Publishing a book is still an unbelievable dream of many writers that they nurture over the years. However, after your book is finished, there is one important thing that all writers should do before their book is available to the people: to get an ISBN.
At Double9 Books, we have usually encountered aspiring writers who are enthusiastic about their stories and do not know much about how publishing works. The question that we are asked most is "What is an ISBN and where do I get one in India?
In this blog, we will take you through all that you will need to know about ISBNs, what they are, why they are important, and above all, how you can acquire the ISBN number free of charge in India.
What is an ISBN?
ISBN is an abbreviation of the term International Standard Book Number; it is a 13-digit number that is used worldwide in identifying books and other publications. Imagine this as the fingerprint of a book; there is never a duplicate of an ISBN, and one of these identifications allows booksellers, libraries, and readers to identify a particular edition of a book.
An ISBN contains fundamentally important metadata about the book, including:
- Title
- Author
- Publisher
- Edition
- Format (paper back, hard cover, eBooks, etc.)
The ISBN number is used when a person is searching for your book online or even in a bookstore database, so that the correct edition and version would be brought up and appropriately tracked down.
For example: Your paperback novel will comprise one ISBN. The eBook version of the same title will have a different ISBN. And the hardcover of the book will have a different ISBN. Concisely, it is the universal identification system of books and an essential part of any author who is intent upon publishing professionally.
Interesting ISBN Facts Every Author Must Know
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ISBNs are assigned to text-based monographic publications and used by bookshops and online retailers to ensure your orders are completed most effectively.
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You can use the ISBN once per book and it cannot be used again. So if you are going to publish one book in three different formats, then you should make sure that you buy three spate ISBNs as well.
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The registrant element is comprised of over 7 digits in length and this part of ISN is used to identify the publisher and imprint that uses the ISBN system.
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The check digit is always the final single digit of the ISBN number. Its main role is to validate the rest of the number.
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Most of the time, ISBN can be used without a barcode, but it is usually better to have it with a proper barcode. The barcode provides you the additional information such as the price of the book.
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It is always better to have all ISBNs in bulk. Remember, you can use an ISBN once and if you are willing to publish your book in hardcover, paperback or e-book, then you could save more if you buy them in bulk.
Why is an ISBN Important?
Most first-time writers feel that an ISBN is not necessary at all, particularly when they are publishing on the Internet, such as on Kindle. The answer to this is yes, and the reason is as follows:
Global Recognition: Your book can be found in foreign markets, online retailers, and libraries with the help of an ISBN. It is an indication of professionalism and genuineness.
Retail Distribution: Large retailers and bookstores (both online and offline) need an ISBN to add your book to their collections.
Efficient Cataloguing: Book databases, libraries, and university systems use ISBNs to systematize and control inventories of books.
Tracking Sales: In case you intend to monitor your book's performance or collect royalties on it on many different platforms, an ISBN assists in ensuring that you track sales records.
Ownership & Credibility: A personal book ISBN is important since your book will be registered in your name or your publishing house (such as Double9 Books), not in the name of a third-party distributor.
Who Issues ISBNs in India?
In India, the Raja Rammohun Roy National Agency for ISBN (RRRNA) is the issuer of the ISBNs free of charge.
This is an agency under the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India. The agency is the official national agency granted the authority to assign ISBNs to Indian publishers, writers, learning institutions, and organizations by the International ISBN Agency, London.
Types of ISBN Applicants
There are various types of ISBN applicants. The agency offers ISBNs to:
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Self-published works by Individual Authors.
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Publisher
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Educational Institutions
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Bureaucracies / Non-Governmental Organizations.
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Distributors / Booksellers
When you are self-publishing and you are an individual author, you can apply directly to get an ISBN. When you are publishing with a professional publisher, they normally take care of your book registration for an ISBN.
In the case of Double9 Books, we process the whole task of registering the ISBN numbers on behalf of our authors to make their publishing experience hassle-free.
