ISBN FAQ
For Authors and Publishers
ISBN And What You Need To Know...
International Book Number FAQI hope the answers to the most frequently asked questions willgive you a better understanding of the International Book Number,how it works, where to get them and so on - and best of luck with your writing career.
What is an ISBN and Why Do I Need One?The International Book Number is a 10-digit number that uniquely identifies books published internationally. The system was established in 1968 as a standard identification system and is used to identify a title or edition of a title from a specific publisher. Each number is unique to that edition, ie: a hardcover, CD, or eBook format of the same title would each have their own unique number. Today all book databases use the International Book Number system making marketing and distribution far more efficient. If you are publishing a book and want to make sales to bookstores or simply want people to be able to find your book you will need a number. Without a number your book will not be recognized in the book databases and this would undoubtedly hurt your sales.
What is the correct format? Every number consists of ten digits preceded by the letters ISBN. The ten-digit number is divided into four parts, each part separated by a hyphen.
What do the numbers signify?There are four parts to a number. (Example number: 1-22065-024-6) The first number (1) is the group or country identifier which identifies a national or geographic grouping of publishers. The second number (22065) identifies a particular publisher. The third number (024) identifies a specific title or edition of a title. The fourth number (4) is the check digit arrived at by following a special algorithm.
Who should request an ISBN?Publishers, e-book publishers, audio cassette and video producers, software producers, museums and associations with publishing programs.
Who assigns the numbers? Numbers are assigned by International Book Number group agencies worldwide coordinated by the International ISBN Agency in Berlin. Numbers are assigned in the United States by R.R. Bowker, an independent agent in the U.S. for this system. http://www.bowker.com/bowkerweb/
How do I get a number?In the United States contact:
R.R. Bowker
121 Chanlon Road
New Providence, NJ 07974
Phone (908) 665-6770 Fax (908) 665-2895
You can download the application form orapply online here:
http://www.isbn.org/standards/home/isbn/us/secureapp.asp In Canada contact:
The National Library of Canada
395 Wellington Street
Ottawa, ON
Phone: (819) 994-6872 Fax: (819) 997-7517
Email: isbn@nlc-bnc.ca In the United Kindom contact:
ISBN, SAN, & DOI Agencies
3rd Floor, Midas House
62 Goldsworth Road
Woking, Surrey, GU21 6LQ
Phone:(+44 )(0)870 777 8712
Email: isbn@nielsenbookdata.co.uk
Website: http://www.isbn.nielsenbookdata.co.uk
How much does it cost?The cost of a block of numbers depends on the country in which you're applying. Generally you will receive a block of 10 numbers, but larger blocks are available upon request.
How long does it take to get a number? Generally allow 10 business days from the time an application is received at the agency (not from the date sent by thepublisher.) Priority processing is available in two business days from receipt of application. Express processing is 24 business hours.
Where do I put it?The ISBN should be printed on the copyright page, and in the lower right hand corner of the back cover of your book. You should use a font size between 9 and 12 points. The number should also appear on the upper edge of the left hand flap of a dust cover. For disks and cassettes, the number should be printed on the label. Once assigned, a number can never be reused.
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