Q&A for How to Get an ISBN Number

Nothing needs an ISBN. ISBNs are used for the convenience of booksellers, libraries, and book distributors, not because they are mandatory.

From what I understand, ISBN is valid worldwide because it's a unique number that can be identified internationally.

It depends on your local and national copyright laws. Contact your national ISBN agency for more information.

Costs pertaining to the ISBN vary from nation to nation. In some countries ISBNs are free, while in others they can only be obtained by paying a fee. Fees are used to pay for administrative costs.

If you're publishing a physical product, you'll likely need a barcode. Consult your publisher and national ISBN agency for more information.

No. A unique ISBN is assigned to each edition and variation of a book. Only reprints share the same ISBN. However, the German and English versions will likely share parts of the ISBN code, depending on how each variation was registered, but the full ISBN number will always be unique.

Get your own ISBN if you want full control and flexibility to self-publish or switch publishers. If you use a publisher, they’ll usually provide the ISBN, but it will link your book to them. Owning your ISBN gives you more freedom.

To self-publish your poetry book: 1. Finalize your manuscript by editing and formatting it properly. 2. Design an eye-catching cover and layout, either by hiring a designer or using tools like Canva. 3. Choose a self-publishing platform, such as Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Lulu, or IngramSpark. 4. Set pricing and distribution options. 5. Upload your book in the required formats (PDF, EPUB, etc.) and review the proofs. 6. Promote your book through social media, author websites, and local events.

Use platforms like Amazon, WorldCat, or library databases. Enter the DVD's title and other details to locate its listing, which may include the ISBN. Many publishers list product details, including the ISBN, for their DVDs. Retailers selling the DVD often include the ISBN in the product description. 4. If a library catalog lists the DVD, it might include the ISBN. Note that DVDs typically use a UPC or EAN instead of an ISBN, but some DVDs, especially educational ones, may have an ISBN.

Your book does not need to be completely finished to get an ISBN. You can obtain an ISBN during the final stages, as long as you have key details like the title, author name, and planned publication format. This allows you to use it for proofing and printing. Just ensure the book details don't change significantly after assigning the ISBN.

Yes, you can obtain your own ISBNs for your book even if the publishing company assigned theirs. ISBNs identify the publisher and version of a book, so having your own ISBNs allows you to control the book’s distribution under your name or imprint. Contact your country’s ISBN agency to purchase ISBNs and use them for any new editions or formats you plan to publish independently.

Be cautious of online offers for ISBNs that are cheaper than your national ISBN agency, as they may not be legitimate or recognized internationally.

You generally do not need to provide a physical ID when applying for an ISBN. However, you will need to provide some basic information, such as your name or the name of your publishing entity, contact details, and the title of the book. If you're applying through an official ISBN agency, they might ask for information to confirm you're the publisher or author. The process can vary depending on the country and the agency, so it's always best to check the specific requirements of the ISBN agency you're applying through.

The ISBN (International Standard Book Number) for a translation book is unique to each edition and version of the book. A translation of a book will have a different ISBN from the original version because it's considered a separate edition. To find the ISBN for a specific translated book, you can check the book's details in libraries, bookstores, or online platforms like Amazon or the publisher’s website. The ISBN will typically be listed on the book’s copyright or product page.

No, the ISBN is just a number, but it can be converted into a barcode for printing on books. The barcode includes the ISBN and often additional pricing information. If you're self-publishing, platforms like Amazon KDP or services like Bowker can generate the barcode for you once you have your ISBN.

If you definitely have the copyright (e.g. no other great-grandchildren will dispute your right to make money off of it without cutting them in) then yes, but you'll need to get an ISBN.

If the imprint holds the rights to your dad's book, you need to contact a lawyer. If not, it depends on whether you have the copyright and distribution rights. Unless you are certain about that, you should contact a lawyer.

Register the name that will hold the copyright.

Wait until you're ready to publish.

Yes, you need a separate ISBN for each format, even though it's the same book.

You don't need a new ISBN if the additional books are just copies of the original book.

No. ISBNs are not required for greeting cards or other ephemera. ISBNs are only required if you want to sell a book.

An ISBN isn't compulsory, but if you want to sell your book or donate it to libraries, then yes, you need one.

An ISBN number, is not actually required at all for any publication, as described above.