It always makes me cringe whenever my authors tell me that they are being charged by self-publishing platforms (or companies) for ISBN or when they justify higher-priced packages because of including ISBN service in it. This is particularly frustrating because ISBNs can be obtained for FREE in just a few simple steps!

By educating yourself about the ISBN acquisition process, you can save money and invest your resources into more beneficial aspects of the publishing process, such as quality editing or effective marketing strategies that can genuinely help your book reach a wider audience.

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Let’s start from the very beginning. An International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a unique identifier for books, allowing for more efficient marketing and distribution of titles by booksellers, libraries, universities, wholesalers, and distributors. If you are an author or a publisher in India looking to obtain an ISBN for your book, this article will guide you through the process, requirements, and important links you’ll need to navigate the system.

What is an ISBN?

An ISBN is a 13-digit number that uniquely identifies books and book-like products published internationally. Having an ISBN improves the possibility of your book being found and bought by a wider audience and is crucial for handling book sales data.

Step-by-Step Process for Obtaining an ISBN in India:

Step 1: Determine if You Need an ISBN

• You need an ISBN if you are publishing a book that you intend to sell to the public. Each different format of your book (e.g., paperback, hardcover, eBook) will require its own ISBN.

Step 2: Gather Required Information Before applying, make sure you have the following:

• Title of the book
• Author(s) name(s)
• Publisher’s name and address (if you are a self-publishing author, you might be considered the publisher)
• Number of pages and the format of the book
• Expected publication date
• Whether it is a part of a series or a one-off book

Step 3: Register as a Publisher In India, the ISBN is provided free of charge by the Raja Rammohun Roy National Agency for ISBN, under the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education. First, you must register as a publisher by visiting the official ISBN portal: ISBN India.

Step 4: Online Application

• Visit the official ISBN portal and create an account under the ‘Publisher registration’ section.
• Once your registration is approved, log in to your account and select ‘Apply for ISBN’.
• Fill out the application form, providing all the required details about your publication.
• Upload any necessary documents, such as a digital copy of the title page, copyright page, and cover of the book.

Step 5: Tracking and Receiving ISBN

• After submitting your application, you can track the status of your request through the ISBN portal. The processing time can vary but typically takes a few weeks.
• Once your application is approved, the ISBN will be issued and sent to you via the portal.

Step 6: Using Your ISBN

• Once you receive your ISBN, it should be printed on the copyright page and the back cover of your book. The ISBN should also be included in any promotional materials and listed in all retail and catalog listings where the book is sold.

Important Tips:

• No Cost for ISBN: In India, obtaining an ISBN is free, which is important for budget-conscious self-publishers.
• Separate ISBN for Different Formats: Remember that different formats (e.g., hardcover, paperback, audio book, eBook) each require their own ISBN.
• Plan Ahead: Considering it can take a few weeks to receive your ISBN, it’s wise to apply well before your planned book release.

Useful Links:

• Raja Rammohun Roy National Agency for ISBN
• FAQs on ISBN – For any additional questions you might have about the process.
• Pros and Cons of Self-Publishing in India
• Digital Platforms for Self-Publishing in 2023

Obtaining an ISBN is an essential step for publishing your book in India. It not only helps in the effective marketing of your book but also assists in maintaining sales data and inventory. By following the steps outlined above, authors and publishers can navigate the ISBN application process more smoothly and ensure their books are ready for the wide market.