“ISBN” stands for “International Standard Book Number.” An ISBN is a number, not a bar code. One agency per country is designated to assign ISBNs for the publishers and self-publishers located in that country. The U.S. ISBN Agency cannot assign ISBNs to publishers and self-publishers located outside the United States and its territories.
Publication identifiers help find information on an article or publication using a set of codes. All of us have names and other identifying characteristics and titles; however, these could be common to several thousand people. In the United States, a person’s unique identifying tag is his or her Social Security number. The same is true of article titles, subject matter, and a host of other characteristics of the written word. A publication identifier is unique to that journal, article, or book.
The ISBN not only identifies the title or other book-like product (such as an audio book) to which it is assigned but also the publisher to be contacted for ordering purposes. If an ISBN is obtained from a company other than the official ISBN agency, that ISBN will not accurately identify the publisher of the title. This can have implications for doing business in the publishing industry’s supply chain.
The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is for books. ISBNs identify printed or digital books and are used as inventory-tracking devices.
The code is usually found on the back cover of a book and includes a barcode. One shortcoming of the ISBN is that it does not provide information on all versions of a particular book because each has its own unique code, which might not be an issue since it is recognizable.
The ISBN has 13 digits and contains five types of identifying information or “elements” such as: a prefix, registration group (e.g., individual country or territory), registrant, publication, and “checksum” (i.e., a figure that is used to detect errors).
If not, you can find this information on ISBNs in your country from the International ISBN Agency. By purchasing an ISBN for your publication, you ensure a better chance of it being found in a search.
Why should I buy an ISBN?
There are many reasons to purchase an ISBN for your title, including:
An ISBN improves the likelihood that your book will be found and purchased.
An ISBN link provides essential information about your book.
An ISBN enables more efficient marketing and distribution of your title.
Most retailers require ISBNs.
Correct use of the ISBN allows different product forms and editions of a book, whether printed or digital, to be clearly differentiated, ensuring that customers receive the version they require.
An ISBN helps you collect and analyse book sales data.
An ISBN ensures your book’s information will be stored in the Books in Print database.
Books in Print are consulted by publishers, retailers, and libraries around the world when searching for title information.
The ISBN conveys no legal or copyright protection; however, the use of ISBNs for publications is prescribed by law in some countries.
In some countries, a book will be charged a higher tax if it does not have an ISBN.
ISBNs are the global standard for book identification.
How many ISBNs do I need?
You will need one ISBN for each edition and format of your book. The ISBN identifies the publisher as well as the specific book title, edition, and format (hardback, paperback, ePub, PDF, Mobi, audio, etc.). Any variation of a book would require the use of a unique ISBN to identify it properly. This allows retailers to help the customer understand exactly which version of a title they are purchasing. So, you should consider:
How many book titles are you planning to publish?
How many formats will each title be created in
Do you plan to publish future revised editions of these titles and remember
You can purchase ISBNs in advance and register your titles any time after they are obtained.
ISBNs never expire.