The Complete Guide On How To Get an ISBN for Authors Around the World

Every published book has something in common — a unique identifier called the ISBN.

Whether you’re self-publishing your first novel, distributing academic research, or launching a poetry collection, getting an ISBN number is one of the most important steps in taking your book to the world. It helps ensure your book is correctly listed, searchable, and trackable across bookstores, libraries, and online platforms.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to get an ISBN number, wherever you are in the world — with a special section on how the system works in India, one of the few countries where ISBNs are provided free of cost.

What Is an ISBN and Why Does It Matter?

An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a 13-digit code that gives every version of your book a distinct identity. It tells booksellers, distributors, and readers everything they need to know about your book — including the title, author, edition, language, format, and publisher.

Think of it like a digital fingerprint for your book. Without it, your book may not be taken seriously by retailers, libraries, or even many readers.

Here’s why ISBNs matter:

• They make your book easy to find in online and offline databases
• They’re required by most distributors and marketplaces (like Amazon or Barnes & Noble)
• They give your book a professional presence
• They help track sales, manage inventory, and ensure accurate cataloging
• They enable your book to be listed in national libraries and academic systems

Whether you’re in the U.S., the UK, India, Australia, or elsewhere, if you plan to sell or distribute your book, you need an ISBN.

Where to Get an ISBN: Country-by-Country Overview

ISBNs are issued by designated agencies in each country. These agencies may be government-run, private, or nonprofit, and the process varies depending on your location.

Here’s a quick overview:

United States

• Official agency: Bowker
• Website: myidentifiers.com
• Cost: $125 for 1 ISBN, discounted when purchased in bulk
• Notes: Bowker is a private company; ISBNs must be purchased.

United Kingdom & Ireland

• Official agency: Nielsen ISBN Agency
• Website: nielsenisbnstore.com
• Cost: Starts at £91 for a single ISBN
• Notes: ISBNs are delivered via email; account approval is required.

Canada

• Official agency: Library and Archives Canada
• Website: bac-lac.gc.ca
• Cost: Free for Canadian citizens and publishers
• Notes: Registration is simple; only available to Canadian residents.

Australia & New Zealand

• Official agency: Thorpe-Bowker
• Website: isbn.org.au
• Cost: Starts around AUD $44
• Notes: ISBNs must be purchased online and are delivered digitally.

India

• Official agency: Raja Rammohun Roy National Agency for ISBN (RRNAI)
• Website: isbn.gov.in
• Cost: Completely free for authors and publishers
• Notes: This is a government-run portal. First-time users need to register and provide ID proof. Processing usually takes 7–15 business days.

What You’ll Need to Apply for an ISBN

While every country has its own forms and procedures, here’s what most authors and publishers need before applying:

• A valid email address
• Personal or business identification (passport, government ID, or business license)
• A working phone number
• Details about your book: title, author, format, language, year of publication
• A digital copy of your manuscript (optional in some countries)
• For businesses: a company registration certificate or GST/tax ID (where applicable)

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for an ISBN (General Process)

Even though every national agency has its own portal and rules, most follow a similar basic process:

Step 1: Register with the Official ISBN Agency in Your Country

Visit the website of your country’s official ISBN body. Create an account as an individual author or registered publisher, depending on how you’re publishing your book.

Step 2: Fill in Your Profile and Submit Identification

Upload a photo, valid government ID (or company document), and fill in your address and contact information. Some agencies require verification before you can apply for ISBNs.

Step 3: Apply for One or More ISBNs

Once your account is active, you can apply for one or multiple ISBNs. Each ISBN application usually requires you to enter:

• Book title
• Author name
• Language
• Format (eBook, paperback, etc.)
• Subject or category
• Year of publication
• Publisher name

Some agencies may request a copy of your manuscript or book cover to confirm the book exists.

Step 4: Receive Your ISBN Certificate or Code

Once approved, you’ll receive a PDF certificate or email with your assigned ISBN(s). You can now:

• Add the ISBN to the copyright page of your book
• Generate a barcode (using tools like Bookow or Bowker’s barcode generator)
• Print the barcode on the back cover
• Upload the ISBN to publishing platforms like Amazon, IngramSpark, or Google Books

Important Notes for Global Authors

• Each format and edition of your book needs its own ISBN.
  A paperback and an eBook of the same title require different ISBNs.
• ISBNs do not protect your copyright. They only identify the book.
  Legal protection comes from registering your copyright in your country.
• ISBNs are non-transferable. Once assigned to a book, you cannot reuse or change the number.
• Avoid unofficial websites offering ISBNs at suspiciously low prices.
  Always go through your country’s designated ISBN agency or a trusted publishing partner.

How Estorytellers Helps Simplify the ISBN Process

While ISBNs are essential, the application process isn’t always intuitive — especially in countries like India where government portals can feel outdated or slow.

Estorytellers, a content and publishing support agency, helps new authors across India and other regions:

• Register and apply for ISBNs correctly
• Navigate document uploads, cover requirements, and government forms
• Avoid errors that can delay approval
• Understand how to use ISBNs across platforms
• Bundle ISBN support with editing, formatting, and self-publishing services

They don’t sell ISBNs — they guide you through the official process and help you publish professionally, without the headaches.

If you’re outside India, they can also guide you on using international ISBNs and formatting your book for global platforms like KDP, Kobo, and Draft2Digital.

Conclusion

Whether you’re publishing from Mumbai, Melbourne, or Montreal, one thing is clear: an ISBN number is your book’s global identity.

It’s what allows your work to be listed, tracked, sold, and discovered — not just by readers, but by retailers, librarians, and academics. It’s not just a formality; it’s the gateway to a more professional publishing experience.

In India, the process is free but may require patience. In other countries, it may require an investment — but one that pays off in long-term visibility and credibility.

If you’re unsure where to begin or just want to publish smarter, support services like Estorytellers can help you do it right — without taking control away from you.

Now that you know how to get an ISBN, your next step is simple: apply for one, format your book correctly, and start your journey as a published author — with all the tools the industry expects.

Related Blogs:

The Latest Guide to Author Branding That Builds Reader Trust

Book Promotion Made Simple for First-Time Authors With Tips, Platforms & More

How to Format a Book for Publishing: A Beginner-Friendly Guide for Every Genre