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Ask About Writing
- Do I Need An ISBN ? -
QUESTION: Do I need an ISBN and barcode for my self-published book ?
The answer to whether you need an ISBN
(What is an ISBN)
depends on your plans for the book.
No
If you are just printing up 50 copies for your family and close friends, then no you don’t need the ISBN or barcode. Although if you would like one there is no set rule that says you can’t, it’s entirely up to you.
Yes
If on the other hand you plan to sell copies of your book and hope to get it into stores then yes I would advise getting one. It will increase your professionalism, enable bookstores to contact you if they have a customer asking to buy a copy and also increase your chances of being noticed by booksellers and libraries.
Maybe
If at this point you’re still unsure whether the sales of your book will justify buying an ISBN and barcode it is possible to obtain one for a second print run, even if you didn’t have one for the first print.
Do you want an ISBN barcode with that?
When an ISBN is purchased there is also the option of buying its barcode too, and if you are planning on retailing your book through stores I would strongly recommend getting one. The advantage of having a barcode on your book is that it can be electronically scanned by any shop that may choose to sell it. Enabling the price to automatically appear on the sales assistant’s computer monitor, which will only add to a smoother sale and a better record of how many books are left in the store.
For more information on ISBNs and barcodes visit one of the ISBN agencies below, Thorpe and Bowker in Australia also have an excellent and free downloadable book on self-publishing.
Thorpe and Bowker
in Australia
Nielson Books
in the United Kingdom
Bowker
in America.
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