Are you an aspiring author? Have you written a book and are eager to publish it? One crucial step in the publishing process is obtaining an International Standard Book Number (ISBN). An ISBN is a unique identifier that distinguishes your book from all others published worldwide.
Getting an ISBN is essential for several reasons:
- It allows your book to be listed in bookstores and online retailers.
- It helps libraries and readers find and purchase your book.
- It establishes your book’s credibility and legitimacy.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of obtaining an ISBN, step by step.
1. Determine Your ISBN Needs
The first step is to determine how many ISBNs you need. Each edition or format of your book requires a separate ISBN. For example, if you publish your book in paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats, you will need three ISBNs.
2. Choose an ISBN Agency
In the United States, there are two authorized ISBN agencies:
- Bowker (a subsidiary of ProQuest): https://www.myidentifiers.com/
- Ingram Content Group (formerly Lightning Source): https://www.ingramcontent.com/
Choose the agency that best fits your needs and budget.
3. Create an Account
Once you have selected an agency, create an account on their website. This will allow you to apply for ISBNs, view your account information, and manage your ISBNs.
4. Apply for an ISBN
To apply for an ISBN, you will need to provide the following information:
- Title of your book
- Subtitle of your book (if applicable)
- Author’s name(s)
- Publisher’s name
- Publication date
- Number of pages
- Trim size
- Binding type
- Estimated print run
5. Pay the ISBN Fee
The cost of an ISBN varies depending on the agency and the number of ISBNs you purchase. Bowker charges $125 for a single ISBN and $295 for a pack of 10 ISBNs. Ingram Content Group charges $35 for a single ISBN and $250 for a pack of 10 ISBNs.
6. Receive Your ISBN
Once your ISBN application is approved, you will receive your ISBN number(s) via email or mail.
7. Display the ISBN on Your Book
Once you have obtained your ISBN, display it prominently on the back cover of your book, as well as on the title page and copyright page. The ISBN should appear in the following format:
ISBN: 978-0-123456789-1
Congratulations! You have now successfully obtained an ISBN for your book.
What to Do If You Need More ISBNs
If you need additional ISBNs in the future, simply follow the steps outlined above to apply for more ISBNs through your chosen ISBN agency.
Comparison Table: ISBN Agencies
| Feature | Bowker | Ingram Content Group |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per ISBN | $125 | $35 |
| Cost for 10 ISBNs | $295 | $250 |
| Minimum purchase | 1 ISBN | 1 ISBN |
| Application process | Online | Online |
| Delivery time | 2-3 business days | 1-2 business days |
Conclusion
Getting an ISBN for your book is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few steps. By following the instructions outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your book has a unique identifier and is ready for distribution to bookstores and libraries worldwide.
Check out our other articles on book publishing for more helpful tips and advice:
- How to Choose a Book Publisher
- How to Format a Book for Print
- How to Promote Your Book on Social Media
FAQ about Getting an ISBN Number
What is an ISBN?
An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a unique identifier for books and other publications. It ensures that each book has a unique identification number, which is used for cataloging, ordering, and other purposes.
Why do I need an ISBN?
An ISBN is required for any book that you plan to sell through bookstores or online retailers. It helps ensure that your book can be easily found and ordered by customers.
How do I get an ISBN?
There are a few ways to get an ISBN:
- Through your publisher: If you are working with a publisher, they will typically handle obtaining an ISBN for you.
- Through Nielsen BookData: Nielsen BookData is the official ISBN agency for the United States. You can purchase an ISBN from them directly.
- Through other ISBN agencies: There are other ISBN agencies around the world. You can find a list of agencies on the ISBN International website.
How much does it cost to get an ISBN?
The cost of an ISBN varies depending on the agency you use. In the United States, Nielsen BookData charges $125 for a single ISBN and $250 for a block of 10 ISBNs.
How long does it take to get an ISBN?
The time it takes to get an ISBN varies depending on the agency you use. Nielsen BookData typically processes ISBN applications within 24 hours.
What information do I need to provide when applying for an ISBN?
You will need to provide the following information when applying for an ISBN:
- The title of your book
- The author’s name
- The publisher’s name
- The publication date
- The number of pages in your book
- The ISBN prefix (if you have one)
What is an ISBN prefix?
An ISBN prefix is a unique identifier for a particular publisher or imprint. It is used to identify the publisher of a book.
How do I find my ISBN prefix?
If you have an existing book, you can find your ISBN prefix by looking at the back cover of the book. The ISBN prefix is the first part of the ISBN number, and it is typically separated from the rest of the number by a hyphen.
What if I need more than one ISBN?
You can purchase multiple ISBNs if you need them. For example, you might need a different ISBN for each different format of your book (e.g., hardcover, paperback, ebook).
