Since 1970, the ISBN number has been an “internationally recognized book identification system.” Since some books have similar titles, the ISBN number helps keep track of every edition of every book that has been published. Yet the ISBN also tracks inventory control, sales and order processing.
If you plan to only sell e-books, you may not need to purchase an ISBN; however, some resellers may insist on every book, hardbound or electronic to have an ISBN.
What is ISBN?
There are over 160 ISBN distribution agencies worldwide, and each agency is appointed as the EXCLUSIVE agent responsible for assigning ISBNs to publishers residing their country.
ISBN or the International Standard Book Number is the standard identifier for the book publishing industry that uniquely identifies your literary work. Every ISBN consists of 13 digits (as of 2007) and this number is divided into five variable length parts, each separated by a hyphen. Bookstores and search engines use the ISBN to organize their database listings giving your book more exposure and future sales.
Once the publisher owns an ISBN or block of ISBNs, they can assign a number to any publications it holds the publishing rights to. However, once the publisher receives the ISBN number(s), they cannot resell, reassign, transfer or split the list of ISBN numbers among other publishers.
WARNING: There are many unauthorized resellers of ISBNs. If you are offered one of these re-assigned ISBNs, DO NOT PURCHASE IT. It will not correctly identify your book or you as the publisher of record in any industry database. In other words, it is useless.
The five parts of an ISBN are as follows
(as per ISBN.org):
- The current ISBN-13 will be prefixed by “978”
- Group or country identifier which identifies a national or geographic grouping of publishers;
- Publisher identifier which identifies a particular publisher within a group;
- Title identifier which identifies a particular title or edition of a title;
- Check digit is the single digit at the end of the ISBN which validates the ISBN.
Who can get an ISBN?
The ISBN agency will assign numbers at the request of publishers, e-book publishers, video and audio producers, software producers and other associations with publishing programs.
It takes about 15 business days for non-priority processing from the time the application is received. Express processing is 24 business hours
Apply for an ISBN
ISBNs are sold in blocks of 10, 100 and 1000. Before you purchase, estimate the number of publications you will publish in the next five years, and then select the block that best suits your needs. Select a block that will last for several years, so you can maintain one publisher prefix and minimize your unit cost per ISBN.
NOTE: ISBN applications require a nonrefundable processing service charge. Priority and Express processing will incur an additional fee.
The cost for the Standard Package for an ISBN number starts at $195 (April 2015) and includes 1 ISBN and SEO Title Card – a search optimized web page that features information about your literary work, that is published on sites such as BookWire.com
As of April 2015, R.R. Bowker offers blocks of ISBN numbers starting at $295 for 10 ISBN, $575 for 100. They have ISBN bulk prices for quantities larger than 100. With your purchase the ISBN numbers are assigned to your organization as the publisher of record. Each Number within your prefix can then be assigned to a title or manifestation to uniquely identify the title or manifestation.
R.R. Bowker Company, the ISBN Agency for the United States, also offers packages that provide the purchase of an ISBN as well as SEO Marketing including a Title Card page with BookWire.com, Social Media marketing, reporting and Analytics. While this is a reasonable starting option it is by no means a complete marketing package. As every author knows, maintaining a connection with your readers and fans is crucial to your success — so be prepared to work hard at promoting yourself and your work.
How to register your ISBN
Once an ISBN has been assigned to a product, report it to the database of record for your ISBN Agency, such as R.R. Bowker (United States). Your publishing company may be eligible for free listings in various directories.
NOTE: The receipt of your ISBN does not guarantee title listings. You must submit your title information to ensure your title gets into the Books in Print database.
Register Book titles with Books in Print at www.bowkerlink.com
The new ISBN-13
As of January 2007, the ISBN agencies converted to a 13-digit system, replacing the 10-digit ISBN number. Because of this change it is imperative for publishers understand the reasoning for the change.
Besides easing the number shortage, the new ISBN bar codes will use International Article Numbers (EANs) – the global numbering system. These EANs begin with a 3-digit country code, with a few exceptions in North Americia to accommodate the older Universal Product Code.
The codes 978 and 979 were assigned to the fictitious country called “BookLand”, to be used for the publishing industry. When 978 and 979 are added to the ISBN-10 numbers, The 13-digit ISBN number is the same as the Bookland EAN.
How to Convert ISBN-10 to ISBN-13
To convert your old ISBN 10-digit to the 13-digit system, go to: http://www.isbn.org/converterpub.asp. Bulk conversions are also available.
Example:
ISBN-10: 0-123456-47-9
ISBN-13: 978-0-12-345647-2
Resources:
R.R. Bowker (U.S.)
International Standard Book Number
121 Chanlon Rd.
New Providence NJ 07974
Phone: (877)310-7333Canadian ISBN Agency
Acquisitions & Bibliographic Services Branch
National Library of Canada
395 Wellington St.
Ottawa Ontario K1A 0N4 CANADA
Phone: (819)997-9565
