When authors decide to publish their books on their own and handle every step independently, ISBN registration often becomes one of the most confusing parts of the process. Due to a lack of knowledge and proper guidance, many authors struggle to complete this step smoothly and without hassle.
This guide is created especially for such authors. It is a simple and friendly resource to help you understand: what an ISBN is, why it is important, and how you can apply for and obtain one for your book on your own. Through this guide, authors will easily understand the ISBN application process and be able to handle it on their own.
Let’s get started.
What is ISBN?
An ISBN is a unique 13-digit book identification number assigned to each published book edition and format. ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number, and as the name suggests, it is used to identify books internationally. It helps bookstores, libraries, distributors, and readers easily find and reference a specific book.
Similar to product codes found on everyday items, an ISBN acts as a unique identifier for books. This number is usually included in the barcode printed on the back cover, and each version of a book is assigned its own ISBN.
Do Different Book Formats Need Separate ISBNs?
Every format of a book requires a separate ISBN. For example, if your book has an ISBN for the paperback edition, you will need a different ISBN for the ebook and another one for the hardcover version.
Similarly, any revised or updated edition of your book must be assigned a new ISBN. Even if you convert your book into an audiobook, it will require its own unique ISBN.
In short, an ISBN is a highly specific identifier that distinguishes between different formats and versions of the same book, ensuring each one can be accurately identified and distributed.
Why ISBN is Important?
Some key factors that highlight the importance of having an ISBN for a book are listed below:
Book Identification
An ISBN acts as a unique identifier for your book, helping bookstores and distribution platforms recognize it worldwide. It also allows readers to easily search for a specific edition of your book and prevents confusion between books with similar titles or different versions.
Additionally, most bookstores and online platforms require an ISBN to list and sell books. Without it, your book cannot easily enter global distribution channels or reach a wider audience.
Inventory and Sales Tracking
ISBN is used by publishers and sellers to manage inventory, track sales, and analyze performance. It makes ordering and stock management faster and more efficient.
Adds professionalism
An ISBN shows that your book is officially published and recognized. When your book is listed in global databases and can be searched from anywhere in the world, it enhances its visibility and makes it appear more professional and trustworthy to readers and retailers.
Difference Between ISBN 10 and 13
ISBN-10 and ISBN-13 refer to the number of digits in an ISBN and represent two different systems used to identify books. Both serve the same purpose of identification and tracking of books globally.
But, due to the increasing number of published books and formats, the ISBN system was expanded. Since 2007, all ISBNs converted to a 13-digit format instead of 10 digits to allow for more unique identification numbers.
The main difference between ISBN-10 and ISBN-13 is the addition of a prefix element in ISBN-13. This 3-digit prefix makes ISBN-13 compatible with the international barcode system known as EAN (European Article Number).
ISBN-10 Structure
An ISBN-10 consists of four parts:
- Group identifier: Identifies the country or region of publication
- Publisher identifier: Represents the publisher of the book
- Title identifier: Identifies the specific edition of the book and helps complete the 10-digit structure
- Check digit: Calculated from the first nine digits to verify the accuracy of the ISBN
ISBN-13 Structure
An ISBN-13 consists of five parts:
- Prefix element: A 3-digit code (usually 978 or 979) that makes it compatible with the EAN barcode system
- Registration group: Identifies the country or region of publication
- Registrant element: Identifies the publisher
- Publication element: Identifies the specific edition and format of the book
- Check digit: Calculated to validate the accuracy of the ISBN
How to Get an ISBN Number for Your Book
For self-published authors, there are different ways to obtain an ISBN for a book, depending on how and where you plan to publish.
- If you choose to publish through international platforms like Amazon or IngramSpark, you can get a free ISBN. However, these ISBNs are usually limited to that specific platform, meaning you may need a separate ISBN if you plan to distribute your book elsewhere.
- Another option is to purchase an ISBN directly from the official ISBN agency of your country. This gives you full ownership and flexibility to publish and distribute your book across multiple platforms.
- You can also use local self-publishing platforms like Daastan, which handle the entire publishing process, from manuscript editing to ISBN registration and final publication, through their publishing packages.
Steps to Apply for an ISBN in Pakistan
For self-published authors who want to learn how to get an ISBN number in Pakistan, they can follow these simple steps:
- To get an ISBN in Pakistan, you must first register as a publisher with the National Library of Pakistan by submitting the completed ISBN Registration Form (Publisher Prefix).The process involves filling out this form to obtain a publisher prefix.
