If you have ever bought a book, you have probably noticed a long and unique number on the back cover or on the copyright page. This number is known as the International Standard Book Number (ISBN).
The ISBN is a unique international identifier that distinguishes each book and edition. This means that even if a book is published in different formats, countries or editions, each version must have its own ISBN.
The system was created in 1967 by the International ISBN Agency to facilitate the identification of books and improve their management and distribution, both in physical and digital formats.
An ISBN number consists of 13 digits (previously 10 digits) divided into five parts separated by hyphens. The first part identifies the country or geographic area, the second identifies the publisher, the third corresponds to the title or edition of the book, the fourth is the control digit, and the fifth is the final separator.
What is the ISBN used for?
The ISBN is essential for managing and organising the publishing industry. It allows publishers, booksellers, libraries and distributors to identify a book accurately and efficiently worldwide. It also helps readers search for and access books more easily.
In addition, the ISBN helps authors and publishers protect the rights of their works, as it allows the tracking of book sales and distribution. This means that anyone attempting to use the content of the book improperly can be traced through the ISBN number.
To obtain an ISBN, the book must be published or ready for distribution. If you are an independent author, you must request the ISBN from the national ISBN agency in your country. If you work with a publishing house, the publisher will usually obtain the ISBN on your behalf.
To obtain an ISBN number, the following steps are usually required:
Identify the national ISBN agency in your country
- The national ISBN agency is responsible for assigning ISBN numbers in each country. You can find the relevant agency through the website of the International ISBN Agency.
- Complete the ISBN application
Once you have identified the appropriate agency, you must submit the corresponding application. The information requested typically includes details about the book, such as title, author, editorial information and publication date. - Wait for the ISBN assignment
After the application is submitted, the national agency assigns a unique ISBN number to the book. This number must appear on the back cover and on the copyright page. - Register your book
Once you receive your ISBN number, it is important to register your book with the national ISBN agency. This ensures that the book is included in ISBN databases at both national and international levels.
If you are considering self-publishing a book, we can help you with the process. However, remember that obtaining your own ISBN is an important step.
In summary, the ISBN is an essential tool for identifying a specific book. Without it, it would be much more difficult for publishers, booksellers, libraries, distributors and readers to find, buy and sell books.
