What is an ISBN?

International Standard Book Number
An ISBN is a unique product identifier used by booksellers, libraries and internet retailers for ordering, listing, sales and stock control purposes. This unique number identifies the publisher, title, author, edition and format.

We can provide you with an ISBN or you can purchase this yourself. The purpose of the ISBN is to identify one specific version of a book. We register the ISBN with Thorpe-Bowker™ Identifier Services, the only official ISBN Agency in Australia.

Do you need an ISBN?

• If you intend to sell your book, yes, you will need an ISBN. Most retailers also use ISBNs to track their book inventories.
• Having an ISBN also allows you to obtain a CiP entry from the Australian National Library.
• ISBNs are the global standard for identifying titles. Their purpose is to identify one specific version on a book. Your unique ISBN identifies your book correctly.
• Once you have an ISBN we can then generate a barcode for the back cover of your book. If you intend to sell your book through retail outlets, you will also need a barcode. The barcode is generated from the ISBN number. We can produce barcodes too.

Different Formats

Thinking of making an eBook? You will need a different ISBN for each format of your book. If you wish to have a hardbound copy, a softbound copy, an ePUB, a PDF, a MOBI, or even register a new version, you will need a unique number for each version.

How much does an ISBN cost?

• Single: $50 +GST
• Package of 5: $180 +GST

We offer special deals if you bundle your ISBN with a barcode.

• Single ISBN and barcode: $80 +GST
• Package of 5 ISBN and barcode: $320 +GST