One of the areas that I get the most questions about is the use of the ISBN, the unique numeric identifier that’s used around the world to identify books. New self-publishers are especially concerned with making sure their books are registered properly, that everything is done so that their book can be sold without any problems or confusion.
Because this area is specific to the book business, there’s a lot of confusion and misinformation about ISBN and how it works. I strongly recommend you use the resources provided by Bowker, the company resposible for ISBNs in the United States, on the ISBN website and at Bowker’s website.
But even faster, without any further delay, here are 20 answers to the most commonly-asked questions about ISBN.
Questions and Answers about ISBN
- What is an ISBN?
ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. It is a 13-digit number that’s used as a unique identifier for books. ISBN is used internationally. - What do all the numbers mean?
See my earlier article on decoding the ISBN. - Why do we need ISBNs?
We need them to identify each book that is published, and each edition of the same book. ISBN also identifies the publisher of the book. It is the standard ID number used to identify books by booksellers, libraries, book wholesalers and distributors. - Should I get an ISBN?
If you plan to sell your book in bookstores, to libraries, or through online retailers like Amazon.com, you will need an ISBN. - Does a book have to be published to have an ISBN?
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. - Is the ISBN the bar code I see on the back of books?
The bar code is a representation of the ISBN in a form that can be identified by scanners. The bar code might also have other information embedded in it, like the price of the book and the currency in which it is priced. - Okay, do I need to have a bar code too?
Only if you plan to sell your book in bookstores. If you only plan to sell online, or privately like at speaking engagements, you don’t need a bar code. Many publishers put them on their books anyway. - 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. Copyright is administered by the Library of Congress and is an extension of intellectual property law. - If I have an ISBN, does that mean my book will be in Books in Print?
Once you have an ISBN you can go to BowkerLink to fill out the forms necessary for your book to be listed in Books in Print. - Can self-publishers get an ISBN?
A self-publisher is still a publisher, so yes, you just apply for an ISBN like anyone else. - How do I get an ISBN?
Go to myidentifiers.com, the ISBN website run by Bowker, which is the only company authorized to administer the ISBN program in the United States. Click on “ISBN Identifiers” and you’ll be taken to a page where you can buy 1, 10, 100 or 1000 ISBNs. - How many ISBNs should I buy?
The least economical choice is to buy 1 ISBN. If you ever publish another edition of your book, or another book entirely, you will need more than one ISBN. I suggest you buy the 10 pack. - What do ISBNs cost?
A single ISBN today costs $125, while 10 ISBNs cost $250, 100 cost $575 and 1000 cost $1000. Note that the price per ISBN drops from $125 to $25 to $5.75 to $1. - Isn’t it just a number? Why does a number cost $125?
Many people are pondering this question, so far without an answer. Obviously, it’s not because of the cost of the product. Could there be another reason? - Well, can I re-use my ISBN?
No, sorry, once assigned to a book, an ISBN can never be reused. - Where do I put the ISBN?
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, of course, on the back cover as part of the bar code. - I’m doing a print book and an ebook. Do I need two ISBNs, or can I use the same one?
This is a matter of some discussion at the moment, since there are more and more electronic formats. The policy of assigining a separate ISBN to each and every edition is under review. Check back for more info. - How about a hardcover and a softcover of the same book?
You need a separate ISBN for each edition, to identify them for everyone who might want to find them in directories, catalogs and databases. - If I revise my book, do I need to give it a new ISBN?
If you only correct typographical errors, and don’t make any substantial changes to the text, you don’t need a new ISBN because it’s considered a reprint. A new edition would contain substantially new material, a major revision, or the addition of completely new elements. Anything that makes it a new book is likely to create a new edition and, therefore, need a new ISBN. - How about if I just change the cover?
You can continue to use the same ISBN, since the text has not changed.
Well, there you have it. In 20 questions and about 5 minutes, you’ve overcome the confusion about ISBN. Have a question you didn’t see answered here? Ask in the comments and we’ll run down the answer.
Takeaway: Getting the ISBN for your new publishing company is a necessary step to becoming a publisher and getting your book into print correctly. It’s not difficult once you understand how to do it.
This is a cross-posting from Joel Friedlander‘s The Book Designer site.