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How to obtain ISBN Numbers
ISBN numbers are a unique identifier for an author's work. The ISBN, or International Standard Book Number, is different for each edition. For example, from your finished manuscript you may produce a soft cover edition, hard cover edition, and CD edition. Each edition would have different numbers.
Example ISBN
This is a typical ISBN Number: 0-941831-39-6
The first digit "0" or "1" signifies the book is from an English speaking country.
"941831" identifies the publisher.
"39" is the title or edition you have assigned to this particular work.
"6" is a check digit.
Why do you need one?
Booksellers, Distributors and Wholesalers will not carry your book without the ISBN. It eliminates confusion when ordering or fulfilling a publication. Retailers normally conduct an ISBN book search before ordering. You will always place your number on the title page of your book and on the back cover.
How is it obtained?
As a self publisher you will need to request a block of ISBN numbers. The numbers are reserved in blocks of 10, 100, or 1000. The price varies for each country. For example a block of 10 Numbers in the United States is about $350.
Resources
If you're in the United States:
R.R. Bowker - ISBN Numbers
121 Chanlon Road,
New Providence, NJ 07974
Phone (908) 665-6770 Fax (908) 665-2895
In Canada contact:
The National Library of Canada
395 Wellington Street
Ottawa, ON
Phone: (819) 994-6872 Fax: (819) 997-7517
In the United Kingdom contact:
ISBN Agency
Woolmead House West
Bear Lane, Farnham GU9 7LG
Tel: 01252 742590 Fax: 01252 742526
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