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How to get an ISBN for your book in the UK?

isbn number uk cost

1. The basics of ISBN numbers

2. What does ISBN stand for?

3. What is an ISBN number used for?

4. What is the purpose of an ISBN number?

5. Where is the ISBN number on books?

6. How much does an ISBN cost in the UK?

7. How to register your book and ISBN number

8. How long does it take to get an ISBN number?

9. How many ISBN numbers should you get?

10. Do ISBNs expire?

11. Begin the self-publishing process

➡️  ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. An ISBN number is a unique 13-digit number that identifies each published novel.

➡️  The average cost of an ISBN number is £80. This doesn’t always include the image of the barcode, which you can purchase separately.

➡️  You can easily register for an ISBN for your book online. Once you’ve purchased your ISBN, you won’t need to renew it or reapply for it - it’s yours forever.

With an industry worth over £1.63 billion , the UK publishing and bookselling market is the third-largest in all the world.

As a nation of readers, many British people eagerly await the newest titles from their favourite authors, reissued versions of the books they love, and debut novels that sound appealing and engaging to them. When they go online to pre-order these titles, there will be a small code beside the 'add-to-cart' button: the book's ISBN.

If you're looking to publish your book this year, you likely are wondering what this ISBN is and how you can get one for your next release. Here, we're going to tell you all about UK ISBN numbers, so read on to get ready for putting out your debut publication!

The basics of ISBN numbers

An ISBN number is a unique 13-digit number that serves as identification for a published novel. Prior to 2007, these numbers used to consist of only 10 digits.

Each one of these numbers is unique. Additionally, each edition of a book has a different ISBN number, so if you reprint and republish your novel in the future, you are going to need a new ISBN. An ISBN is intended to not only identify the title of the publication, but also its format and edition. eBooks will also have different ISBN numbers than their corresponding print publication.

What does ISBN stand for?

ISBN stands for 'International Standard Book Number.' ISBNs are used internationally, but two editions of the same book that are published in different countries will have different numbers. For example, a novel published in both the US and the UK will have different ISBNs even if both are the book's first printing.

This allows publishers, booksellers, and consumers in different countries to identify the location of publication so that they can select the appropriate version for their needs.

What is an ISBN number used for?

An ISBN number is used to communicate specific information about a book. Each section of its numbers has a different meaning:

  • A prefix element (3 digits), which currently can only be 978 or 979.
  • A registration group element (1-5 digits), which identifies the nation or geographical region of a publication.
  • A registrant element (7 digits or fewer), which denotes the specific publisher or imprint of the text.
  • A publication element (6 digits or fewer), which identifies the specific edition of a title (1st edition, 2nd edition, paperback edition, digital edition, special edition, etc).
  • A check digit (1 digit), which mathematically validates the rest of the number.

What is the purpose of an ISBN number? An ISBN is used by supply chain participants to identify each book in their records. These participants include publishers, libraries, booksellers, online retailers, and more. The number assists them in ordering and listing the books that they have in their collections so that they can keep record and control stock. ISBN numbers also help consumers make sure that they are ordering the edition of the book that they want for their collection. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Where is the ISBN number on books? The ISBN number is generally on the back of the book's cover . It usually is beside the barcode in the bottom righthand corner. If you don't see it there, it will be on the page that features the book's copyright and publisher information. This page is where it will always be found on digital editions. eBooks also have ISBNs but they’re not included in the front cover. Because they are published digitally, you’d usually find them in the details of the order page. How much does an ISBN cost in the UK?

The average cost of an ISBN number is around £80 and usually doesn’t include the image of the barcode itself. The barcode can be purchased separately and you can get greater discounts for purchasing multiple barcode images. Especially useful if you're already working on a shoe-string budget. Here's how to make further savings on your book editing .

If you plan to exclusively publish independently, you can get an ISBN from the UK Independent Publishing Network with barcode images for £40.00 or without barcode images for £30.00. It's worth factoring in this to the overall cost of book cover design .

How to register your book and ISBN number

ISBNs are easy to register for and purchase on websites like Nielsen Books . You will pay £82.5 and register with a username and password on the website. Keep this somewhere safe for the next time that you need to make a purchase from the agency (an ISBN number from a different edition, one for a future publication, etc).

If you prefer not to make an account on the site, you can also apply using the ISBN application on their website. Note that this is a longer process than the instant online application. It would need to be sent via the post, so an email or online application is generally the superior option.

How long does it take to get an ISBN number?

If you use the online form, you will receive your ISBN number as soon as the application is processed. If you choose to send a print application via the post, allow 5 business days for it to get there.

Additionally, it may take 2 more days after that for the application to be processed in person.

How many ISBN numbers should you get?

That depends on how many editions you’re going to publish as each one would require a separate ISBN number.

For example, if you’re self-publishing a paperback, a hardback and an audiobook , you’ll need three unique ISBNs. If you’re publishing a trilogy and each book requires three ISBNs, then you will end up needing to register 10! Which could mean that you may be able to get a discount as well.

Do ISBNs expire?

No. Once you apply and pay for an ISBN, it's yours forever. It will never expire. This makes applying an even more worthwhile investment than it otherwise would be!

Begin the self-publishing process

Now that you know all about ISBN number and how you can get one for your UK publication, it's time to begin creating a book cover for your upcoming book release.

‍ Get in touch to find out how much cover design will cost. We, as book cover designers, are committed to creating the perfect book jacket that matches your vision, so we look forward to hearing from you!

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ISBN Information

Cost of isbn numbers.

By Bill Pearce. Last reviewed and updated on Tueday, August 31, 2021.

The cost of ISBN numbers to individual publishers can depend on a number of factors, the first to be considered being what regional, national or linguistic group that you are part of. The global ISBN system is administered by grouping itself into a large number of groups, each of which largely oversees its own affairs. One of the things that each group administers is the cost of that region's, nation's or linguistic group's ISBN numbers.

As well as providing ISBNs, regional ISBN agencies may offer other products and services, such as barcodes for ISBNs, and self-publishing packages to assist self-publishers with services and products such as marketing, ebook creation and book cover design.

  • To understand how the international agency organises group agencies, see the Administration of the ISBN System page.
  • If you want to get a single ISBN, then see the Get a Single ISBN page.

The Cost of ISBN Numbers in the USA

The ISBN authority for the USA is R R Bowker in New Providence, NJ.

You purchase ISBN numbers in blocks of 1, 10, 100 or more.

The table below shows the fee for each number of ISBNs purchased.

Bowker also offer larger quantities of ISBNs for purchase, price upon application.

The Cost of ISBN Numbers in the United Kingdom and The Republic of Ireland

The ISBN authority for the UK and Ireland is Nielsen Book Services in Surrey.

You can purchase ISBN numbers singly, or in blocks of 10, 100, 1,000 or more.

The table below shows the total fee for each number of ISBNs purchased.

To order ISBNs if you're a United Kingdom publisher, including self-publishers, go to the Nielsen ISBN Store .

If you need further information or would like to discuss your particular requirements regarding ISBNs in the United Kingdom, then email Nielsen at [email protected] .

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Home / Book Publishing / How To Get An ISBN: Quick Guide for Self-Published Authors

How To Get An ISBN: Quick Guide for Self-Published Authors

Self-published authors need to get through many surprising hurdles before their books are ready to be published. One checkbox that most first-time authors don’t anticipate is getting an ISBN. 

What is an ISBN number? An ISBN number is a unique 13-digit number (formerly 10 digits) used to identify your book. An International Standard Book Number allows publishers and booksellers to track and recognize books.

Your unique ISBN is like a fingerprint for your book. It helps people identify your book and eliminates confusion between similar works. An ISBN could be critical if someone decided to publish a book with the same title as yours, for example.

  • Why ISBNs are important
  • What the numbers in an ISBN mean
  • 3 fast steps to follow to get your own ISBN
  • The pros and cons of free ISBNs
  • The types of books that need ISBNs and the books that don’t
  • Questions to ask yourself to find out if you should buy your own ISBN

Table of contents

  • Why Does Your Book Need An ISBN?
  • Getting Your Own ISBN For Self-Publishers
  • Free or Discounted Options 
  • Which Books Need An ISBN?
  • Which Books Don’t Require An ISBN?
  • ISBN Costs: A Breakdown
  • Locating A Book’s ISBN
  • Common Questions About ISBNs

Links in this article may earn me a small commission if you use them to purchase a service or product. This has not affected my opinion. However, it helps me continue to write these awesome articles that anyone can read for free!

For more on this topic, visit our post on what an ISBN number is , as well as our free barcode generator to integrate your ISBN into a custom barcode.

ISBNs are assigned by the International ISBN Agency. The ISBN Agency then stores the information for your book, which helps wholesalers, retailers, and libraries find your book.

You also need an ISBN to get a barcode for the back cover of your book when you self-publish it. A book’s barcode includes the same digits as the identification number.

