85 each via vendors like IngramSpark.
Some countries, like Canada or South Africa, provide ISBNs free through government programs, so check what’s available in your region. For self-publishers, services like Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing offer free ISBNs, but keep in mind they are limited for use only on Amazon.
Processing times differ – Bowker typically takes about 5 business days to issue an ISBN, with options for faster processing if needed. Planning ahead ensures your ISBN is ready before your book launch.
Assign Your ISBN to Your Book
Once you receive your ISBN, you’ll need to assign it correctly to your specific edition of the book. This involves linking the ISBN to the book's title, author, publisher, publishing date, and format (e.g., hardcover, paperback, ebook). Make sure to keep detailed records of which ISBN corresponds to each edition.
Remember, each unique format or version of your book requires its own ISBN. For instance, a print paperback and an ebook should each have different ISBNs to distinguish them in catalogs and sales reports.
Place the ISBN Correctly on Your Book
The ISBN should be placed in a visible spot on the back cover or inside the front cover, often in the lower right corner. For physical books, it's usually on the barcode area, which can be generated using barcode software matching your ISBN.
For ebooks, the ISBN is typically included in the metadata rather than physical placement. Proper placement and visibility help booksellers, libraries, and distributors accurately identify your book during processing.
What is the Difference Between ISBN and Other Book Identifiers?
Many people confuse ISBNs with other identifiers like barcode numbers or ISSNs, but each serves a different purpose.
An ISBN is a unique number assigned to each edition of a book, helping retailers, libraries, and distributors distinguish one version from another.
In contrast, a barcode encodes the ISBN in a machine-readable format, which is used for quick scanning at checkout.
ISSNs are used for serial publications like magazines and journals, not individual books.
Understanding these differences ensures you choose the right identifiers for your publishing needs and avoid mix-ups in catalogs or sales data.
Where to Get an ISBN in Your Country
Every country has its own designated agency responsible for issuing ISBNs, so your first step is to find theirs.
Check the (https://www.isbn-international.org/agencies) to locate the right contact for your location.
Some countries, like Canada and South Africa, offer free ISBNs through government programs, while others might charge a fee.
If you're self-publishing through services like Amazon, you can also obtain free ISBNs directly from their platform, but be aware of the limitations.
Knowing where to get your ISBN quickly and affordably helps streamline your publishing process and avoid delays.
Summary: The 3 Main Steps to Get Your ISBN
Here's a quick review: First, find your national ISBN agency and understand their registration process.
Next, register as a publisher or author, providing the required information and paying any necessary fees.
Finally, obtain your ISBN(s), assign them to the correct edition of your book, and make sure they are placed properly on your physical or digital copies.
Following these steps will give your book the official recognition it needs to reach readers worldwide.
FAQs
Visit the official website of your country's book or publishing authority. They provide contact details and instructions on how to access or register with the national ISBN agency.
Register by providing your contact information, details about your publishing activity, and paying any applicable fees. The agency will then assign you an account to request ISBNs.
Yes, most agencies offer options to purchase multiple ISBNs in bundles or blocks, often at a discounted rate. Check with your national agency for specific packages available.
Place the ISBN barcode on the back cover, near the bottom or in the barcode area. The numbers should also be printed clearly on the copyright page or back of the title page.
