An International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a unique code used to identify books and related publications. While it’s not a legal requirement for books to have an ISBN, it is essential for tasks such as ordering, listing, and managing stock in bookshops, libraries, and by publishers. ISBNs help identify the publisher and ensure that the correct edition of a particular book is ordered or stocked.
If you’re only publishing one book in a single format, one ISBN will suffice. However, if you plan to release multiple titles, different formats (such as paperback and e-book), or revised editions, you’ll need a separate ISBN for each version. In this case, it might be more practical to purchase a multiple ISBNs. ISBNs do not expire and can be used whenever necessary.
Can your product have an ISBN?
To qualify for an ISBN, a publication must be text-based or mainly text-based, and it must be available for the public. It should be a one-off publication (not a periodical or serial), and it shouldn’t be something that’s updated regularly or intended to continue indefinitely. Magazines, journals and periodicals are treated differently. They have an ISSN number
Examples of products that qualify for an ISBN:
* Printed books and pamphlets
* Standalone chapters or sections of a publication if sold separately
* Braille publications
* Maps
* Audiobooks on physical media
* Digital publications, including e-books or materials available for download or streaming
* Educational or instructional films and software
* Mixed media publications where text is the main component
* Digitised copies of printed books
* Microform publications
* Print-on-demand books
What doesn’t qualify for an ISBN?
Some types of publications are not eligible for an ISBN. These include ongoing publications that are continually updated, like magazines, newspapers, and journals. Similarly, personalised or short-lived materials, such as promotional leaflets, do not qualify.
Examples of products that do not qualify for an ISBN:
* Journals, magazines, and newspapers as ongoing publications (though individual issues or articles sold separately may qualify)
* Abstract works, such as purely artistic creations without significant text
* Promotional materials, such as advertisements
* Music recordings and printed music
* Personal documents, such as CVs or greeting cards
* Non-educational software and games
* Websites that are continually updated, like news sites
If you’re planning to sell books in the UK, Ireland, or British Overseas Territories, you can obtain your ISBNs locally. For other countries, you’ll need to contact the relevant national ISBN agency.
Understanding the use of ISBNs helps ensure your publication is correctly identified and reaches its intended audience.
For more information:
Mark Roberts
hello@bookslife.co.uk
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