A 13-digit ISBN may look like a random series of numbers, but those numbers contain metadata and can tell you a lot about the book. Here’s an example ISBN and what its numbers mean:

978-0-679-80527-3

  • EAN Prefix (978): The first 3 digits of all ISBNs are always 978 or 979.
  • Registration Group (0): This number can be 1-5 digits long and tells you the country or region where the ISBN is registered.
  • Registrant Element (679): The registrant element tells you which publisher created this book.
  • Publication Element (80527): This number tells you the title of the book, format, and edition of the book.
  • Check Digit (3): This number is mathematically calculated and helps ensure that the ISBN has been typed out properly.

Can I use the ISBN number for my book on my other books? No, you can’t use the ISBN number from your book on other books. Each printed book must have its own unique ISBN — each number is created to identify just one title or edition.

Getting your own ISBN is a relatively simple process. Depending on the country you live in, you can either get an ISBN directly from your government or through an agency that handles ISBN registration. The U.S. ISBN agency is Bowker MyIdentifiers.

Who can I contact to get an ISBN? You can contact Bowker MyIdentifiers to get an ISBN if you’re in the U.S. If you’re outside the U.S., you’ll need to look up your country’s ISBN agency and contact them.

Get A New ISBN In 3 Fast Steps

How do I get an ISBN number for my book? To get an ISBN number for your book, follow these three simple steps:

  • Create an account with Bowker MyIdentifiers at myidentifiers.com .
  • Choose a package with the number of ISBNs you’ll need. If you plan to get multiple books into print, you might choose a package with 10 or more ISBNs. You’ll need a different ISBN for each format you produce (hardcover, paperback, abridged, etc.).
  • Check out and pay for your ISBNs.

Once you’ve paid, your ISBNs will be under your account. Simply go to My Account > My Identifiers and fill in the information for your book, such as its title, author, publication date, and pricing. 

When you’re done, simply submit the form. For peace of mind, Bowker keeps all of your book’s data.

Amazon’s KDP Print (formerly CreateSpace) is the most popular printing service that gives authors who use its service a free ISBN. But beware: You cannot use the free ISBNs to print your book elsewhere.

To take advantage of the free ISBN from KDP, simply choose “Get a free KDP ISBN” in the “Edit print book content” area when you’re adding your book to KDP. 

Other printing services offer free ISBNs as well, including Blurb, BookBaby, Smashwords, and D2D (Draft2Digital) Print.

Why would you choose to pay for an ISBN if you can get one for free? The printing service or distributor is listed as the publishing company if you get a free ISBN, not you. For example, if you use KDP Print, your publisher will be listed as “independently published” instead of your name.

KDP Print, IngramSpark , and BookBaby offer discounted ISBNs to customers who use their printing services. If you buy ISBNs with a discount from one of these services, then you will be listed as the publisher, rather than the service being listed as the publisher.

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How To Determine If You Need An ISBN

Here are some questions to ask yourself to determine if you need an ISBN:

  • Are you publishing your book physically? (If your answer is yes, you need an ISBN, either free or paid.)
  • Where do you plan to publish your ebook? (Some ebook publishers and distributors require an ISBN for ebooks.)
  • Is it important to you that your name or publishing company is listed as the publisher for your book? (If yes, you should consider buying your own ISBN.)

If you’re going through a distributor that doesn’t need an ISBN, you won’t print physical copies, and you don’t care about being listed as the publisher, then you may not need an ISBN.

An ISBN can be necessary for your book for many different reasons. Some of the most common reasons for getting an ISBN can include: 

  • Publishing books in print rather than just online
  • If you publish a new edition , you’ll need new ISBNs for each print version.
  • Printing a book in different formats (e.g., paperback and hardcover). In this situation, you’ll need a separate ISBN for each format.

Some ebook distributors require you to have an ISBN, though most major ebook retailers won’t need one. Check with the service you’re using to distribute your ebook to online retailers to determine if you’ll need an ISBN. 

The ebook version of your book (PDF, epub, Mobi, etc.) may or may not need its own ISBN, depending on where you submit it for distribution. If you sell your ebook directly from your website or publish it on Amazon Kindle (KDP), you don’t have to use an ISBN.

Audiobooks also do not require an ISBN if they’re distributed digitally through a service like Audible or Apple Books. 

On the other hand, if you create an audiobook that’s produced physically, like a book on CD, you are required to have an ISBN.

How much does it cost to get an ISBN number for a book? It costs anywhere from $0 to $125 to get an ISBN number for a book in the U.S. The costs in other countries vary.

Depending on the country you live in, you might be able to get an ISBN for free. For example, Canadians can get free ISBNs from Library and Archives Canada . Unfortunately, the United States and the United Kingdom don’t have similar systems for free ISBNs.

In the UK, publishers get their ISBNs from Nielsen . Nielsen charges £89 for a single ISBN, or you can buy blocks of 10, 100, or 1000 ISBNs at a discounted price.

How do I get an ISBN number for free? You can get an ISBN number for free through a book printer that offers them (like KDP Print, BookBaby, or Blurb). You can also use your country’s ISBN services if you live in a country like Canada that offers free ISBNs to its citizens.

A single ISBN for U.S. publishers from Bowker is $125. If that’s out of your budget, some printing and distribution services offer ISBN discounts to their customers. 

Here are the biggest printer-distributors that offer discounted ISBNs and the discounted price per ISBN:

  • BookBaby: $39
  • IngramSpark: $85 

You can also purchase packages of ISBNs from Bowker at a discounted price. They have a 10-ISBN package for $295, for example, bringing the price of one ISBN down to $29.50. If you’re going to publish multiple books, buying a package of ISBNs is a great idea.

You’ll generally find a book’s ISBN on its copyright page . A tip: Make sure your book has its ISBN on the copyright page if you want your book to look professional.

If possible, include the proper dashes in your ISBN so that it’s easier to locate the country, publisher, and title, as well as to check digit numbers.

The barcodes on the back cover of a book also contain the ISBN. Depending on where you get your barcode, there may be a second smaller barcode that includes the price of your book. 

Your average new author has rarely heard about ISBNs, or never at all. Here are some of the most common questions asked about these numbers.

  • What’s the difference between an ISBN and ASIN? An ASIN number is Amazon’s version of an ISBN. Everything that Amazon sells gets an ASIN when it’s added to their website, including books. You’ll get a free ASIN automatically when you put your book on Amazon.
  • What’s the difference between a barcode and an ISBN? A book’s barcode includes the ISBN in a format that can be scanned and put into a computer system so stores can sell the book.
  • How long does it take to get an ISBN? It varies by ISBN agency, but you can usually get the number itself almost instantaneously. However, it can take the agency several days to process the information you submit ( book title , author, etc.).
  • Do ISBNs expire? No, ISBNs don’t expire. Make sure to keep any login information for your ISBN agency in a safe place so that you don’t lose access to any unused ISBNs you’ve purchased.
  • Do I use the same ISBN if I’m printing my book in another language? No, each translation of your book is considered a separate entity and will need its own ISBN.

Video: How to Get an ISBN Number

For a nice summary of this article, along with a few additional thoughts on the subject, here is a video I did to further cover the subject. Leave a comment on the video with any questions, ideas, or feedback that you have.

Want more videos like this? Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel for weekly videos!

Will You Get An ISBN for Your Book?

At first glance, ISBNs can seem complex, but good news: they’re actually pretty straightforward. You probably don’t need an ISBN for your ebook. However, if you’re planning to go to print, then you’ll need an ISBN for each format that you publish.

Buying your own ISBN is a good idea for self-published authors who are printing their work. It helps your book look more professional, so it doesn’t scream, “I’m self-published!” Avoid having your printing service or “independently published” listed as your publisher if you can.

Once you’ve written your book (I recommend using Scrivener and editing with ProWritingAid ) and you have your ISBN, it’s time to format and publish your work.

I love Vellum for DIY book design and formatting. If you don’t have the patience for perfect DIY formatting, check out Ebook Launch . I use their services for my books, and I’ve been thrilled with the results. Once you add in your ISBN, you’re good to go. Happy publishing!

Dave Chesson

When I’m not sipping tea with princesses or lightsaber dueling with little Jedi, I’m a book marketing nut. Having consulted multiple publishing companies and NYT best-selling authors, I created Kindlepreneur to help authors sell more books. I’ve even been called “The Kindlepreneur” by Amazon publicly, and I’m here to help you with your author journey.

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How to obtain an ISBN number

How to obtain an ISBN for your self published book

If you are wanting to sell your book in bookshops or on sites like Amazon.co.uk (or .com) then you will need an ISBN ( International Standard Book Number ). This is the black and white lined graphic (with 13 numbers underneath) that appears on the back of the book jacket.

While your book is at the typesetters you’ll need to apply for an ISBN*.

You can do this several ways;

1. Buy from a broker.

For example, Compass-Publishing (a subsidiary of The Book Refinery) are ISBN brokers and charge just £79 – they provide our clients with ISBNs as required. Simply click the Compass-Publishing link (in green) above and you will be directed to the website.

2. Buy ISBNs direct from Nielsens .

Click on the Services for new publishers on the left hand menu – and then follow their instructions.

You will need to give the dimensions of your book, including the total page count and you will have to supply the ‘Title Verso’ page – ask your typesetter for this.