Buy an ISBN number for Free in India (Step-by-step Guide)
The application to get the ISBN in India is totally free, with no fees or sub-charges. The following is an instruction on how to do it yourself:
Step 1: Go to the Official Site
Access the ISBN India portal at - https://isbn.gov.in.
Click on New Applicant Registration.
Step 2: Create an Account
- Fill in your details:
- Full Name:
- Address:
- Mobile Number:
- Email ID:
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Once you have filled in your details, you will get a confirmation email.
Step 3: Fill out and Log in the Application Form
Once you have activated the account, select the option of Apply for New ISBN.
You will be required to give details about your book, including:
- Title of the Book
- Author's Name
- Language
- Genre (Non-fiction, Fiction, etc.)
- Publisher’s Name
- Year of Publication
Step 4: Post the Necessary Paperwork
The site will require you to post some of the documents. Usually, these include:
- Scanned copy of the title page
- Scanned copy of the copyright page
- Self-declaration/ID card (Aadhaar/PAN Card)
- Cover Design (not a requirement, but just aids)
Step 5: Submit the Application
Once the form has been completed and documents uploaded, submit it.
You will be provided with a tracking acknowledgement number.
Step 6: Wait for Approval
On being submitted, your application is reviewed by the ISBN agency. When everything is right, you will get your ISBN number(s) by e-mail, usually within 10-15 working days (although occasionally it can take even longer).
Mistakes that Can be Made during the Process
Incorrect Metadata: The title of the book and the name of the author should be accurate and should be printed on the end cover, too.
Low-Resolution Documents: Upload clear and readable files so that they are not rejected or delayed.
Incomplete Application: Do not leave fields blank that are necessary to be filled. Each of the details assists the agency in confirming your submission.
Multiple Formats, One ISBN: It is important to remember that every format (paperback, eBook, hardcover) requires its own ISBN.
Can Double9 Books help you with an ISBN?
Absolutely. We take our authors through the process at Double9 Books, which includes editing their manuscripts, book design, distribution, as well as registering their ISBNs, etc.
We ensure:
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Your book has the right ISBN numbers for books.
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Your metadata on the title is correct and internationally identifiable.
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You keep the right of publication and royalties on your book.
We believe that publication needs to be open and author-oriented. This is why each of the books released with the Double9 Books has its valid and certified ISBN and is distributed in the international market, among which are BooksWagon, Amazon, and Flipkart, among others.
Summing Up
An ISBN 13 and 10 digits can seem like a small figure, but it comes with a huge significance to your publishing journey. It is what turns your manuscript into an individual project into a known and market-ready book.
At Double9 Books, we will help all authors put serious consideration into the process of taking the ISBN registration- it is the professional identity of your book. You may choose to go it alone or engage us; either way, we make sure your creative work receives the attention and reaches its merits.
Your book deserves to be seen, catalogued, and celebrated across the world, and your ISBN book search is the key to that door.
Most Common FAQ’s
Question 1. Is an ISBN compulsory in publishing a book in India?
Answer:- No, it is not a requirement of digital publishing (such as Kindle eBooks), but it is very much recommended for printed books or to have the book included in online and offline stores and libraries.
Question 2. Is it possible to request several ISBNs simultaneously?
Answer:- Yes. You can order a range of ISBNs in case you are a publisher or you are planning to publish a series.
Question 3. Does India charge any fee on ISBNs?
Answer:- No, the ISBN cost is free in India. The Raja Rammohun Roy National Agency assigns the ISBNs without charging at all.
Question 4. Is it possible to use the Indian ISBN agency by foreign authors?
Answer:- No. Only Indians who are registered residents, publishers, or institutions are entitled to apply.
Question 5. How to get an ISBN number in India for free?
Answer:- You can get an ISBN for free by applying through the official government portal managed by the Raja Rammohun Roy National Agency for ISBN.
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