How to Get an ISBN Number

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An International Standard Book Number is used to identify books, ebooks, and other publications. If you’re a publisher, self-publishing writer, or a company representative interested in putting out literature that can be easily catalogued, you should probably get an ISBN. The process of obtaining an ISBN varies somewhat from nation to nation. To begin the process, identify your national ISBN agency through the International ISBN Agency website. Click on your country and follow the directions provided by your national ISBN agency.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Gathering Necessary Information

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  1. Open your browser, and visit the website of the International ISBN Agency. Click on the orange button labeled “Find an agency.” [1]
  2. If you’re applying for an ISBN on behalf of a company or organization, choose the nation in which your company or organization is headquartered from the drop-down menu. Select this option even if your company or organization has multiple locations.
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  3. If you’re not applying for an ISBN on behalf of a company or organization -- that is, if you’re a traditional or e-book publisher; audio cassette, software, or video producers; or a representative of a museum or association with a publishing program -- you’ll also need to select the nation in which you’re based. Use the drop-down menu in the "Find an agency" page to choose your national agency.
  4. In some cases, you might have to create an account with your national ISBN agency. The process by which you create an account varies. Generally, however, you’ll need to create a username and password. You may also be asked to confirm your account using an email address. [2]
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Completing the Application

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  1. The path to the ISBN application varies from nation to nation. In some cases, after accessing the site of your national ISBN agency, the option to get an ISBN will be front and center. In other cases, you’ll have to hunt around the site a bit in order to find the application.
  2. The application process varies from nation to nation. The applications generally share some common elements, though. You’ll be expected to supply, for instance, the publisher’s name and address, the title of the publication, the format of the publication, the proposed date of publication, and your contact information. [3]
  3. Along with your application, you may be expected to submit a processing fee. The cost of this fee varies depending on the nation in which you apply for an ISBN.
    • The application should cite the cost of submitting the application. If it does not, ask your national ISBN agency about the cost and payment options.
  4. The process by which you actually receive your ISBN depends on your national ISBN agency. In most places, you’ll receive an email alerting you that your application has been processed. You can then log in to your account and check your ISBN.
    • In some cases you might get your ISBN mailed or emailed to you.
    • The length of time required for approval varies from place to place. Your national ISBN agency should be able to tell you how long you'll need to wait.
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  • Question
    Does an ebook need ISBN?
    Community Answer
    Nothing needs an ISBN. ISBNs are used for the convenience of booksellers, libraries, and book distributors, not because they are mandatory.
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  • Question
    Is this ISBN number valid worldwide for my book?
    Community Answer
    From what I understand, ISBN is valid worldwide because it's a unique number that can be identified internationally.
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  • Question
    A self publisher gave me an ISBN but I decided not to publish with them. Can I get my own ISBN and use the same title for my book?
    Community Answer
    It depends on your local and national copyright laws. Contact your national ISBN agency for more information.
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      Tips

      • Every publisher has their own block of ISBNs. These numbers cannot be shared or sold.
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      • Do not reuse ISBNs for new editions. Any time you publish a new edition, a new ISBN is required. For instance, if you publish a softcover version of a book that was previously released as a hardback, you’ll need a new ISBN.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.isbn-international.org/agencies
      2. ↑ https://www.isbn.ac.ke/
      3. ↑ http://natlib.govt.nz/forms/isn

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To get an ISBN number, start by visiting the website for the International ISBN agency and clicking on the orange button labeled “Find an agency.” Next, select the national agency in which your company’s headquarters is located or your nation if you’re applying for yourself. Then, create an account with your national ISBN agency and fill out the application. In order to finish the application, you’ll need information such as the publisher’s name and address, the title of the publication, and the format of the publication. When you’re done with the application, pay the fee, and receive your ISBN by mail or email. To learn how to find the application for an ISBN, keep reading!

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