NOTE: You have to buy a minimum of 10 (at a cost of roughly £120) so if you are not planning on writing another book , I suggest you stick with me .

3. Your book cover designer might provide an ISBN for you. (Ask if this is included when you’re sourcing a book cover designer – see below for more details.)

One thing to remember – once you have purchased your ISBN (if not supplied by your cover designer) you will have to download or convert it into a barcode like graphic.

* Just remember, if you do decide to buy your own ISBN – they can take up to 10 working days (from submission) so do calculate that when applying for it.

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Nielsenbook-UK

Publish- ISBN Agency

Uniquely identify your books with an ISBN

The Nielsen ISBN Agency for UK & Ireland is here to help and support you in the process of purchasing and allocating your ISBNs to your books.

The first thing you need to do when you publish your title is to locate an ISBN. The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a unique product identifier for books and related material. It is the most important number and aids the listing, discovery and distribution of your books. While it is not a legal requirement to allocate ISBNs to your books, it is used by publishers, booksellers, and libraries for ordering, listing and stock control purposes. The systems they use all rely on the ISBN to identify books ensuring they select and stock the correct title and edition, from the right publisher. The Nielsen ISBN Agency for UK & Ireland is here to help and support you in the process of purchasing and allocating your ISBNs to your books. The quickest and simplest way to buy your ISBNs is via our ISBN Store: www.nielsenisbnstore.com but if you have any queries, please contact us: [email protected] . For more information please read our FAQs Where possible please send your application form electronically to [email protected] . Please do NOT send any cheques in the post as we’re unable to receive or process them at the moment. We encourage publishers to use our Nielsen ISBN Store to purchase your ISBNs or email the agency. If you are unable to do this, any applications sent through the post will be processed in due course and we will be in touch regarding payment. ISBN Application Form Notes Applying via our application form is usually subject to a service level of five working days. Please bear with us during this time as services may be temporarily delayed.

Need a Barcode for your book? The Nielsen Barcode service can create a Barcode from your book’s 13 digit ISBN, guaranteeing that it is unique. You can easily purchase Barcodes via our online Store: here

Did you know?

Publishers in the UK and Ireland have a legal obligation to send one copy of each of their publications to the British Library Legal Deposit Office within one month of publication. You may also receive an email or letter from The Agent for the Legal Deposit Libraries who is responsible for acquiring legal deposit material for five other legal deposit libraries: The Bodleian Library, Oxford; The University Library, Cambridge; The National Library of Scotland; The Library of Trinity College, Dublin; The National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth. They don’t request every title, unlike the British Library; however should they ask you are legally obliged to send them five copies.

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ISBN Explained

Why & how to get an isbn number.

An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a 13 digit number assigned to a book. It is the way that a book title will be known to buyers and sellers, it is used to distinguish it from other titles.

Do I have to have an ISBN number?

You only need to purchase an ISBN if you are planning to sell your book in retail outlets or online. If you are a self-published author, the decision to register as a publisher and buy ISBNs is up to you. You may not want the added expense if your aim is just to give the books to family or friends. If later you decide to sell your books where they need to be scanned at the till then an ISBN can always be added to your books later by having barcodes labels printed which can be stuck on the back of the book.

isbn number uk cost

How do I get an ISBN?

ISBNs can be ordered from the Neilsen UK ISBN Agency which is the national agency for the UK and Republic of Ireland. ISBN’s are issued in singles, tens, and even hundreds.

There is lots of useful information on their website including an application form and guidance notes. Alternatively you can ring them on 01483 712215 – you will find them very helpful.

The publisher name you create and register, as well as your contact information (address; contact tel numbers; website, etc.), will be information that is shared and accessed by the international book supply chain and will in effect enter the “public domain”, accessible by businesses such as such book retailers (including all the major online retailers such as Amazon), libraries, universities, schools, and companies and institutions generally with a vested interest in books. It is therefore important that you, as the registered publisher, keep this information up-to-date with the ISBN Agency. For instance, if you change address or set up a new website you must tell them.

isbn number uk cost

Need More Assistance?

Our dedicated team produce high quality books. Consequently they have a wealth of experience in the book production and publishing arena. We provide assistance to enable our publishers and authors to get on with the things they do best. Therefore taking the strain away from them.

Can you supply me with an ISBN?

Yes, we have a relationship with the UK ISBN Agency which means that we can supply you with an ISBN. Please note though that although you would be registered as the distributor and all orders would come directly to you, we would be registered as the publisher as this is a legal requirement of our relationship with Neilsen.

If we are supplying the ISBN to you then we will need the following information:

  • Cover Price
  • Blurb 300 words
  • Category (i.e. fiction for example)
  • Front cover image as jpeg

The following would need to go on your title verso or copyright page:

Published by Print2Demand Ltd

As part of our service in supplying you with an ISBN we would send one copy of your book to The British Library, and six copies to the Legal Deposit Library from the quantity of your order (ie if you order 100 copies we will need to take 7 copies from this leaving you with 93 copies).

Can you create a barcode from my ISBN?

Yes, we can create a barcode from your ISBN and place this on the back of your cover. Simply leave a white box of approximately 35mm wide x 25mm high for us to drop this into.

Please note that this is not a one-off service – barcodes can only be created as part of a book printing order.

What about Legal Deposit?

Legal Deposit is a legal requirement for published material (books, journals, magazines, etc.) to be sent for deposit at the appropriate national Legal Deposit libraries. For printed books and papers this obligation has existed in English law since 1662 and for electronic and other non-print publications since 6th April 2013.

In the UK the main Legal Deposit library is the British Library, who have an automatic right to receive legal deposit materials. but there are also five other libraries that can and are entitled to ask for a free copy of any work who are The Bodleian Library, Cambridge University Library, the National Library of Scotland, the National Library of Wales and the Library of Trinity College, Dublin.

For further information please refer to the British Library’s website by  clicking here .

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How to Get an ISBN

isbn number uk cost

by Chris Snellgrove

Just like human beings, all books have a distinctive genetic fingerprint: the ISBN. In order for your masterpiece to be sold in brick and mortar stores, distributed in libraries, or nominated for awards, it’s going to need one of these unique codes.

But what is an ISBN, exactly? How does it work, why is it important, and how can you get one? Let’s take a closer look at what you need to do to get your own ISBN for your book!

What is an ISBN?

An ISBN is a thirteen-digit number that uniquely identifies a published book. ISBNs help publishers and booksellers communicate with each other, because a book’s ISBN is the same everywhere in the world. Writers receive ISBNs from their publishers, or they can purchase them from an ISBN agency. “ISBN” stands for “International Standard Book Number.”

(You’ll sometimes see it being called an ISBN number, a victim of the RAS syndrome, or “redundant acronym syndrome syndrome.”)

Each different edition of a book gets its own unique ISBN to identify it. For instance, if you release the same book title as a paperback, a hardcover edition, an e-book, and a Super Deluxe Special Edition With Fancy Endpapers, each of those versions will get their own separate ISBN.

Some ISBNs are ten digits; we’ll look at why below.

These numbers are issued to both publishers and authors by agencies that specialize in managing ISBNs. We’ll take a closer look at how to get a new isbn number a bit later on in this article.

“ISBN” stands for “International Standard Book Number.”

Where did ISBNs come from?

WHSmith, a major bookstore chain, launched the first ISBN system in the UK in 1967 as the “Standard Book Numbering System.” These were originally nine digits, although they switched to ten digits shortly after. By the early 1970s, ISBNs had become accepted worldwide.

In 2007, the International ISBN Agency officially switched from ten-digit numbers to thirteen digits. That means that anything published before 1967 won’t have an ISBN number, anything published between 1967 and 2007 will have a ten-digit ISBN number, and anything published after 2007 will have a thirteen-digit ISBN number.

Note that these dates apply to physical books, not stories. For example, a book by James Joyce wouldn’t have originally have had an ISBN number because it was written before the ’60s; however, a re-released copy of the same book printed after 1967 would have an ISBN assigned to it.

What do all those numbers mean?

ISBN numbers may look random, but they’re mathematically calculated using a special formula. A modern ISBN consists of five distinct parts (older, ten-digit ISBNs are made up of four parts). Each of these parts communicates something specific about the book.

Diagram of an ISBN number

As an author, you don’t need to be too concerned with knowing what all of these numbers are for—there won’t be an exam. But understanding the way it’s put together can make things a little easier if you’re looking at getting your own ISBN for your book.

Your ISBN is your book’s unique fingerprint.

Prefix element

The prefix element is always three digits—978 or 979 (this may change in future as these numbers get used up). Ten-digit ISBN numbers don’t have this piece. It just tells us that we’re looking at an ISBN number instead of another type of product code.

Registration group element

This number tells us what language the book is in. Majority languages are usually only one digit, but less widely spoken languages can be several. English-language books are 0 or 1, French-language books are 2, German is 3, and so forth.

Registrant element

This step represents the particular publisher. If you’re a self-published author, you’ll get your own registrant element, or publisher code. Traditional publishers with a registered publishing company will have the same registrant element for all their books.

Publication element

This is the crux of the book’s ISBN number. Every unique title and edition gets a different publication element to identify which volume it is. This is how retailers and readers can tell one edition or format of your book from another.

