Are ISBNs International?

An ISBN is an International Standard Book Number. ISBNs were 10 digits in length up to the end of December 2006, but since 1 January 2007 they now always consist of 13 digits. ISBNs are calculated using a specific mathematical formula and include a check digit to validate the number.

Can I buy ISBN from another country?

No. All ISBNs are international. The only times a distributor or fulfillment house can assign an ISBN are a) if the product is sold by a publisher in a country that has no ISBN Agency or b) for internal tracking use only.

How do I get a US ISBN number?

If you live in the USA, you have to get an ISBN through myidentifiers.com, run by Bowker, the only company that is authorized to administer the ISBN program in the United States. You can purchase ISBNs as a single unit or in bulk of 10, 100 or 1000.

Can I get ISBN without copyright?

We believe that if your work is a work of fiction, there is no need to have a Copyright registered right away. As soon as your book is written and published, as per The Indian Copyright Act, 1957, you have an exclusive right over the contents of your book.

Do I need an ISBN for my book?

Does My Particular Book Need an ISBN? Your book really only needs an ISBN if you intend to sell it. Privately published books for families or corporations often are not assigned an ISBN. Some authors intend to only sell their books directly, so they don’t register an ISBN for their book.

How do I get a free ISBN?

If you live in the United States, you can get your book’s ISBN for free through your self-publishing platform, such as Amazon and Draft2Digital, which will provide you with an ISBN at no cost.

Does an ebook need a barcode?

And, of course, you don’t need a barcode for ebooks. The barcode will not only give a professional look to your book, but it will also allow bookstores to scan your book at the till.