Easy Steps on showing how to get an ISBN

If you’re a self published author you’re probably already aware that you need an ISBN. For others still thinking about publishing books, software, videocassettes, or books on tape, you may want to think about getting an International Standard Book Number, or ISBN. Not only does this number add credibility to self-published works, but you need it to sell your works in bookstores.

• ONE: Collect the following information: your publishing company name (if any), complete contact information, and what you have published or plan to publish.
• TWO: Go to ISBN.org.
• THREE: Locate the ISBN application form on the website (or click here).
• FOUR: Fill in the application online if you want to pay by credit card.
• FIVE: Wait approximately 10 business days for your first 10 ISBN numbers to arrive by mail.
• SIX: Print the ISBN on the copyright page and the back cover of the book.
• SEVEN: Register your ISBN at bowkerlink.com

Additional Tips about using ISBNs:

• Charitable organizations that give away their publications for free may be able to have their ISBN filing fee waived.
• All ISBNs are issued in blocks of 10. If you have future publishing plans, you will be issued more than 10 ISBNs. Plan to spend about $200 for each block of 10.
• There are four parts to an ISBN: the country identifier, the publisher identifier, the title identifier and the check digit.
• A book should also have a Library of Congress Catalog Number (LCCN).
• Every edition and version of a book (hardcover, paperback, large print) gets its own unique ISBN.
• An ISBN needs a special type of bar code – different from the Universal Product Code (UPC).