Check digit

This final number of a book’s ISBN will always be a single digit, and it shows that your unique number has been verified by the correct authorities.

Why is an ISBN important?

The ISBN is used to help identify your book. When publishers, retailers, and libraries order and sell books—whether it’s a print version or a digital book—they rely on the ISBNs to keep track of sales and their own stock. It also gives your book a place in library catalogues.

If you don’t get an ISBN number, it will be impossible for a customer to know if they’re getting one edition of the same book over another (or even the right title).

Getting an ISBN is an essential step in your book-publishing journey.

You won’t necessarily need to get an ISBN number for self-published books, especially if you’re only planning to sell it through your personal website or direct at events. But if you self-publish without an ISBN number, it’ll limit who you’ll be able to reach with it.

For example, you may only be able to distribute on your own or through a specific online publishing platform. With an ISBN, you can distribute through any retailer or platform all around the world.

ISBNs, ISSNs, and ASINs

So now we have a clear idea of what an ISBN is and why it’s important. But there are a couple other book identification numbers you might come across in your literary travels: ISSNs and ASINs.

ISSN stands for “International Standard Serial Number.” These are eight digits, shorter than an ISBN, and are used for recurring publications. This might be a magazine or literary journal, or a novel that’s released in chapbook-like episodes (like a limited series on Netflix).

ASIN stands for “Amazon Standard Serial Number.” These apply to all products sold through Amazon, not just books. ASINs are ten digits, like oldschool ISBNs, and are assigned by Amazon’s self-publishing platform. In fact, they don’t cost anything extra in addition to your self-publishing costs.

Some self-publishing platforms offer complementary ISBNs.

Sounds pretty great, right? Tread carefully, my friend—Amazon’s free asin number only allows you to seek through Amazon. Although you’ll sometimes see this being called a “free ISBN,” this number isn’t recognised by the publishing industry and won’t let you distribute through libraries or brick and mortar stores.

The difference between ISBN and barcode

You’ll notice that most books have both an ISBN number and a barcode (sometimes written as bar code). The barcode might even have the ISBN right on it, but they’re not the same thing or interchangeable.

You can think of it this way: an ISBN has to do with what a book is and where it comes from. A barcode has to do with money . It communicates how much the book costs and what currency the book’s fixed price is in.

Your book’s ISBN will be the same everywhere, but it might be sold under different barcodes.

You’ll often see a second number on the barcode alongside your ISBN—the UPC (in North America—this stands for Universal Product Code) or the EAN (in Europe—this stands for European Article Number). The shop uses these codes to tell them the set price. As an author, you just need to know your ISBN number.

Who can get an ISBN number?

ISBN numbers are available to anyone who’s written a book. If you’re a traditionally published author, your publishing house will supply you with one. If you self-publish your book (including ebooks), it’s possible for you to get an ISBN number in the same way that traditional publishers do. Alternatively, you may be able to get a free ISBN from your self-publishing platform.

If you’re only distributing through your personal website, then it’s up to you whether or not to get an ISBN number. You may not want to incur the extra cost right away, but having one up front ensures that more retailers and libraries will be able to buy your book and readers will have an easier time finding it.

Every book you see in your favourite local bookshop has an ISBN.

How to get an ISBN number as a self-published author

Getting your own ISBN numbers will help you sell more books in more places. It also makes it easier for your fans to find your book and buy it.

Fortunately, getting your own ISBN as a self-published author is very easy! There’s no universal, international ISBN agency that handles all books (yet), so the processes can be a little different depending on where you’re located.

We’ll walk you through hot to get an ISBN number when you self-publish and other info you need to know.

If you’re publishing a book in multiple formats, you’ll need multiple ISBNs.

Getting an ISBN number in the United States

Bowker is the official ISBN agency in the United States. Visit their main site to start the process of purchasing an ISBN for your book. They’ll present you with a number of different pricing options.

You’ll want to know how many ISBNs you want to buy (you get discounts for bulk purchases), and whether you also want to purchase barcodes and/or QR codes from them.

Barcodes make it easier for retail shops to sell your books (just point and scan) while QR codes allow for reader interaction. You might set them up to have your readers directed to your author website, or to some exclusive bonus content. However, these are optional extras—they’re not necessary.

If you’re working with a tight budget, you can buy a single new ISBN number to start off; however, remember that each format of your book needs a separate ISBN. You’ll get a much better value if you buy ten ISBNs, which cost just over double the cost of a single number. With ten ISBN numbers, you’ll be able to release several formats of at least two novels.

After purchasing, your new ISBN number will be processed and ready within five days.

Getting an ISBN number in the United Kingdom and Ireland

Nielsen is the ISBN agency for the UK (including Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) and the Republic of Ireland.

Just like the United States, the UK offers options to buy a single ISBN or ISBN numbers in bulk, which offer a better value; packs of ten are the most popular. These ISBNs cost roughly the same as those in the US.

Nielsen also offers barcodes and “ Book2Look biblets ” (similar to QR codes but fancier), which are interactive features that offer readers an inside look into your writing.

Their online shop offers two starter packages: the Self Publisher Pack and the Self Publisher Plus. The Self Publisher Pack contains one new ISBN, one barcode, one Book2Look biblet, and a year’s subscription to their enhanced marketing service. The “Plus” is the same format, only it offers ten ISBNs, ten barcodes, five Book2Looks, and a year’s subscription to their service. You might find that one of these packs is a great place to get started.

Once you purchase your chosen ISBN number or ISBN package, it will be processed in approximately five days.

Getting an ISBN number in Canada

Much like their enviable healthcare system, ISBN numbers are FREE to publishers and self-publishers in Canada.

First you’ll need to create an account with ISBN Canada . You only need to compete your ISBN registration once, and then you can apply for as many free ISBNs as you want.

You can request your free ISBN number with either an English-language code or a French-language code, and you need to provide proof of Canadian residency (sorry Yanks—no Friday-night drive bys). Once you fill out the form, your ISBN will be processed within ten days.

The Canadian free ISBN program, however, does not supply barcodes or interactive codes—you’ll need to find another source for those and order them separately.

Getting an ISBN number in Australia

Thorpe-Bowker is the official ISBN agency in Australia. They use a very similar system to Bowker in the US, and offer similar ISBN packages. Their pricing is substantially lower than their US counterparts; however, they do charge a first-time setup fee for new customers which the American Bowker doesn’t.

Ten-packs of ISBN numbers are their most popular option. They also sell barcodes, as well as ISBN/barcode package deals.

Thorpe-Bowker Australia does not list a processing time estimate, but their US counterpart quotes a wait time of five days.

Finding ISBN processes for your country

We’ve listed the major English-speaking countries and how you can find your local ISBN agency in each one. However, there are many more countries with their own ISBN agency. You can reach out to one of the one closest to where you live.

You can find the right agency for your particular country via the International ISBN Agency website . ISBN costs and processes can vary widely by country, so get in touch with your own ISBN agency and they can advise you on the next steps.

How much should you spend on an ISBN?

Depending on where you live, you might be able to get a free ISBN for your book. Other countries charge for them, but you can receive a better rate by purchasing several at a time.

At the time of writing, a single ISBN costs $125USD in the United States compared to $44AUD in Australia. A package of ten different ISBN numbers—which you can use for various formats and titles for as long as you need—cost $295USD or $88AUD, or approximately $30USD and $10AUD per number (although the Australian ISBN agency does charge that pesky setup fee!). In the UK, ISBNs cost £91 for a single ISBN and £169 for a block of ten.

ISBNs are a necessary expense of self-publishing.

As an emerging author, expect to spend around $100-$200 (or the equivalent in your home currency) on your first ISBN numbers.

While you can save some money only buying one ISBN to start off, it’s something of a false economy; you’ll inevitably need more later and wish you’d gotten a better value when you had the chance. Remember—every book format and new edition of the same book title needs its own ISBN number.

Larger quantities are designed with small-press publishers in mind. If you’re considering starting up your own publishing company, a pack of 100 ISBNs ($575 in the United States) is a good place to start; you can release several titles a year under several editions for the first few years.

Do ISBNs expire?

ISBNs do not expire—once you have one, it’s yours forever. They’re also firmly non-transferable within the book industry, which means you can’t sell it off or repurpose it for another book once you don’t need it anymore.

However, remember that you need a different ISBN for every version of your book. You can use the same ISBN if you catch a few typos in your first printing and promptly publish a new batch, but if your book undergoes a major revision, or if it’s released with new material, it will need an ISBN of its own.

For example, if you publish a “book club edition” of your book with extra author’s notes, interviews, and discussion questions, that book will need its own new edition ISBN—even if the old one and the new one are both paperbacks or both hardcovers.

Where will the ISBN appear on my book?

In a printed book, the ISBN should appear on the copyright page. All your books will have their own ISBN, but they’ll be different for different editions such as paperbacks, hardcovers, or rereleases.

Your ISBN will also appear on sales pages for various online bookstores. For example, if you’re selling a book on Amazon or other online retailers, the item listing will show the ISBN number. That way, potential readers know that they’re getting exactly the right edition they’re after.