- Once you are registered as a publisher in the NLP database, you can apply for ISBNs for your book. In this step, you will use your registered publisher details in the application.
Note: Use form 1 for already published books and form 2 if your book is not published yet
3. You can submit your completed form via email or send it by post to the National Library of Pakistan, Constitution Avenue, G-5, Islamabad, Pakistan.
In Pakistan, ISBN numbers are provided free of cost, and the processing time is typically around 7 days after approval of the application.
For further details and guidance, you may contact the ISBN office, but visiting in person is recommended for more effective assistance and quicker processing.
Barcode
For printed books, you also need a barcode on the back cover. The barcode is a machine-readable version of your ISBN that allows bookstores and retailers to scan your book easily for sales and inventory management.
In Pakistan, authors can easily generate barcodes for their books using free online barcode generator tools. By entering your ISBN, you can quickly create a barcode ready for use on your book cover. If you are publishing through platforms like Amazon or IngramSpark, these services provide barcodes automatically as part of their publishing process.
When to Apply For an ISBN?
The appropriate time to apply for an ISBN is after you have finalized your book details but before completing the interior design. Important details such as the book’s title, author name (or pen name), edition, and format should be finalized in advance, as these are required during the ISBN registration process. Since an ISBN is a unique and permanent identifier, making major changes to these details after registration may require you to obtain a new ISBN.
It is also advisable to have your ISBN ready before finalizing the back cover design and interior layout. The ISBN is usually printed on the copyright page, while the barcode is placed on the back cover. If you apply for an ISBN after completing the book layout, it may require revisions, leading to additional time and cost to properly place the ISBN and barcode.
Daastan’s Support
For authors who need assistance with this process or want to avoid the hassle of paperwork and in-person visits, can obtain an ISBN through Daastan.
Daastan is a self-publishing company that offers a range of services to support authors throughout their publishing journey. Among these services, it provides complete book registration support, and handles the entire ISBN and barcode process on your behalf.. This makes it easier for authors to get an ISBN with the help of a trusted team, all from the comfort of their home.
For more details, you can contact at:
Email: merasawal@daastan.com
WhatsApp: +92-321-9525753
Conclusion
ISBN registration is an important step in the book publishing process, especially for authors who want to make their work accessible and recognizable on a global level. While it may not be legally mandatory, its role in book identification, distribution, and discoverability makes it almost essential.
The ISBN registration process is simple if you follow the right steps and guidelines. With the help of this guide, authors can easily handle the process of ISBN and barcode application. If you get stuck at any step, you can always reach out to Daastan for any publishing support you may need throughout your publishing journey.
FAQs
1. How much does it cost to get an ISBN number for a book?
Internationally, the cost of an ISBN varies by country. In some countries (like the United States), ISBNs are not free and must be purchased from official agencies, where a single ISBN can be relatively expensive, though bulk purchases reduce the cost per number.
On the other hand, several countries (including Canada and some European nations) provide ISBNs free of charge through their national libraries or government-supported agencies.
In Pakistan, ISBNs are usually provided free of cost by the National ISBN Agency (under the Pakistan National Library). Authors can apply directly without paying any fee.
2. What is ISBN-10 and ISBN-13?
ISBN-10 is the older 10-digit format used before 2007. While ISBN-13 is the current standard, consisting of 13 digits, and is now used globally.
ISBN-13 includes a prefix (usually 978 or 979), making it compatible with international barcode systems and modern publishing requirements.
3. Is ISBN mandatory for publishing?
Most bookstores and retail platforms do not accept books without an ISBN, as it is required for cataloging, inventory management, and sales tracking. Therefore, if you plan to publish in print, sell through bookstores, or distribute your book across multiple platforms, it is essential to obtain an ISBN for your book.
4. Can I publish an eBook without an ISBN?
You can publish an eBook without an ISBN on platforms like Amazon. Amazon Kindle assigns its own identification numbers (such as ASIN), so an ISBN is not always required.
However, having an ISBN can make your eBook look more professional, improve its discoverability, and allow wider distribution across multiple platforms.
5. When should I get an ISBN for my book?
You should apply for an ISBN once your manuscript is finalized and you are ready to publish. The appropriate time to apply for an ISBN is after you have finalized your book details but before completing the interior design.
