​​ISBN

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What Is ISBN and Why Is It Important?

An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a unique numeric identifier assigned to books and certain other published materials. It serves as a standardized way of identifying a particular edition or version of a book. This allows for efficient cataloging, ordering, and inventory management.

If you do not have an ISBN for your book, then you have successfully flown below the 10 foot radar level of published works. It is highly recommended for broader distribution and better discoverability. Many online retailers, libraries, and bookstores require ISBNs for listing and distribution purposes. Having an ISBN also allows your book to be included in bibliographic databases and enhances its professional image. Before you start crying about the necessity of having an ISBN, know that the ISBN is used to create the infamous bar code on the back cover. So, no ISBN, no bar code; no bar code, no sales.  

The standardized format of an ISBN comprises 13 digits (or 10 digits for older book editions prior to January 2007). The first three digits represent the country or language group of the publisher. The next group of digits represents the specific publisher, and the final digit is a check digit used to ensure the number is valid. There are technically infinite combinations of numbers that could be assigned as an ISBN. However, only specific combinations that follow the standard format and have been assigned by an authorized agency are considered valid ISBNs.

Where do I get one of these things for a book I plan to publish?

If you're publishing your book through a traditional publisher, they will usually handle the process of obtaining an ISBN number for you. If you're self-publishing, you can request an ISBN for free through Amazon and some others if you don’t already have one. ISBNs issued by Amazon and their partners are valid and globally recognized identifier for your publication. The author can use it when publishing or distributing the book through various channels, both online and offline worldwide.

If you choose another route of self-publishing, you may need to get your own ISBN. To get an ISBN number for your book, you need to follow these steps:

Visit the website of your country's ISBN agency. In the United States, it's Bowker ($125 per ISBN); in the United Kingdom, it's Nielsen (£91.00 per ISBN)

Register for an account and follow the instructions to complete the application. You'll need to provide information about your book, such as the title, author, and publication date.

Once your application is approved, you'll receive your ISBN number. You can then use this number to create a barcode for your book.

Of course, there are many internet sources where you can purchase an ISBN for as little as $20.

Currently, the U.S. ISBN Agency assigns ISBNs starting with either 978-0 or 978-1. The 0 and 1 indicate assignment by an ISBN Agency in an English-speaking region. Assignments of ISBNs will soon change to 979 assignments and will start at 979-8 because the 978 designation is quickly being depleted. The 8 will be unique to the United States. Of course, as with the 978-0 and 978-1, an ISBN starting with 979-8 will allow U.S. publishers and self-publishers to market their books anywhere in the world.

It is important to note here that the Library of Congress does not administer or distribute ISBNs. The Library of Congress provides the publishing community with such services as; creating Cataloging in Publication (CIP) data; assigning Library of Congress Control Numbers (LCCNs) to books; assigning ISSNs to serial publications; and, most importantly, registering and depositing materials with the Copyright Office. Please see my Copyrighting blog for more details on The Library of Congress.