ISBNs help potential readers track down your work!

Getting an ISBN for your book is quick and easy

An ISBN is the universal standard used by publishing companies to identify books. Getting an ISBN helps make it easier for you to enhance book sales and distribute across different markets, including your local library.

The process is quick and easy for self-publishing authors, and it brings you one step closer to selling your book to the largest possible audience!

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Posted on Nov 09, 2021

How to Get an ISBN Number as a Self-Published Author

As a self-publishing author, you can get an ISBN barcode for your book by purchasing it from an ISBN agency like Bowker for $125, or for free from other publishers and distributors, like Draft2Digital. Keep in mind you’ll need an ISBN number for each version of your title (e.g. print or ebook). 

1. Choose between free and paid ISBNs

There are a handful of big ISBN vendors, like Bowker and Nielsen, who are a lot of authors’ go-to sources for ISBNs. However, depending on your publishing aims, it’s also possible to also use cheap or free ISBNs. 

Where to get free ISBN numbers

In the US and UK, many aggregators (companies that distribute your book to multiple retailers) will assign indie authors an ISBN for free, or at a discount. These aggregators include:

Some government territories, such as Canada, provide free ISBN numbers (lucky you)! You can get more information about your regional providers in the second step of this how-to.

A note on ASINs

While we’re talking about free ISBNs, it’s worth mentioning an alternative: the ASIN. The ASIN functions similarly to the ISBN, but is only used within Amazon — and you’re given one for free whenever you publish a book on Amazon . 

So why would you need both? Basically, while you cannot rely on a book’s ASIN to find it outside of Amazon, you can always count on an ISBN.  For that reason, if you plan to “go wide” on other sites — or have distribution in brick-and-mortar stores — you’ll need an ISBN in addition to an ASIN. If you plan to self-publish on Amazon exclusively, you can, by all means, forego the ISBN costs and stick to the free ASIN. 

Do you need an ISBN number?

It'll only take a minute!

Why you might want to buy an ISBN anyway

So you can get an ISBN for free or at a discounted price, or if you’re only publishing digitally on Amazon, you don’t need an ISBN at all. So why would anyone ever pay for an ISBN? 

Aha! Here’s the catch: when you register for an ISBN number through an aggregator like the ones we listed above, industry regulations mean that you are limited to the retail channels of that company alone, whereas simply buying an ISBN from the start means you can expand wherever you see fit. 

To show you what we mean: maybe you’re selling your book on Amazon (an individual platform), and then decide to go wider through Draft2Digital (an aggregator). The former provides you with a free ASIN and the latter with a free ISBN. 

But let’s say your sales aren't too strong, and you want to make your book available on other distribution channels, like BookBaby and eBookPartnership. If you don’t have an independently-bought ISBN, you’ll need to register for separate numbers from each of those publishing companies as well. This can snowball into you having several ISBNs and different publishers all listed for the same book, which looks seriously unprofessional and may harm your book’s chances of getting stocked in brick-and-mortar bookstores and libraries.

Ultimately, it’s up to you whether you want to keep your ISBN consistent between aggregators, or if you’re happy with a mix. And if you aren’t sure which decision is in your best interests, perhaps consider working with a professional book marketer to ensure you maximize your own chances of success.

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2. Identify providers in your region 

Each country or territory has its own regional provider of ISBNs. Perhaps the best-known ISBN provider is Bowker , the official administrator for the United States. In the United Kingdom, authors can buy a number through Nielsen. 

To find out whether ISBNs are free in your country (and for instructions on requesting a number), you can look up your local agency here .

ISBN Number - screenshot of a search for a local provider

Once you’ve identified your local provider, you’re ready to buy!

3. Buy ISBNs in bulk for the best value

One book, one ISBN needed, right? Not so fast.

Not only do ISBNs have a heavy discount on bulk purchases, but a single ISBN is rarely enough. Say you’re publishing a paperback. If you ever want to revise or release that paperback in a new edition, you’ll need a new ISBN. You’ll also need another ISBN for a future hardcover edition, and the same applies to releasing an audiobook. If you make all those single purchases via Bowker, you’re looking at $500 for 4 ISBNs, while a bulk purchase of 10 ISBNs will only set you back $295. 

Even if you’re only working on one book at the moment, 10 ISBNs are a sensible investment when you’re starting out. 

Bonus tip: Register your ISBN with Bowkerlink

Regardless of where you live or who provided your ISBN, once you have received your number, you should register it at Bowkerlink . This will automatically add your title to Bowker’s Books In Print : a bibliographic database consulted by libraries around the world. Books In Print currently hosts about 7.5 million US book, audiobook , and movie titles, as well as 12 million international titles — and yours is about to be one of them!

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Now you’ve sorted out all the practicalities and your book is ready for sale, why not check out more of our resources on what to do next. If you haven’t yet got a plan in place for promoting your book, our guide on that is a good place to start!

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How to Get an ISBN Number for a Self-Published Book

POSTED ON Jun 20, 2023

Scott Allan

Written by Scott Allan

Figuring out how to get an ISBN number for a self-published book may sound scary, but it's actually more simple than many authors think!

If you're self-publishing a printed book , the best action you can take is to get your own ISBN as a self-published author. 

Regardless if a book was self-published or traditionally published , every printed book needs an ISBN, and securing this number is a big step in your publishing endeavors.

But, many writers that are just taking the first step toward becoming an author still have a lot of questions about this topic.

Questions like… What is an ISBN number? How do you get an ISBN number for a self-published book? Do I buy one or just get it for free through KDP or an aggregator? How much does an ISBN cost? Are ISBNs for big-name publishers only?

In this post, we want to answer the commonly asked questions about ISBN numbers for self-published books , as well as everything else you need to know to buy, register, and imprint your ISBN.

Self-Publishing Company

As you read through these questions, we encourage you to open up these two websites in different tabs:

  • MyIdentifiers  
  • ISBN International  

There is a wealth of information on those sites regarding ISBNs (including how to buy an ISBN number for your self-published book) that we will cover while going through these questions.

Now, before you start thinking about ISBN numbers, let me ask you this: Do you have a book ready to publish? If not, you can start preparing for an ISBN now, but you’ll definitely want to finish writing your book first !

Here are the questions we will answer about book ISBNs:

1. what is an isbn number for a book.

Let's start with the most basic question: “What is an ISBN number?”

ISBN, which stands for International Standard Book Number , is an internationally-recognized, 13-digit number that’s used as a unique identifier for books. Each individual book, specific book edition, and any other book-like product must have an ISBN number in order to be printed and distributed in retail bookstores, libraries, and wholesale companies. This number can be used to identify the book's code digits, language, publisher, book title , edition, and format.

ISBN numbers are not required for eBooks, and for books that will not be available in stores or libraries.

2. How and why were ISBNs created?

In the days of WW2, MI6 recruited a young mathematician named Gordon Foster to work as a codebreaker, where he scanned millions of numbers looking for patterns in the code used by the Japanese military.

Decades later, when the book industry needed a standardized tracking program to organize the growing number of titles being published every year, Gordon Foster was approached by British retailer, WH Smith. He hired Foster to write a report on how to create such a system.

And this report ultimately led to the ISBN system that is now used worldwide.

3. Can self-publishers get an ISBN?

ISBN numbers can be acquired by any publisher. And a self-publisher is a publisher, so yes! You will apply for an ISBN like anyone else. Refer to myidentifiers.com or keep reading to learn how to get an ISBN number.

4. How do I buy an ISBN in the US? If I live outside the USA?

ISBNs are issued based on location. 

If you live in the United States, you can purchase an ISBN through Bowker , which is the only company authorized to administer ISBN numbers in the US. 

Here is how to buy an ISBN number in the US:

  • Go to myidentifiers.com
  • Click on “ISBN”
  • Select the quantity you'd like to purchase
  • Click “Buy Now”
  • Complete checkout

In Canada , where the ISBNs are issued for free, you can visit the ISBN Canada—Library and Archives website.

Living in the UK, Ireland, or a British Overseas Territory , check out Nielsen ISBN Store .

For other international authors, you can visit the International ISBN Agency . 

Note: While ISBNs are assigned locally, you can use them internationally.

5. Do I need a different ISBN for every country the book is published in?

No, you don’t need an ISBN if the book is available in other countries – as long as it appears in the same format and language.

However, you DO need an ISBN for each format and edition of the book. This includes publications in different languages. Refer to the International ISBN Agency for a list of language codes.

6. How to get an ISBN number for a self-published book?

As a self-publisher, you have two options. You can either buy an ISBN number for your book(s) or obtain one for free through your self-publishing platform .

If you’re a resident of the United States, you can purchase an ISBN through Bowker by following the step-by-step instructions above. Or, you can obtain one for free via Amazon’s KDP or by uploading to Draft2Digital or SmashWords . 

Regardless of how you get an ISBN number, it's important to note that you only need one ISBN number per book. This is registered to your self-published book and stays with the book – regardless of the different stores or platforms, it's sold on.

7. How many numbers should an ISBN have?

Due to the large volume of eBooks now published each year, all ISBN numbers are now 13 digits. All ISBN numbers issued prior to 2007 were 10 digits long.

Note: Older ISBN numbers with only 10 digits can now be converted into a 13-digit code with the ISBN conversion tool from Bowker .

8. What is an ISBN number used for?

An ISBN is the standard ID number used to identify books by booksellers, libraries, book wholesalers, and distributors.

It is used to identify each published book and each edition of the same book, as well as the publisher of the book. You can tell a lot about a book, its author, and the publisher by knowing how to read the ISBN number.

Let's use the picture here to show you how it works in practice.

What Is The Isbn Of A Book

The 13-digit ISBN number is broken up into 5 parts that identify the following:

  • Book Code Digits: The first three digits, “978” indicate that this string of numbers is for a book ISBN.
  • Language of the Book: The language for an English version is identified with an “0” or “1.” You can reference this complete list at the International ISBN Agency .
  • Book title, Edition, and Format: The six-digit series represents the title of the book.
  • Check Digit: “0” is the last digit and is known as the “check digit.” This number is mathematically calculated as a fixed, single digit.

9. How do I find the ISBN number of a book? 

There are several ways to look up the ISBN number of a book, both on the book itself and online. Here's how to find an ISBN number of any book:

  • Check the back cover of the book , and look for the ISBN near the publisher's barcode.
  • Look on the copyright page located at the front of the book near the title page.
  • Search for the book's ISBN online using the author or title on ISBN Search .

Find Isbn Number

11. How can I find my book’s ISBN number?

You can easily find the ISBN of your book using the same online tool.

To look up your book's ISBN number, follow these steps:

  • Visit the website ISBN Search
  • Enter your (the author's) name or book title.
  • Click “Search,” and the related books will appear in the results.

Lookup Isbn Numbers

12. Should a self-published author get an ISBN?

Yes, your self-published book should have an ISBN if you plan to sell your printed book in bookstores and libraries , through Amazon self-publishing , and/or online retailers and book aggregators.

There are limitations to this. For eBooks , a book ISBN number is not needed, except for certain exceptions, like if you publish through digital online distributors/aggregators. For example, Draft2Digital requires your book to have an ISBN. Although they will provide you with an ISBN for free, we recommend buying your own , for reasons explained further down in this post.

Here are the top reasons to buy an ISBN for a self-published book:

  • If you want your book sold in bookstores and retail stores
  • If you want your book circulated in libraries
  • If your book will be printed (not solely an eBook)
  • If you plan to use a book aggregator company to publish

In short, it doesn’t matter if you are writing a children’s book or a nonfiction book . Your printed book needs an ISBN if you envision it in the bookstore or on the shelves of your local library.

13. What reasons would a self-published author not need an ISBN?

If you are only publishing an eBook, and you have no plans to write and publish anything more, you won’t need an ISBN. 

Or, if you are happy to only publish through Amazon KDP (print edition) and not use other online retailers, you can request a free ISBN book number via Amazon. 

14. If I get an ISBN, does that mean my book is copyrighted?

No, ISBN is administered by a private company for the use of the international book trade, while copyright is administered by the Library of Congress and is an extension of intellectual property law.

15. Does a book have to be published to have an ISBN?

No, you can obtain an ISBN for your book even if it is not published yet.

ISBNs are issued to publishers, who then assign them to individual books. This can be done at any time, even before the book is written.

16. Can I register my ISBN once it has been approved?

Yes, you can register your ISBN number once it is approved.

Once you have received your number, you should register it at Bowkerlink . Bowker hosts about 12 million international titles, and registration with them places your book in their massive bibliographic database.

17. Are ISBN numbers transferable across different book formats?

No. A single ISBN can be issued for each book only.

For example, if you publish your book in paperback, hardcover, and eBook versions, a separate ISBN number is required for each format.

It is one ISBN per book only, and once assigned to a book, an ISBN number can never be reused.

18. Why would you have to assign a new ISBN number to a book?

ISBNs will need to be changed if certain changes are made to your book. This can be summarized into these 6 common changes and updates:

  • The book is printed in Large Print. Remember, every variation/version requires its own ISBN.
  • The book is published in a foreign language. This would be considered a different format and needs a separate ISBN.
  • If additional material is added to the book. For example, several new chapters are added. This could also mean the book is relaunched as a 2nd edition.
  • If the title and/or subtitle are changed.
  • If changes are made to the binding.
  • If the book is published in another size. For example, for a 5×8, 5.5×8.5, or 6×9, each of these would require a separate ISBN.

Essentially, any changes to the book that makes it appear as a “different product” would require a new book ISBN.

It's important to note that not all changes require a new ISBN number.

Changes that don't require a new ISBN:

  • Changing the book price
  • Creating a new cover design
  • Changing your distributor or printer
  • Small corrections to the content of the book. This includes correcting grammatical errors or improving a few paragraphs.

Here's a guide you can use to determine whether or not you need to buy another ISBN number for your book:

19. If I revise the inside content of a book, do I need to replace the current ISBN?

If you only make line edits or correct typographical errors and don’t make any substantial changes and/or additions to the text, this is considered a reprint, and you don’t need a new ISBN number.

A new edition would contain a significant amount of new material, a major revision, or the addition of completely new chapters and/or sections. Anything that makes it a ‘new book’ is likely to create a new edition. Therefore, a new ISBN would be required.

20. If I just change the cover or the title of the book, do I need a new ISBN?

You can continue to use the same ISBN if the cover is changed.

But if you change the title and/or subtitles and you will have to launch the print version of the book as a new title again, as this is recognized as a different book.

21. Is it acceptable to have several ISBNs for the same book?

No, you really don’t want several ISBNs for your book. This can become a tangled mess and looks unprofessional. But it can happen when several retailers issue free ISBNs for the book.

Online aggregators such as Draft2Digital and Smashwords free ISBNs are not transferable. So, if they are issuing a free one, it is exclusive to that site only. This is the same with Amazon.

The best solution? Buy your own ISBN (more on that later). When you buy your own, the same number is used for that format no matter where it is published.

22. How much does an ISBN cost?

The price of ISBN numbers varies and you can buy single ISBNs or a bundle of them. The going rate for a single ISBN costs $125, while 10 ISBNs cost $295, 100 ISBNs cost $575, and 1000 ISBNs cost $1500.

The most affordable option is to buy one single ISBN number on Bowker .

But just remember, if you ever publish another edition of your book, or another book entirely, you will need more than one ISBN. Therefore, buying multiple ISBNs at once could save you a lot of money over time.

How Much Does An Isbn Cost

Note: that these prices are based on the price listings at Bowker for those living in the United States. For ISBNs purchased internationally, prices do vary (and are often cheaper).

23. How many ISBNs should I buy?

Deciding how many ISBNs to buy is a personal decision and depends on your publishing goals. If you are a busy author publishing a new book every 4-6 weeks, in multiple languages and several formats, it would be smart to buy 100 ISBN numbers from the onset.

Remember that ISBNs do not expire. 

And, consider if you use 3 ISBNs for each book in one language, you could use up a block of ten very quickly if publishing regularly.

The number of ISBNs you should buy also depends on whether or not you are assigning an ISBN to your eBook as well as printed versions. Although eBooks are not, at this time, required to have an ISBN, it does look more professional.

If you write one book and you don’t have plans to do any more, one ISBN will probably do. But for career authors, you should begin with the end in mind. 

24. How to get an ISBN for free? 

If you live in Canada, ISBNs are issued for free. If you live in the United States, you can get your book’s ISBN for free through your self-publishing platform, such as Amazon and Draft2Digital .

25. What are the pros and cons of getting a free ISBN?

The main advantage is…it’s free . This can be convenient if you're publishing on a budget . Or if it’s difficult to obtain an ISBN in the region you live in. 

The disadvantage of receiving a free ISBN:

  • You have to list Amazon (or the self-publishing platform) as the publisher along with other limitations .
  • You could end up with several ISBNs for the same book, and this looks unprofessional. For example, you receive a different ISBN from Amazon, Draft2Digital, and Smashwords . 
  • Free ISBNs are non-transferable. You can’t take your free ISBN from Amazon and use it with another retailer.

If you can, we recommend buying your own ISBN.

If you are in the US, you purchase through Bowker , or if you’re in the UK, you purchase through Nielson . Both sites make it very easy to buy ISBNs. Depending on your international location, you could go through a lot of red tape to get your book ISBN number, but most authors agree it's worth the trouble.

26. Do I need an ISBN number to get my book into libraries?

Yes. If you want to stock your book in libraries, you’ll need an ISBN that you purchased and registered. 

The library market is huge, and, if you are serious about expanding the distribution of your book, this is not an opportunity you want to pass up.

Overdrive is the biggest supplier of eBooks to libraries and has circulated over 105 million+ books to date to libraries.

Again, a free ISBN will not do. The ISBN number needs to be registered to a publisher – that would be you as the author (or your self-publishing company ).

27. Where does the ISBN number need to be printed on a self-published book?

You’ll print it on the copyright page, and it’s included in the Cataloging-in-Publication data block if you use one. 

Otherwise, just print it on the copyright page and on the back cover as part of the barcode.

28. Is an ISBN the same as a barcode? If not, what are the differences?

The ISBN and barcode are different. Although both are found on the back of the book in the same place, they both fulfill a different function.

The ISBN is found above the barcode on the back of the book. And by now, you can answer the question, “ What is an ISBN number? “

The barcode is a representation of the ISBN in a form that can be identified by scanners. It includes extra information such as:

  • The book’s fixed price and;
  • The currency it’s being sold in.

Here are some facts about barcodes and ISBNs according to Bowker :

  • A barcode is not an ISBN. It's a graphical representation of your book's ISBN and price.
  • To use a barcode, you'll already need your book's ISBN number and pricing information.
  • You can purchase and download a barcode after you've created an account at MyIdentifiers.com.
  • You can store your barcodes for future use at MyIdentifiers.com .
  • Make sure you enter the correct price on the barcode . Once the barcode is generated, the price cannot be changed.
  • If you change the cost of your self-published book, you will need a new barcode. The ISBN, however, does not expire and does not need to be changed if you change the price. 

The standard barcode is known as the EAN (European Article Number) barcode and your barcode must be in this format to sell your book in bookstores.

29. What is the difference between the ASIN and ISBN numbers?

An ASIN is not the same as an ISBN. ASIN is a number used by Amazon to identify products, whereas ISBN is the universal number for identifying a book. 

ASIN numbers are only used by Amazon to manage and identify the products they are selling. It’s a 10-character alphanumeric unique identifier that’s assigned by Amazon.com only.

If you want to sell through other platforms—or in brick-and-mortar stores— you’re going to need an ISBN.

You can find this ASIN on your book page. In your browser, the Amazon ASIN will be after the product’s name and “dp.” The next place to find this is in your book or product details area of your book page.

Note: ASIN numbers are exclusive to Amazon, are non-transferable, and cannot be used in place of an ISBN.

30. What is the Bookland EAN Barcode?

According to Publisher Services, an official US ISBN Agency Partner:

“An EAN—which begins with the Bookland prefix 978—is called a Bookland EAN code and is used on books and book related products internationally. The Bookland symbol is the barcode of choice in the book industry because it allows for encodation of ISBNs (the numbers publishers use to identify their products).”

Since an ISBN is unique to one particular title (or product), the corresponding Bookland EAN symbol is a title-specific marking that is unique for that title.

For example, if a title is available in hardcover, softcover, and as an eBook, three unique ISBN Bookland EAN barcodes are required.

31. Should I use a “free” barcode-generating tool to save money?

No, it’s not a good idea to use a free barcode-generating tool, and we do not recommend it to authors. 

Here's why: While it's a tempting way to save money while self-publishing, many free barcodes are created with unreliable bitmapped images. They run the risk of not scanning when your book is being purchased. And you won’t be saving money if the barcode can’t be scanned properly.

For peace of mind, always pay for your book barcode(s) through a reliable source.

32. Are book ISBN numbers and barcodes sold separately?

Yes, the ISBN and barcode are sold separately. But, the barcode cannot be purchased without the ISBN being bought first.

You need an ISBN to get a barcode, but you don’t need a barcode to publish a book. 

Bowker offers an ISBN and barcode savings pack. It is a great value if you want to save some money and make it easier for setting up your ISBN and barcode together.

Isbn Vs Barcode

33. What are the best resources for finding out more about ISBNs and barcodes?

As we have mentioned throughout these questions, there are several best resources for finding out everything on ISBNs, including how to buy and set up for your book.

Additional resources for researching ISBNs include:

  • International ISBN Agency
  • ISBN.org by Bowker
  • Bowkerlink Publisher Access System
  • Bowker Identifier Services
  • U.S. Copyright Office
  • ISBN Guides: Basic Information
  • SmashWords ISBN Manager
  • ISBN Canada: Library and Archives Canada

That's it! You’ve reached the end of our frequently asked questions about ISBNs.

If you'd like for experienced publishing professionals to handle the entire process of getting an ISBN for your book, we can do that for you! Discover how SelfPublishing.com can help you publish your book !

Now you know exactly how to get an ISBN number for your self-published book, why it’s important, and if you actually need it.

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What are Barcodes and why do you need them? 

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This sample Barcode shows the ISBN in EAN barcode form and in eye readable font above the code.

This version provides all the information required by UK bookshops and retailers and is generally recommended for use in the UK book trade.  All our Barcodes are black bars on a white background.

The Barcode on a book is created from that book’s 13 digit ISBN, guaranteeing that each book has a unique Barcode.

Some printers require that you supply the Barcode image which is to appear on the back of your book.  The Nielsen Barcode service will generate a Barcode image for each ISBN13 that you upload below and email these to you in your chosen format.

The Barcodes generated by the Nielsen Barcode service are in a standard width of 500px (including surrounded white space). Height is dynamic to the page and the number of ISBNs in the file and at 100% magnification. The Barcode image will need to be resized for purpose using an image editing application. Alternatively your printer should be able to assist you.

Please note that the EPS format is not a vector file, but is a PNG image that has then been converted to the EPS format.

Please check which format your printer requires before you place your order as we cannot change the format once generated.

To use the Nielsen barcode service:

  • Your ISBN or ISBN prefix must have been allocated by the UK & Ireland ISBN Agency
  • The barcode service only converts ISBNs that were allocated as a single ISBN number or from a block of 10 ISBN numbers 

You can buy up to ten Barcodes at one time.    Please enter the ISBN carefully, and ensure the ISBN you enter is a valid number.  If your ISBN is incorrect, the barcode cannot be generated. 

SPECIAL OFFER - 10 barcodes for £79.99

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More about ISBN Barcodes All major bookshops and retailers use Barcodes to manage their inventory at point of sale, which enables them to maximise sales and collect the information they need about the products they are selling. Barcodes are also used in the distribution process to ensure accurate delivery to retailers. To enable full use of electronic point of sale (EPOS) equipment, it is essential for publishers to follow the required trade standards for the use of Barcodes on books.

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Using an ISBN is the most accurate and reliable way to search for a book. Use our search engine to find book information and the best prices for books.

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Stormont: Ministers allocate public sector pay deal cash

  • Published 1 day ago

Michelle O'Neill, Caoimhe Archibald and Emma Little-Pengelly were speaking at a press conference at Stormont Castle

Stormont's Executive has agreed to allocate £688m to allow public sector pay deals to be progressed.

Trade unions involving transport, teaching, health and civil service staff had been on strike in recent months over the dispute.

Almost £600m to resolve that was offered by the government in its £3.3bn package for devolution being restored.

On Thursday, Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald said she hoped pay money would be released as soon as possible.

She said it would now be up to unions and employers to finalise negotiations.

However, the money will only cover one year and pressed on whether the Executive could ensure recurring pay deals, the minister said work would be ongoing in the weeks ahead.

'Hard calls'

The Executive held its first substantive meeting on Thursday since power-sharing was restored at the beginning of the month.

Ministers also discussed plans about Stormont's finances for 2024-25 and First Minister Michelle O'Neill said parties were going to "continue the fight" with Treasury for additional tax and spending powers.

Table

"We frequently hear we aren't preparing to make the hard calls, but for the public at large what we're trying to do is get the fundamentals right, this is not an unreasonable ask."

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said the government was being inflexible about its timetable of asking the Executive to have a sustainability plan and other measures agreed by May.

The meeting comes as the Northern Ireland Fiscal Council (NIFC) warned Stormont faced another financial "cliff-edge" in 2026.

The independent budget watchdog said future cuts could be needed to run a balanced budget after analysing the £3.3bn deal.

Ms O'Neill said ministers were "united" in terms of the challenges "but also the need to ensure we have a proper funded public service model here".

Gerry Murphy of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) welcomed the announcement in relation to public sector pay.

"Whether this funding allocation will be sufficient to settle all industrial disputes will become clear as negotiations between individual unions and relevant departments commence," he added.

"We would strongly urge government departments to begin these negotiations immediately in order to avoid any further unnecessary disruption."

'A realistic timetable?'

In the report , the NIFC said once the short-term elements of the government's package are exhausted ministers may have to raise revenue or make cuts.

Its chair, Sir Robert Chote, said some of the help from the package "tails off really quite sharply" from about £750m per year over the next two years, to about £300m.

"It's not obvious why you would have that cliff-edge designed into a financial package but presumably the UK government thinks that should give enough time for the Executive to take decisive action on revenue raising, budget saving, on public service reform," he said.

"Some people will ask if that's a realistic timetable."

The report also suggests that the ambition to fund Northern Ireland public services at their level of need will not be achieved until the 2030s.

Stormont

The UK government has asked ministers to raise a minimum of £113m.

However, Northern Ireland parties want more funding from the UK Treasury and insist they did not commit to revenue raising as part of the deal agreed with the government.

It is understood that talks will be held between Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald's department and Treasury officials in the coming days.

Michelle O'Neill has ruled out a 15% increase in the regional rate as a means of raising revenue, a figure which according to previous government estimations could raise £113m.

Rates are a property tax which help fund public services in Northern Ireland.

Stormont is responsible for setting the domestic regional rate and while Ms O'Neill ruled out any dramatic rise, an inflation-only increase would still mean adding at least 4% to bills for the next financial year.

The Wales model

The financial package included one-off funding of up to £584m to meet public sector pay pressures and a two year 'stabilisation' fund of more than £1bn.

There is also a move towards a 'needs-based' funding of public services, based on the model in Wales, which recognises that it costs more to deliver public services in Wales and Northern Ireland of an equivalent standard to those provided in England.

In Wales £115 is allocated for every £100 per head spent on public services in England.

Money being held

The relative spending need for NI is estimated to be £124 but the NIFC warns that under the current deal that level of need would not be met until around 2035.

NI is currently estimated to be funded at a level of around £120.

The NIFC said whilst the uplift will help move public service funding onto a more sustainable long-term footing it does not address the short-term budget crisis.

Stormont ministers have been making the case that the needs-based part of the deal needs to be revisited to get to the £124 level much sooner.

The Social Democratic and Labour Party's Matthew O'Toole, who is leader of the opposition, said from initial discussions with the UK government in December there was a "fairly clear expectation" that revenue raising was an expectation.

"I do think it's a bit disingenuous now to make out that was sort of not there or in the ether," he said.

Related Topics

More on this story.

First minister rules out rate increase to raise revenue

  • Published 2 days ago

Michelle O'Neill

NI childcare strategy could cost £400m - Givan

  • Published 4 days ago

Pre-school teacher playing with little boy - stock photo

People 'shouldn't pay more for poor services'

Emma Little-Pengelly

Billions on offer for Stormont, but what for?

  • Published 15 January

The chancellor holds his red box outside Downing Street

IMAGES

  1. What Is the Isbn Number on Books Used for

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  2. What is an ISBN Number ?

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  3. ISBN Numbers: The Ultimate Guide

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  4. Guide to Barcodes: ASIN, UPC, EAN, ISBN, SKU

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  5. How to Get an ISBN: Fast Guide & Need-To-Know (+ Tips)

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  6. ISBN with Price Code Standard

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  6. 24th December 2023 Lucky Numbers for

COMMENTS

  1. Nielsen UK ISBN Store

    Prefix for 100 ISBNs. £379.00 per block of 100. Add to Basket >. Prefix for 1000 ISBNs. £979.00 per block of 1000. Add to Basket >. If you want to purchase larger quantities or to discuss your requirement in more detail, please email us at [email protected].

  2. How To Get An ISBN For Your Book In The UK?

    1. The basics of ISBN numbers 2. What does ISBN stand for? 3. What is an ISBN number used for? 4. What is the purpose of an ISBN number? 5. Where is the ISBN number on books? 6. How much does an ISBN cost in the UK? 7. How to register your book and ISBN number 8. How long does it take to get an ISBN number? 9. How many ISBN numbers should you get?

  3. ISBN Information

    You can purchase ISBN numbers singly, or in blocks of 10, 100, 1,000 or more. The table below shows the total fee for each number of ISBNs purchased. To order ISBNs if you're a United Kingdom publisher, including self-publishers, go to the Nielsen ISBN Store.

  4. How To Get An ISBN: Quick Guide for Self-Published Authors

    How much does it cost to get an ISBN number for a book? It costs anywhere from $0 to $125 to get an ISBN number for a book in the U.S. The costs in other countries vary. ... In the UK, publishers get their ISBNs from Nielsen. Nielsen charges £89 for a single ISBN, or you can buy blocks of 10, 100, or 1000 ISBNs at a discounted price. ...

  5. How to obtain an ISBN number

    1. Buy from a broker. For example, Compass-Publishing (a subsidiary of The Book Refinery) are ISBN brokers and charge just £79 - they provide our clients with ISBNs as required. Simply click the Compass-Publishing link (in green) above and you will be directed to the website. 2. Buy ISBNs direct from Nielsens.

  6. ISBN Agency

    Need a Barcode for your book? The Nielsen Barcode service can create a Barcode from your book's 13 digit ISBN, guaranteeing that it is unique. You can easily purchase Barcodes via our online Store: here Did you know?

  7. How To Get An ISBN Number

    As part of our service in supplying you with an ISBN we would send one copy of your book to The British Library, and six copies to the Legal Deposit Library from the quantity of your order (ie if you order 100 copies we will need to take 7 copies from this leaving you with 93 copies). Can you create a barcode from my ISBN?

  8. Book ISBN UK

    No annual fees Become a Member of IPN Click here to become a member of the Independent Publishing Network (IPN) and get ISBN numbers and registration for your UK publication.

  9. What is an ISBN Number? A Look at Publishing's ID System

    An ISBN number costs $125 through Bowker. ... We've broken down these Bowker costs for US authors and publishers, as well as the Nielsen costs for those in the UK, in the table below: An ISBN won't be the most expensive item on your self-publishing shopping list, but to minimize costs, your best option is to buy a package of 10 for $295 ...

  10. How to Get an ISBN

    If you don't get an ISBN number, it will be impossible for a customer to know if they're getting one edition of the same book over another (or even the right title). ... In the UK, ISBNs cost £91 for a single ISBN and £169 for a block of ten. As an emerging author, expect to spend around $100-$200 (or the equivalent in your home currency ...

  11. FAQs

    If you cannot find an answer to your question, please contact us Can I become a member of Independent Publishing Network? Do I need an ISBN number? Can I get my ISBN number through you? I live outside of the UK and Ireland, can I still get my ISBN number through you? Will the Independent Publishing Network be listed as my book's publisher?

  12. Become a Member of the Independent Publishing Network

    4.8 Stars - Based on 599 User Reviews How many ISBN numbers do I need? The ISBN number is your publication's fingerprint, a globally unique 13-digit identification number assigned to both electronic and physical (print) publications. You need a unique ISBN number for each format of your publication.

  13. How to Get an ISBN Number as a Self-Published Author

    Posted on Nov 09, 2021 How to Get an ISBN Number as a Self-Published Author As a self-publishing author, you can get an ISBN barcode for your book by purchasing it from an ISBN agency like Bowker for $125, or for free from other publishers and distributors, like Draft2Digital.

  14. FAQs: General Questions

    It is always best to select the block that will last you for a few years because you will be able to maintain one publisher prefix, and minimize the unit cost per ISBN. When purchasing a larger block of ISBNs, the price per ISBN decreases. Back to top. What is the format of the new ISBN-13? Every ISBN will consist of thirteen digits in 2007.

  15. How to Get an ISBN Number for a Self-Published Book

    Questions like… What is an ISBN number? How do you get an ISBN number for a self-published book? Do I buy one or just get it for free through KDP or an aggregator? How much does an ISBN cost? Are ISBNs for big-name publishers only?

  16. Nielsen UK ISBN Store

    To use the Nielsen barcode service: Your ISBN or ISBN prefix must have been allocated by the UK & Ireland ISBN Agency. The barcode service only converts ISBNs that were allocated as a single ISBN number or from a block of 10 ISBN numbers. You can buy up to ten Barcodes at one time. Please enter the ISBN carefully, and ensure the ISBN you enter ...

  17. How to Get an ISBN: Fast Guide + 13 Tips

    First off, it rarely makes sense to purchase a single ISBN. A single ISBN would cost you $125, but a bulk of 10 only costs $295. Meaning if you purchased 10, each ISBN would cost you $29.50, a 76% discount. Buying a single ISBN might seem feasible if you only want to publish one title, but remember that you need an ISBN for each format.

  18. About the Independent Publishing Network

    Independent Publishing Network Ltd. Mailing address - MB #1869, PO BOX 480, Sevenoaks TN13 9JY UK. Registered Office - 71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JQ, UK. Company Number 11541223. The Independent Publishing Network provides low-cost ISBN barcodes and helps authors in the UK and worldwide to self-publish their books.

  19. Buy ISBNs & Other Identifiers

    Buy your ISBNs from the Official US ISBN Agency Today! Bowker is the only authorized provider of ISBNs to the US Publishing community.

  20. Buy ISBNs

    Each format of your book requires its own ISBN. Most books average two to three ISBNs to accommodate all published formats. You will have enough ISBNs for multiple books. Savings! You're getting your ISBNs at only $29.50 each. ISBNs never expire; use them as needed. $295. Add to Cart.

  21. Nielsen UK ISBN Store

    Contact Us. Welcome to the nielsen isbn store. Our online store enables you to purchase a range of Nielsen Book services. You can pay for your order using Mastercard and Visa debit or credit cards.

  22. ISBN Search

    Use our search engine to find book information and the best prices for books. Typical location of an ISBN on the back of a book. ISBN Database If you're looking for a book database with comprehensive book data searchable via API, check out ISBNdb.com . Subscription starts from only $14.95/mo per 5,000 daily calls.

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    Guidance for National Insurance. Including how to apply for a National Insurance number and check your record. As well as rates, paying, refunds, voluntary contributions and pensions.

  24. Stormont: Ministers allocate public sector pay deal cash

    Stormont's Executive has agreed to allocate £688m to allow public sector pay deals to be progressed. Trade unions involving transport, teaching, health and civil service staff had been on strike ...